SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wood-jointer-purpose

What is a jointer mainly used for?

Flattening and straightening a board face or edge.

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  1. Making boards a consistent thickness
  2. Cutting curves
  3. Flattening and straightening a face or edge ✔

Why: A jointer makes one face flat and one edge square to it. A thickness planer then makes the other face parallel. Woodcraft stresses the jointer is not for milling boards to a consistent thickness.

Huh, didn't know that: Woodcraft calls the jointer probably the most misunderstood of the basic shop machines.

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What do you get when you cross a tabby cat with a lemon tree? A sour puss.
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References

Answer: Flattening and straightening a face or edge. A jointer makes one face flat and one edge square to it. A thickness planer then makes the other face parallel. Woodcraft stresses the jointer is not for milling boards to a consistent thickness.

  1. Woodcraft How Does a Jointer Work www.woodcraft.com/blogs/cabinetry-furniture-making/jointer-fundamentals
    straightening and flattening stock
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

Trades & ShopWhen milling a rough board on a jointer, which surface is jointed first?Trades & ShopOSHA says a hand-fed jointer with a horizontal cutting head must have what on its working side?Trades & ShopOSHA says jointer knives must not project more than how far past the cylindrical head body?

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