Replies

1. 
   PeteBradley | Apr 18, 2006 02:33am | #1

   If the gap is in the middle, you might want to keep it. Some older jointers had a special feature to do this. It would help to reduce the likelihood of the joint opening up at the ends.

   Most likely the root cause is knife height relative to the outfeed table. Check with a good straightedge and see if the knives just tick the straightedge.

   Pete

1. 
   bobtexas | Apr 18, 2006 08:26pm | #3

   Thanks Pete.  The tiny gap is in the middle and symetrical.  I'll let it go for now.

   You and the other gentleman who answered showed me that I'm still a rookie.  I am grateful for pro's like you guys.

1. 
   PeteBradley | Apr 18, 2006 08:34pm | #5

   We're all rookies at something.  Knots' biggest value is when people can share their their individual expertise.

   Pete

2. 
   Kleck | Apr 18, 2006 02:50am | #2

   I try to have a tiny gap in the middle of the joint. That helps keep the ends from opening up. I'd say you got it right! If light clamp pressure closes the gap, then you are good to go. You don't want to see daylight at the ends of the board.

   Dave

1. 
   bobtexas | Apr 18, 2006 08:28pm | #4

   Thanks Spike.  I thought that this was an indication of a problem but I guess that its OK.

   Thanks for your Pro answer.

3. 
   Piccioni | Apr 18, 2006 08:46pm | #6

   For what its worth, I find I get a cleaner glue line (almost invisible) if I run a hand plane along the gluing edges right after the jointer. I hand plane until I can get a fine, continuous ribbon shaving and no more.

   This seems to remove the 'ripple' which is always associated with the rotating blades on a jointer. It will probably smooth out your bow as well.

   Like I said, the glue line becomes almost invisible.

1. 
   PeteBradley | Apr 19, 2006 04:00am | #7

   good point. I normally joint them up, clamp back to back, then take a pass with a #7.Pete