The way I learned it
Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:54 pm
From my recent (college-level) woodworking classes, the primary use of the jointer is to flatten one face in preparation for the thickness planer. Subsequent squaring operations are done on the table saw.
You can square up the edge, but unless it is thick stock, it is very difficult to the keep the board from rocking while keeping your hands comfortably clear of the cutting area. Just try to get a smooth edge to run against the table saw fence that you can square on the second rip pass.
IMHO, the jointer is about the scariest power tool in the shop;
I much rather cut my bevels, rabbets, and other assorted angles with a router.
You can square up the edge, but unless it is thick stock, it is very difficult to the keep the board from rocking while keeping your hands comfortably clear of the cutting area. Just try to get a smooth edge to run against the table saw fence that you can square on the second rip pass.
IMHO, the jointer is about the scariest power tool in the shop;
I much rather cut my bevels, rabbets, and other assorted angles with a router.