Table Saw And Jointer – Essential Guide To Perfecting Your Stock

ByJim Boslice Table Saw

A table saw and jointer are fundamental tools in any serious woodworking shop, working in tandem to transform rough lumber into perfectly flat, square, and dimensionally accurate stock.

The jointer creates one flat face and one square edge, while the table saw then rips the opposing edge parallel and cuts the stock to final width, ensuring precision for all your projects.

Ever started a woodworking project, only to find your carefully cut pieces don’t quite fit together? Or perhaps you’ve wrestled with warped boards, trying to achieve a perfectly flat surface for a tabletop?

You’re not alone. This is a common struggle for woodworkers at all levels. The truth is, even “finished” lumber from the big box store isn’t always perfectly flat or square. That’s where the dynamic duo of the table saw and jointer comes in.

These two machines, when used correctly, are the secret weapon for turning rough lumber into dimensionally perfect stock. They lay the foundation for truly professional-looking projects, from sturdy furniture to intricate cabinetry.

In this comprehensive table saw and jointer guide, we’ll demystify how these essential tools work together. We’ll walk you through the proper techniques, crucial safety measures, and valuable table saw and jointer tips to ensure your wood is always milled to perfection. Get ready to elevate your woodworking game and build with confidence!

Why the Table Saw and Jointer are a Woodworking Dream Team

Many beginners think a table saw is enough for all their cutting needs. While incredibly versatile, a table saw alone can’t correct the natural imperfections found in lumber. Wood often comes with twists, bows, cups, and rough edges.

Trying to rip an edge on a table saw when the board isn’t flat will only transfer that imperfection into your cut. This leads to frustrating gaps, misaligned joints, and an overall amateur finish.

This is where the unique benefits of table saw and jointer pairing become clear. They each perform a specialized, complementary function.

  • The Jointer’s Role: It creates a perfectly flat reference face and a perfectly square reference edge. Think of it as your foundation builder.
  • The Table Saw’s Role: Once you have those two reference surfaces, the table saw can then cut the opposing face and edge parallel and to your exact dimensions. It’s your precision finisher.

Together, they ensure every piece of wood you use is flat, square, and dimensionally accurate. This precision is the cornerstone of strong joints, tight assemblies, and projects that truly stand the test of time.

Understanding Your Tools: The Table Saw and Jointer Explained

Before we dive into the workflow, let’s get acquainted with each machine. Knowing their basic functions and components is key to mastering their use.

The Jointer: Achieving Flatness and Squareness

A jointer’s primary job is to create one perfectly flat surface (the face) and one perfectly square edge on a piece of lumber. It does this by shaving off thin layers of wood with a rotating cutterhead.

Key components include:

  • Infeed Table: Where the wood enters. You adjust its height to control the depth of cut.
  • Outfeed Table: Supports the wood after it passes the cutterhead. It must be perfectly level with the cutterhead’s highest point.
  • Cutterhead: Contains sharp knives that do the actual cutting.
  • Fence: Keeps the board upright and guides it through the cut to create a square edge.

When you pass a board over the jointer, the cutterhead shaves off material until the entire bottom surface contacts the outfeed table. This creates a consistently flat surface.

The Table Saw: Precision Ripping and Crosscutting

The table saw is arguably the most versatile tool in the workshop. It’s designed for accurate, repeatable cuts, primarily ripping (cutting along the grain) and crosscutting (cutting across the grain).

Important parts of your table saw include:

  • Blade: The spinning circular blade that cuts the wood. Different blades are used for ripping, crosscutting, or combination cuts.
  • Fence: A crucial guide for ripping lumber to a consistent width. It must be perfectly parallel to the blade.
  • Miter Gauge: Used for crosscutting boards at precise angles.
  • Table: The flat surface supporting your workpiece.
  • Blade Guard: A safety feature that covers the blade.

The table saw relies on a flat, square reference surface to make accurate cuts. This is why the jointer is its perfect partner.

Setting Up for Success: Table Saw and Jointer Best Practices

Proper setup is paramount for both accuracy and safety. Don’t rush this step!

