Jointers For Beginners - Use Tips, Tricks, Buying Advice and Safety

[@katzmosestools]

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[@billqqq]

Dad worked with wood his whole life. He was 80 when he took three fingers off with his jointer. His advice? Never lose focus. During any operation on any tool, never think about anything other than what you are currently doing. Second bit of advice? Never do any operation on any tool that doesn't "feel right". If it feels like you are doing something that isn't safe, it likely isn't, and you should find a different way to accomplish what it is you are trying to do. There are typically many ways to do something safely.

[@squirrelydan3]

My dad was a finish carpenter and every time he cut himself was on the table saw because he lost focus. Yes, I said every time - 3 times to be exact. The third time he finally lost 2 fingertips for good.

[@shadowlance267]

I'd also add the third thing would be that if something does go wrong, step away. Don't try to save a piece that's unstable, or try to release a jam with the machine running. Just let it go and if it flies across the workshop, that's ok (you're not standing in the path, right?). Turn the machine off, reset everything and start again. Broken blades or work pieces can be replaced.

[@TheLucidscreamz]

oh my aint that the truth , i been woodworking 6 months , ive had a grindng ball on angle grinder grab shoe lace managed to turn off as trousers wer wraping in it grazed toe bad , then a nip by the kerf on table saw and a chizel into finger and last week top skin layers of finger in jointer , not to mention chop saw kick back that sent the blade guard across room at high speed very lucky not to be in its path , ive rethinked my work teqniue , but scared now of it , its no safe place to work in , its all limb trashing hazzard zone , i must remember that one

[@SpartanORGN]

@TheLucidScreamz ⁠you should not be having that many close calls. If you are then you are working in a very unsafe manner. You are going to get seriously injured if you keep going like that.

[@Bhg265]

@@TheLucidscreamzfind a new hobby

[@The_Ol_Bizzaroo]

Love the tip for jointing wider than your cutter head! I've never seen this before, anywhere.

[@trolltaker]

I have seen it before, but it never hurts to be reminded.

[@EscobarStyle]

Back to the basics 👌🏼. We ALL need to hear the safety tactics from time to time. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@MrVitorio007]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@souprmage]

Another safety tip that's always worth repeating. Never use a power tool when tired. It's just not worth the risk. Love the channel, and your shop. Bought a SawStop recently and put in one of the CMT blades from your site. So very smooth. Loving it.

[@chipsterb4946]

Tired or frustrated. I cut a dado in the end of a board that already had a rabbet the other day 😵‍💫 I’d been doing setup and test cuts for a couple hours and was thinking “finally I’ve got this right!” Still need to stop *before* I get there.

[@Californians_go_home]

Drink a few beers and the frustration mellows out, then it’s safe to proceed. If you are tired, put on your glasses while you close your eyes to rest, then you can see to continue.

[@beachbrettf]

I followed your advice and my last 4 employers were not happy.

[@billmankin6204]

So happy to hear "The fact you are terrified makes you respect it." Have been working with tools that take away but do not give back for 30 years now, and that has always been my philosophy, still have all my working parts. Thanks for sharing your experience, and glad it wasn't worse.

[@pashaveres4629]

Safety First! Got my first table saw many years ago. Was learning to use it the day the radio announced Elvis's death. Am grateful that I never had to pay dearly for my many recklessnesses. Am VERY serious now (my ex- used to teasingly call me "The Safety Officer"). Looking forward to taking my new jointer out of the box. Appreciate your good efforts, Jonathan. First vid, have subbed. Aloha

[@jasonscott6478]

Electrician here, with nearly 30 years in the trade. Swapping between voltages on a dual voltage motor should not change the RPM. I appreciate your video about jointers. I'm glad your injury wasn't worse. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us weekend warrior woodworkers.

[@davidsavage692]

And the amps will be lower

[@TKC_]

It may get your motor up to speed faster on start to go higher voltage since inrush amps and voltage sag will be lower. But I can’t say I’ve really noticed anything appreciable. Maybe your utility will appreciate it the most since your draw will be balanced on a split phase system. Honestly I’ve done this to free up 120v plugs more than anything since my shop is wired for both

[@HuntsWorkshop]

I also saw your video on how fast the jointer accident happened and wanted to say your willingness to be human and teach for the greater good is so much appreciated brother!

