Description
A stationary jointer is a precision woodworking machine used to create flat surfaces and straight, square edges on lumber. It is an essential piece of equipment in a woodshop and is a fundamental machine when milling rough stock. The jointer consists of a heavy cast-iron base, an infeed table, an outfeed table, a rotating cutterhead fitted with knives or carbide inserts, and an adjustable vertical fence. Lumber is passed over the cutterhead, removing small amounts of material to flatten one face of a board or to square one edge at a precise 90-degree angle.
⚠️ Warnings
Our Jointer machines are preset for depth and angle. Changing these settings or in any way tampering with the machine adjustments may result in disciplinary action. Failure to clean up the machine and surrounding area may also result in disciplinary action!
Usage Instructions
- Inspect the machine before use. Ensure the cutterhead guard moves freely, tables are clean, and the fence is securely locked.
- Start the machine and allow the cutterhead to reach full speed before feeding material.
- Feed the board smoothly from the infeed table to the outfeed table, keeping firm downward pressure with push blocks—never hands—especially for narrow stock.
- Transfer pressure to the outfeed table as the board passes over the cutterhead to maintain a flat reference surface.
- Do not stop or pull the board backward during a cut. Complete the pass before removing the workpiece.
- Turn off the machine and wait for the cutterhead to come to a complete stop before making adjustments or leaving the area.
Cleaning
- Turn off the machine and wait until the cutterhead has come to a complete stop.
- Remove chips and dust from the tables, fence, and base using a brush or vacuum—do not use hands or compressed air.
- Return the fence and guard to their neutral or storage positions.
- Leave the area clean and safe for the next user. This includes the floor area around the machine.
Safety Issues
- Never operate without the cutterhead guard in place and functioning properly.
- Always use push blocks or push pads. Keep hands at least 4 inches away from the cutterhead at all times.
- Do not joint stock shorter than 10 inches, narrower than ¾ inch, or thinner than ¼ inch.
- Inspect lumber before use. Remove nails, screws, staples, and loose knots.
- Stand to the side of the board, not directly behind it, to reduce the risk of injury from kickback.
- Take light cuts only. Excessive depth of cut increases the risk of kickback and tear-out.
- Do not joint end grain, warped stock, or boards with significant twist or bow.
- Never reach over or behind the cutterhead while the machine is running.
- Wait for complete stop before making adjustments, clearing debris, or leaving the machine.