Jointer Setup Essentials

  1. Check Outfeed Table Height: This is critical. The outfeed table must be exactly level with the highest point of the cutterhead knives. If it’s too low, you’ll get snipe (a divot at the end of the board). If it’s too high, the board will stop cutting prematurely.
  2. Adjust Depth of Cut: For most jointing operations, a shallow pass of 1/32″ to 1/16″ is ideal. Deeper cuts stress the machine and can lead to tear-out.
  3. Square the Fence: Ensure your jointer fence is perfectly square (90 degrees) to the table. Use a reliable machinist’s square for accuracy.
  4. Clear Workspace: Make sure you have ample clear space around the jointer for feeding long boards.

Table Saw Setup Essentials

  1. Blade Alignment: The blade must be parallel to the miter slot. Any deviation will cause burning, kickback, and inaccurate cuts.
  2. Fence Parallelism: Similarly, the rip fence must be perfectly parallel to the blade (and thus the miter slot). A fence that angles inward or outward is a recipe for disaster.
  3. Blade Height: For ripping, set the blade so it’s about 1/8″ to 1/4″ above the top of the workpiece. This provides efficient cutting without excessive blade exposure.
  4. Safety Guards: Always use your blade guard, splitter, and anti-kickback pawls. They are there for a reason!

Taking the time to calibrate your machines ensures you get accurate cuts and minimizes the risk of accidents. This is a crucial aspect of table saw and jointer best practices.

The Workflow: How to Table Saw and Jointer for Perfect Stock

This is the core process for dimensioning rough lumber. Follow these steps carefully for consistent results.

Step 1: Joint One Face (Flattening)

Your first goal is to create one truly flat face. This becomes your primary reference surface.

  1. Inspect the Board: Look for the cupped or bowed side. Orient the board so the high spots will be removed first.
  2. Set Depth of Cut: Aim for a shallow pass, typically 1/32″ to 1/16″.
  3. Feed the Board: Place the board on the infeed table. Apply firm, even downward pressure. Push the board smoothly and consistently over the cutterhead.
  4. Maintain Pressure: As the board passes over the cutterhead, shift your downward pressure from the infeed table to the outfeed table. This ensures continuous contact and prevents snipe.
  5. Repeat as Needed: Continue jointing this face until it is completely flat. Use a straightedge to check for flatness.

Pro Tip: Listen to the machine. A consistent hum indicates an even cut. If the sound changes, you might be losing contact or pushing unevenly.

Step 2: Joint One Edge (Squaring)

Once you have a flat face, use it as your reference to create a perfectly square edge.

  1. Place Flat Face Against Fence: Orient the board so the newly jointed flat face is against the jointer fence.
  2. Apply Pressure: Use firm downward pressure on the table and inward pressure against the fence.
  3. Feed Smoothly: Push the board over the cutterhead, maintaining constant contact with both the fence and the table.
  4. Check for Squareness: After a pass or two, use a reliable square to check the jointed edge against the jointed face. Adjust the jointer fence if necessary.

Now you have two perfectly milled surfaces: one flat face and one edge square to that face. These are your reference points for all subsequent cuts.

Step 3: Rip to Width on the Table Saw

With a flat face and a square edge, you can now safely and accurately cut the board to its desired width.

  1. Set Rip Fence: Adjust your table saw’s rip fence to the desired final width.
  2. Orient Board: Place the newly jointed flat face down on the table saw’s surface. The newly jointed square edge should be against the rip fence.
  3. Make the Cut: Use push sticks or push blocks to feed the board through the blade. Keep the jointed edge firmly against the fence.
  4. Safety First: Never freehand a rip cut. Always use the fence. Keep your hands clear of the blade’s path.

You now have a board with two parallel edges, and both are square to one face.

Step 4: Plane to Thickness (Optional, but Recommended)

While the jointer and table saw handle face and edge dimensioning, a planer is used to achieve the final, consistent thickness. If you have a planer:

  1. Joint one face (as in Step 1). This is your reference face.
  2. Run through the planer: With the jointed face down, pass the board through the planer. The planer will make the opposing face parallel to the first.
  3. Flip and repeat: Continue flipping and planing, taking light passes, until you reach your desired thickness.

Without a planer, you can use the table saw to dimension to thickness, but it’s more challenging and less precise. You’d typically rip oversized boards into thinner pieces after jointing, but a planer is the ideal tool for consistent thickness.