[@johnford7847]

This type of video is an invaluable service to us all. Thank you so much!

[@Githy1378]

I enjoy that you still use A older jet Jointer and a Dewalt 735planer.

[@charlesthomas9294]

That tip about jointing a board wider than the jointer was well worth the price of admission!

[@BroRiv]

Excellent advice. I bought an 8" Wahuda helical jointer for $549 delivered (2 years ago) and it's handled everything I've run through it, mostly hardwoods. Takes up little space, attached to a homemade rolling cart and I'm STILL on the first set of blades- only have needed to rotate a couple. Excellent choice if you have a smaller shop or on a budget. Brother Riv

[@swiwswiw]

I’m not a master craftsman and have been watching all your content but this one really spoke to me. “Back to basics” one comment read - yes, more of these please. Not to dumb down your content but more info like this along with your usual expert advice on the finer aspects of woodworking would be welcome. Plus love the humility of mentioning your injury and ensuing respect for the tools we use is VERY important. It’s as if I am getting advice from a trusted friend and not a career KZbinr. Well done sir!!

[@aaronfroland3]

This came at the right time!!! Looking to purchase a used jointer and had questions. THANK YOU!

[@jasonsahadeo5740]

Every few months I look for these comments/ videos about safety and injuries just so my blood runs cold and I remember to respect the tools. Once I keep hearing these stories it's good enough for me. As a hobbyist I can afford to just not work if I'm feeling tired or not up to it. Also I use the more powerful dangerous machines early on in my woodworking session when I'm most alert and focused and do stuff like glue ups and finishing last. I insist for my guys and myself to take a nice break when we're doing repetative tasks too. If I feel like my mind is wondering, I'll just take 5 and grab a drink/ take a short walk. Going to the hospital is never worth it, take a break to refocus even if it delays the project by a day. Hope this helps someone, I feel like we all need to hear it over and over again cuz it's easy to get comfortable or feel rushed to fullfill an order and that seems to be when injuries happen.

[@skemker]

Great video. I have HAD MY JOINTER ALMOST 2 YEARS. LEARNED A LOT. THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEOS

[@VitalityMassage]

If you simply WATCH what you're doing, you can use your hand (much better control) to hold the piece flat against the fence. I did benefit from some of these tips though. Thanks.

[@rachelwhillier3826]

Thanks!

[@katzmosestools]

Thank you my friend

[@WVgunfun]

Thanks for the 101, just got my first jointer, an old 6" Rockwell that came from an old timer that took very good care of his tools.

[@boyscout419]

YOU are prescient! Two days ago, I installed the first jointer I've owned since I got rid of one about 30+ years ago! Your timing for this video was perfect! I find your videos to always be first rate, but this one takes the cake! Thanks so much, Jonathan! (from "Canter Lane Woodworking", Springfield, Oregon)

[@richpeggyfranks490]

After nearly 50 years of woodworking, I accidentally grazed my thumb on the tablesaw. I instantly re-gained new respect and caution for all my tools. It's a hard lesson to learn, but was probably overdue. Thanks for a great video. PS, I'm getting a lot of use from my dovetail guide and, after getting the feel for the angles, have been free-handing some cuts recently.

[@johnnycorn7225]

Seems like it's always the table saw I still refused to use one

[@secretwoodproject]

Thanks so much for this video. I am very glad that you did not lose your fingers Jonathan. Appreciate the safety info in this video. I am new to jointer tools so this really helps.

[@Mark_Wood]

Awesome review of safe practices. Great to have you cranking out videos more regularly again!

[@funkypunkypine]

A couple of safety things that I learned the very hard way: Don't joint end grain (duh, but I didn't know any better at the time), and be very mindful of knots in the wood that could vibrate loose and go flying towards your face. I'm very glad I was wearing safety glasses even though I didn't think I needed them with the jointer but I just decided to throw them on anyhow.

[@larrywiltse6268]

I liked your safety tip on where to locate the fence. I inherited a Shopsmith Mark 5 from my father. He got it “used” in 1955 along with a jointer. A few years ago I ask a sales rep at Shopsmith why they did not make a 6” jointer and was told quite politely that I would not be able to lift it on and off the Shopsmith. The operating instruction for this jointer indicate that the blades can be ever so slightly higher than the out feed table. Thank you for all of the useful information you provide.

