Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | May 05, 2021 12:34pm | #1

   The outfeed table catches the stock after the cut, depth of cut is set on the infeed side. If the outfeed were lowered the board would dive into the cutter and probably be propelled away from the operator...sort of a reverse kickback situation.

   Oh, and JohnC2 does not have a jointer and sees no need for one. Heh.

1. 
   john_c2 | May 05, 2021 02:52pm | #6

   There's one in every crowd. You are ours.

2. 
   gulfstar | May 05, 2021 12:35pm | #2

   Because the out feed table is after the cutter so it has no effect on the depth of cut. It’s there to keep the wood in a straight path beyond the cutter head.

3. 
   johnnyfralin | May 05, 2021 01:38pm | #3

   My comment should read more like: would anyone find it advantageous to have the cutter head move with the OUTFEED table so the infeed table could remain fixed? I mean, then, you could keep a fixed infeed support extension of any length without having to adjust it each time you changed the depth of cut.

1. 
   john_c2 | May 05, 2021 02:54pm | #7

   Moving a simple infeed table is far easier than the engineering and cost for a moveable outfeed table and jointer head.

4. 
   elmaduro | May 05, 2021 02:41pm | #4

   I think there are many well-proven and time-tested reasons why all worldwide manufacturers stick with the same design.

5. 
   gulfstar | May 05, 2021 02:48pm | #5

   Not necessarily since if I need to support the stock during the infeed I will definitely need support on the outfeed. I have been doing extra heavy lumber jointing lately and since I have only one set of portable rollers I supported the outfeed end only.

6. 
   gulfstar | May 05, 2021 02:57pm | #8

   From a machine design perspective, raising the cutter head with the outfeed involves attaching the motor and pulleys to the moveable side of the machine, adding complexity and loads to that part which still requires adjustment between the table and the top of the knives.

7. 
   bilyo | May 06, 2021 10:45am | #9

   To the OP: most jointers, other than some of the very small benchtop units, do have both adjustable infeed and outfeed tables. In addition, small jointers, like other small DIY equipment, are not intended to handle large lumber accurately, easily, or safely. If you are jointing a lot of large lumber, and expect to do it accurately, easily, and safely, you need one of the monster jointers that are 10-12" wide and several feet long. Most of the time, for furniture work or similar, you don't need to joint anything that big. Cut your pieces to approximate finish size and then joint them.

   Elmaduro & Gulfstar are correct. Most jointers with separately adjustable infeed and outfeed tables are a proven design and represents a good balance between design, fuctionality, flexibility, and durability. Anyone using them should try to understand how and why they work the way they do and plan their work accordingly. Generally, the outfeed table should be approx. level with the tip of the cutter blades at the top of their arc and is separately adjustable to accomplish that as cutter blades are removed, replaced, sharpened, etc. The infeed table is adjustable to set the depth of cut.