Step 5: Crosscut to Length on the Table Saw (or Miter Saw)

Finally, cut your perfectly dimensioned stock to the correct length.

  1. Use Miter Gauge or Sled: For accurate crosscuts, use your table saw’s miter gauge or a crosscut sled. Never use the rip fence for crosscutting short pieces, as this can cause kickback.
  2. Measure and Mark: Measure your desired length and make a clear mark.
  3. Cut: Feed the board smoothly through the blade.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully milled rough lumber into perfectly dimensioned stock using your table saw and jointer.

Essential Table Saw and Jointer Tips for Beginners

Beyond the basic steps, here are some insights to help you get better results and stay safer.

  • Grain Direction Matters: When jointing, always feed the wood “downhill” with the grain. Feeding against the grain can cause significant tear-out. Look at the grain direction on the edge of the board.
  • Featherboards are Your Friend: For both machines, especially the table saw, featherboards help hold the workpiece firmly against the fence or table, improving accuracy and safety.
  • Listen to Your Machines: Changes in motor sound or cutting resistance can indicate a problem—dull blades, improper setup, or incorrect feed rate.
  • Sharp Blades and Knives: Dull tools require more force, lead to tear-out, and are more dangerous. Keep your table saw blade sharp and your jointer knives honed or replaced regularly.
  • Practice on Scrap: Before cutting into your expensive project wood, always make practice cuts on scrap pieces to confirm your setup and technique.
  • Push Sticks and Blocks: Always use push sticks or push blocks when your hands get close to the blades or cutterheads. They are non-negotiable safety items.

Common Problems with Table Saw and Jointer Setups & How to Fix Them

Even experienced woodworkers encounter issues. Knowing how to troubleshoot can save a lot of frustration.

Jointer Problems:

  • Snipe: A divot at the beginning or end of the board.
    • Fix: Adjust your outfeed table height. It’s likely too low. Ensure consistent pressure through the cut.
  • Tapered Cuts: One end of the board is thinner than the other after jointing a face.
    • Fix: Your outfeed table is likely too high relative to the cutterhead. Readjust.
  • Tear-out: Chunks of wood torn from the surface.
    • Fix: Check grain direction (feed with the grain). Take shallower passes. Ensure knives are sharp.

Table Saw Problems:

  • Burning on the Wood:
    • Fix: Blade might be dull, or you’re feeding too slowly. Check blade alignment for parallelism with the miter slot/fence.
  • Kickback: Wood is violently thrown back towards the operator.
    • Fix: This is extremely dangerous. Ensure the rip fence is perfectly parallel to the blade. Use a splitter/riving knife. Never use the rip fence for crosscutting. Use push sticks. Avoid cutting bowed or twisted wood without first jointing a flat edge.
  • Inaccurate Cuts (Non-Parallel Rips):
    • Fix: Your rip fence is not parallel to the blade. Adjust it carefully. Ensure your starting edge was perfectly straight from the jointer.

Addressing these common problems with table saw and jointer setups quickly will improve both your results and your safety.

Caring for Your Investment: Table Saw and Jointer Care Guide

Your tools are an investment. Proper maintenance extends their lifespan and ensures they perform accurately and safely.

  • Clean Regularly: Sawdust is abrasive and can gum up moving parts. After each use, clean your machines thoroughly. Use compressed air, a shop vac, and a brush.
  • Wax the Tables: Apply a good quality paste wax (like carnauba wax) to the cast iron tables of both machines. This reduces friction and prevents rust. Do this periodically, especially in humid environments.
  • Check Fasteners: Periodically check all nuts, bolts, and screws to ensure they are tight. Vibration can loosen them over time.
  • Lubricate Moving Parts: Follow your owner’s manual for specific lubrication points. Keep gears, threads, and slides clean and lightly lubricated.
  • Blade/Knife Maintenance: Keep your table saw blades clean and sharp. Replace or sharpen jointer knives when they become dull or nicked. Dull tools are inefficient and dangerous.
  • Motor Care: Keep motor vents clear of dust. Listen for unusual noises.
  • Dust Collection: Hook up both machines to an effective dust collection system. This keeps your shop cleaner, improves air quality, and prevents dust buildup inside the machines.