[@TheTranq]

Nice. So many people I watch don’t realize the downward pressure needs to be on the outfeed side, glad you made that clear

[@PeoplesCarpenter]

Great video! I love my jointer. I'm in New Zealand so it's 240 volts, and it's 15 amps. 12 inches wide, spiral cutterhead, and it's a combination jointer and planer. It's actually really quick to convert between modes. And in a smaller shop (6 x 10 metres), it's the way to go.

[@squirrelzar]

Just picked up a small bench top 6” jointer to start with for $50 - some great tips in here!

[@haroldschultz5864]

I'm a little late to the party but this is a great video for a newbie like me . Thanks for the safety tips 👍

[@l.w.9212]

Thank you for this. I recently discovered the need for and also that I enjoy working with power tools quite a bit...but no one ever taught me anything at all whatsoever. so I bought a reciprocal saw, a circular saw, a multi-tool, a drill, a driver and a brushless drill driver so far, I'm pretty sure there's more and this has been in two months time. I was looking to buy one of these. Considering that I sawed the cord in half from my circular saw the second time using it and my brushless drill grabbed my hair and knocked me around a bit, you may have just saved my life...lol. but really though. thank you.

[@DaileyWoodworks]

Great primer. I’m adding this to my “training video” playlist for new guys to watch.

[@MrLeram12]

Thanks. I just bought a 6" one since I haven't done much large stuff. Hopefully it wasn't a mistake. And...I subscribed to your channel. Thanks again.

[@KuntaKinteToby]

I'm glad your injury wasn't too serious, stay safe in the shop!

[@TheDevnul]

I bought a bench top jointer a few years ago. I’ve been looking for a jointer ever since. You get what you pay for. I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll never buy from that company again.

[@andrewgeyer2602]

8:25 do you have to glue the plywood to the jointed side of the board or would it be fine to go in just resting on top of it

[@Anxious_McStabby]

Just ordered my first one, so thank you for this

[@phishy96]

awesome tips, and i love your late night show too!

[@videousername3]

Perfect timing and I learned a lot about jointers. I just started planning on how to take care of my grandfather's jointer I recently inherited. It's a 6" Woodtek that's pretty similar to a Rockwell 37-220. It needs to be taken apart and painted since it's starting to have some rust spots, but overall it's in good shape.

[@jgo5707]

Very insightful and educational. Love this channel

[@kevinzoeh6494]

Very helpful tips & perfectly timed as I just picked up a used jointer without ever having operated one.

[@brentnicol6391]

Thank you very much for the video and information. as mechanical engineer and I work on plenty of machinery, I will say that all machinery must be handled with care and never let your guard down. Always be aware and if in doubt, do not do it. Thank you very much for your time and videos.

[@aneerenb]

Many thanks for the Sunday morning lesson :)

[@snydercustomwoodwork]

Been wanting to see you make this video for awhile, thank you!

[@J.A.Smith2397]

New episode! Was watching old ones yesterday!

[@cady.moriarty]

I don't have a jointer yet, but I do have 15 minutes 😅 Someday I'll get to put this knowledge to use, but until then I'll keep binging your router videos. Thanks again, and take care, JKM!

[@ronbishop4057]

Excellent advice, straight up! Thanks.

[@davidahmad2026]

Excellent tutorial...Thanks!!

[@PikkaBird]

About checking the fence for square when buying a used machine: Check it across the entire length, as the fence may be bent/warped. Especially aluminium ones, but I've seen bent iron fences too.

[@court2379]

Just take it off and run it thru the jointer 😉

[@ThomasofAkron]

Thank you so much for covering bases on safety and buying a Jointer Last Thursday I bought a Rockwell/Delta 6” Deluxe Jointer. Year 1978. Had no fence or factory guard or motor. I had a 3450 motor. Got cutter head RPM to 5018 with my pulley setup. Working on locating a fence. Had a wooden guard that works ok. It is co-plane flat. Tad of rust on both beds. Still cleaning gently. Only cost $50

[@pumpkinheadghoul]

OUTSTANDING video, my friend. One of the best I've seen.

[@independent900]

A couple of very useful tips, thanks!

[@fabianulloa2961]

Great guy, teaching us all what we need to know.

[@pemtax557]

Excellent video Jonathan, as always, I learned something new ... cheers mate!

