So a friend of mine had some left over oak butcher block from a countertop they installed and we decided to make a few cutting boards. The left over piece is thin so we cut down 4 9×18 pieces and will glue two pieces together to make two 18×18 cutting boards.
After we cut them, I straightened the glue edges on the jointer. For whatever reason the beginning and end of the straightened edge is flat to the jointer’s outfeed table but the middle is not. There is a small arch to it. We are talking very small like 1000s of an inch but large enough you can see the gap when the pieces are butted together.
What am I doing wrong to cause this arch? Everyhting on the jointer seems level, straight, square, etc. It’s a 6in Delta Pro Jointer.
Still new at all this so thanks for your help!
Replies
I'll bet that your jointer outfeed table is a bit low relative to the blade height. It may only be a few thousands, but that can make a difference.
good idea, i'll check that first
what happens
when you put light pressure on with clamps in the middle, does the gap disappear/. it is quite alright to have a slight concavity there when you glue up
ron
concave jointer results
Check your blades height as suggested.
But if you put down pressure on the boards right over the blades you can generate a concave cut. Keep down pressure over the outfeed table for a level cut.
As also suggested, concave joints can be useful if they compress without too much pressure and depending on the orientation of the grain.
Forrest
Checked the outfeed hight and fine-tuned it. Still getting a concave. I think it must be my technique. Been trying to keep pressure on the outfeed table but I'm sure I"m doing somethign wrong somewhere. Will practice a bit more tonight.
Thanks for the help!
you can always
clean it up with a hand plane
ron
clean it up with a hand
at least we can plant a seed of thought !
ron
Try this method.
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/settingjointerknives.aspx
Thanks for all the suggestions. Here is a new question for you. Do you think a simple butt joint will be sufficiant for this cutting board? I'm sure all the laminated pieces are joined the same way so I really don't see an issue. Using water proof glue of course.
Butt joints are usually what is used for cutting boards. Use an acid brush and make sure all the joints have good glue coverage. Their was an article in Popular Woodworking a few issues ago stressing the importance of good glue coverage.
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