Following this table saw and jointer care guide ensures your tools are always ready for action.

Safety First: Operating Your Table Saw and Jointer

No amount of precision is worth an injury. Always prioritize safety when using these powerful machines.

  • Read the Manuals: Every tool is different. Understand your specific model’s features and safety recommendations.
  • Wear PPE: Always wear safety glasses or a face shield, hearing protection, and appropriate clothing (no loose sleeves or jewelry).
  • Clear the Area: Ensure your workspace is free of clutter, and you have enough room to maneuver long boards.
  • Stay Focused: Never operate machinery when you’re tired, distracted, or under the influence of anything.
  • Use Push Sticks/Blocks: As mentioned, these are essential. Never use your bare hands to push wood through the last few inches of a cut.
  • Keep Guards in Place: Always use your blade guard, splitter, and anti-kickback pawls on the table saw.
  • Unplug for Adjustments: Disconnect power before changing blades, adjusting knives, or making any significant setup changes.
  • Know Your Limitations: Don’t try to joint or cut a board that’s too small, too large, or too awkward to handle safely.
  • Proper Stance: Maintain a balanced stance, allowing you to control the workpiece and react if something goes wrong.

A safe woodworker is a happy woodworker. Always put safety at the forefront of your operations.

Sustainable Woodworking with Your Table Saw and Jointer

As woodworkers, we have a responsibility to be mindful of our impact. Your table saw and jointer can play a role in a more sustainable table saw and jointer practice.

  • Minimize Waste: Accurate milling means less scrap. By dimensioning precisely, you maximize the usable yield from each board.
  • Source Responsibly: Choose lumber from sustainable forests (FSC certified) or reclaimed sources. Your tools help you transform these materials.
  • Efficient Dust Collection: Proper dust collection not only protects your lungs but also allows for easier recycling or composting of wood dust and shavings.
  • Maintain Your Tools: Well-maintained tools last longer, reducing the need for premature replacement and conserving resources. This is part of an eco-friendly table saw and jointer approach.
  • Repurpose Offcuts: Even small offcuts can be useful for small projects, jigs, or kindling. Minimize what goes to the landfill.

By integrating these practices, you’re not just a craftsman; you’re also a steward of resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Table Saw and Jointer

What’s the difference between a jointer and a planer?

A jointer creates one flat face and one square edge on a board, serving as a reference. A planer then takes that newly jointed flat face and makes the opposing face parallel, bringing the board to a consistent thickness.

Can I get by with just a table saw?

For rough carpentry or projects where absolute precision isn’t critical, you might. However, for fine woodworking, furniture making, or anything requiring tight joints and flat surfaces, a jointer is indispensable. Without it, you’re building on an uneven foundation.

How often should I sharpen my jointer knives?

This depends entirely on how much you use your jointer and the type of wood you’re cutting. Hardwoods dull knives faster. Generally, for a hobbyist, checking them every few months and sharpening/replacing as needed is a good practice. Look for burning, tear-out, or increased effort to feed as signs of dull knives.

Is it safe to joint short pieces of wood?

Generally, no. For safety, most jointers have a minimum recommended length (often 12 inches or more). Shorter pieces increase the risk of kickback and getting your hands too close to the cutterhead. Use a table saw with a crosscut sled for shorter, square cuts.

What size jointer do I need?

For most home shops, a 6-inch or 8-inch jointer is sufficient. This refers to the width of the cutterhead. A wider jointer allows you to flatten wider boards, which is a significant advantage for things like tabletops. Consider the typical width of lumber you’ll be working with.

Ready to Master Your Table Saw and Jointer?

The combination of a table saw and jointer is truly transformative for any woodworker. It’s the gateway to precision, allowing you to build projects that are not only beautiful but also structurally sound.

Remember, patience, practice, and a strong commitment to safety are your best tools. Take your time with setup, understand each cut, and always respect the power of your machines.

By following this guide and integrating these table saw and jointer tips, you’ll soon be milling perfectly dimensioned lumber with confidence and skill. Go forth, make some sawdust, and build something incredible!

Jim Boslice
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