[@211ajb]

Thanks for the lesson on safety

[@a.j.simmonds6324]

I really wanted a 8" Jointer but it was slightly out of budget and space is tight in my shop. Instead of wishing I had an 8" Jointer I got a cheap small 6" Jointer for under half the price and can do 90% of what I would do with an 8". Im a huge proponent of buy once cry once but sometimes you need to try once first, the tools we want are not always the tools we need. I would love to have an 8 or 10" Jointer but I am in no rush to upgrade now that I have a jointer.

[@toonybrain]

This is an immensely helpful video. I use my vintage Craftsman jointer regularly but I have questions about my procedure. You’ve covered all the bases. Thank you.

[@MCsCreations]

Really excellent tips, Jonathan! Thanks!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@dukeengine1339]

You are always great my overseas friend! 🌞🙏🏻

[@quadsquadracingable]

I bought a bench top one and used it once and sold it. Holding out for an 8" that can be upgraded with a helical head or already has one. Great video

[@bryankia]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@davehorn1422]

Outstanding video. I see where I've been messing up.

[@HWCism]

As always, nice explanation, thanks

[@richd8537]

Great video. A jointer is on the horizon for my next powertool.

[@mbrain03]

I’m a newer wood worker and this was an awesome video to watch. I am happy I subscribed to your channel a view months ago

[@dtork47]

Always very informative, thanks and stay safe. Cheers from MT

[@ugsoldun7871]

great vid, lots of useful info, cheers

[@alsaffarstudios]

Very useful video, great tips and informations, thanks for sharing it with us 🙏🏼

[@montyswoodworkscrafts2232]

Great video, the one bit of workshop kit that fills me with fear and I haven’t mastered to use properly yet.

[@mattseguin5017]

Is there a certain wax you recommend to use on the jointer?

[@bhoola123]

NICE tips. Thanks for sharing. One time my brother in law ended up putting his whole hand on the cutter, as the wood from under slipped (backward or forward). It looked bad for long time.

[@RodJSmith]

Thanks for the great video. I've just bought my first jointer and this video had a lot of helpful info for first-time users. The unit I bought is a combo jointer/thicknesser. Any tips on jointing boards wider than the jointer when your thicknesser is the same width as your jointer?

[@cpickslay]

So many great tips! I didn’t know my jointer could rabbet or joint wider boards.

[@banshee200]

Dude... #mindblown - I have been running my old grizzly (Craigslist purchase) for the past two years with the outfeed table just a *hair* lower than the cutting edge of the blade... quick fix, but thanks so much for sharing this, and for the super important safety reminders!

[@JD-ff4of]

Jamie Perkins of Perkins Brothers channel had a horrific jointer accident. After watching his videos on the whole thing, I most certainly have a new level of respect for this machine!!

[@lain2779]

Yeah, his video about it should really show people how dangerous this tool can be.

[@92Jdmsupra]

Moonpie Creations had an accident with one 2 months after this video came out.

[@kevinr1704]

Thanks for this informative video!

[@wooddogg8]

Great video,, I owned a Grizzly 6" that I sold out of necessity ( had to move shop with nowhere to go, so craigslist took all my tools one by one. I'm back with a smaller shop and just this morning ordered Grizzly's 8" combo jointer planer. I also just got several species of live edge hardwood. I got a 12' long red oak board about 12-14" wide. Its massive. already cut it down to an 8' and a 4'. I'm gonna start cutting some of it into 8" pieces But I'll hold onto that massive 4' piece of oak for a while. There's a sawmill in town, I'll have to ask how big their jointer and planers are. ok I'll stop rambling, again great video, it's been ten years since I operated one of these things, so refresher course is good! 😵‍💫

[@danielbarbieri8199]

Thanks That was THE vid I needed to watch 👍

[@edt5276]

Great video. Very helpful. Thanks! P.S. "Coplaner and parallel" is redundant. All planes that are coplaner are also parallel. When parallel planes are coplanar they intersect at every point. When parallel planes are not coplanar they don't intersect at any point. Perfect infeed and outfeed tables are always parallel planes but only coplaner when they're at same height. A cube has 3 sets of parallel planes but no sets of coplaner planes.

[@harrydavis6903]

Well done and informative. Thank you.

[@trolltaker]

I needed this. Thanks. I don't have a ton of experience with my 6" Porter-Cable jointer anyway, but the last time I used it, I ruined a board for my purpose by jointing the edge until the board became a trapezoid. Was that because I wasn't shifting my pressure to the front? One tip that I learned recently that I'm surprised you didn't make: Throw those push pads away and get a pair of concrete floats with the red sponge rubber. Run, don't walk. They grip like crazy with very little pressure. You will never go back to the ones that are sold as push pads. Trust me on this.

[@katzmosestools]

I have two other jointer videos that go into detail on technique. They should help. Cheers!

[@larryohara6513]

Very good info provided!

[@davidndahura7437]

If I have a good jointer, I don't need an expensive thickness planer, I used to under score the importance of a jointer not until I discovered that squaring stock of is number one procedure to accurate results of a project, thank you for the video.

[@hewittgordon8843]

Great Video, How much down pressure do you apply when jointing ??? TIA

[@justinwellen3772]

Great run down, thanks!

[@watchguy79]

Thank you for this !!! I love it. We have the same planer and jointer

[@nobody3692]

try the king 12" jointer planer combo! 1yr of heavy use and have only rotated 2 inserts, but cleaning is key especially pine gum

[@birdbandit9]

Totally understand the point of avoiding bench top planers. Right now I only do smaller projects. But my question is do you think bench top are easier to learn on, or would you consider a beefier, well tuned larger jointer to be safer? I'm just terrified lol

[@eugenelayhue1932]

Been safely woodworking for thirty four years never even listened to what Johnathan was saying in the video I was just reading all these comments and replies. First of all I believe it's good to start out with common sense you can't just jump into something and be in 100% control without experience. A lot of these comments talk about accidents like it's some kind of accomplishment some people just need to stay away from potentially dangerous machinery.

[@Mr.GucciClass1A]

So great! You’re so cool and committed to the woodworking community! Thanks for the tips and safety info; much appreciated. Wanted to ask: spoiler alert “silly question” when do you know the square cutter heads or planet blades are no longer sharp and need to be changed or rotated? Are there clear signs we should be looking for? Thanks 😊

[@katzmosestools]

Harder to push wood through and chip out when there shouldn't be. Chips in the blades and maybe by feel. Does it catch ypur finger nail etc

[@harrydavis6903]

Not a "silly question", the only silly question is the one that is not asked, my friend.

[@davidpeters8813]

@@harrydavis6903 I've worked in retail and trust me, there ARE silly questions! 🤣 But this is not one of them.

[@slomkaadas9603]

Great video, thx for upload m8 Cheers from Poland 🇵🇱 🍻

[@supermodestmouse]

Im a new woodworker and I just got a jointer. What kind of wax do you recommend? will any paste wax work?

[@bradleytuckwell4854]

A lot of great advice there thanks for sharing

[@levin448]

Great overview and safety tips. Never got bitten by a joiner probably because they are so intimidating.

[@josephfleming6384]

Best explanation Ive seen yet!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@giutubospatubo1546]

Great video! Thanks!

[@marklongchamps6741]

THank you so much. DO you stand behind the jointer when you use it? It was not clear from the video.

[@katzmosestools]

No. I should've been clear that was for the shot

[@marklongchamps6741]

@@katzmosestools Thanks. This machine scares me too.

[@whojamacallit]

My jointer is scary, yes, but I still think my angle grinder is the most dangerous tool I own. Thanks for this! Even after 30+ years of hobby woodworking, I still learned more than one new trick!

[@sh0cktim3]

Angle grinder really? Have you had a scary situation with one? Guess depends on how you use it. I mainly use my with flap disc for grinding welds/ metal smooth. Doesn't seem scary at all for me.

[@whojamacallit]

@@sh0cktim3 I'm lucky the cutoff wheel shattered and didn't cause the tool to break my hand. I have luckily not had anything other than that.. not like @StumpyNubs or others. The jointer is a hazard, but at least the blade stays put :)

[@davidbristow944]

Ok. So love the program content. Generally speaking. One can never have enough knowledge. Im a 30 yr carpenter. Never owned or used a jointer. Never really had the need for one. I think 💭. But I’m curious about them. I’ve always been a trim carpenter. Built around 30 sets of cabinets. Multiple ET centers and built in units. Always used S3S. I use a 10 ft piece of aluminum with cam locks to straight line my boards. My question is what did you mean by coplane? If I said that right? To check it when buying. Thanks Dave