Replies

1. 
   Andrew | Nov 22, 2002 03:11am | #1

   since your getting either a tapered but straight edge or a bowed edge I'm going to guess it's a user problem. if it were just a bowed edge, it could possibly be because your tables are not parallel. check this out anyway just to make sure though. now assuming that you jointers set up properly you are getting tapers because your putting all the pressure on one end of the board. bows would be caused by the board rocking as you pass it over the cutterhead. make sure that as the board passes over the cutterhead it stays flat on the outfeed table. the best way to do this is after you've jointed around a foot of the board, shift the pressure onto the outfeed side and continue to pull the stock hand over hand until your finished. remember to wax your tables as well so things will slide smoothly.

   hope this helps

   andrew

1. 
   davemaynard | Nov 22, 2002 10:26pm | #5

   Thanks for the help. I'll give it a try.

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 22, 2002 06:32am | #2

   Dave,

   Just to add to what Andrew has already explained.  When I first tried my jointer, I ended up with boards so bowed they could have been used for boat ribs!  If the board has a visible bow, mark that area with a chalk and joint it first.  After you've straightened that area, go ahead and joint the entire length as Andrew has described. 

   Another approach is to attach one side of the board to a straight edge and rip it straight on the table saw, then finish on the jointer.  I find this to work very well on stock over 4 feet, which can be difficult to handle on the jointer.

   Jeff

   
   

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   Edited 11/21/2002 10:33:42 PM ET by Jeff K

1. 
   davemaynard | Nov 22, 2002 10:27pm | #6

   Thank you Jeff, I am sawing edges now because of the jointer problems. I'll try both.

3. 
   FortworthPat | Nov 22, 2002 08:17am | #3

   I am also confused on jointer setup and experiencing similar problems. It looks like there are two methods of setting up a jointer. One is to have the tables level with each other, the other is to have the infeed table lower that the outfeed with the knives aligned with the outfeed table. I have tried both. I get a cut on the first half of the board and nothing on the second half with the outfeed set higher. I get snipe at the end with the tables level but better results on a flat surface. I am jointing the edges of poplar boards that are 1.75 inches wide by 7.5 feet long. Anybody have any ideas?

1. 
   forestgirl | Nov 22, 2002 08:23am | #4

   Reprinted reply, found in your stand-alone post with this same question:

   First of all, if you're this unfamiliar with jointers, I'd strongly suggest you obtain some written material -- "Planers and Jointers" is an excellent book, I'll find the author's name for you.  Jointers have major safety considerations, and you need to educate yourself as to what they are.

   OK, setting on up. 

   The knives must be level with the outfeed table at all times.  Once you get the outfeed table set, you don't change it until there is a problem attributable to that alignment.  You are referencing the edge of a knife when it is at the top of the cutting circle.

   The infeed table is lower than the outfeed table (and the knives) by the amount (depth) of cut you want to take.  When the infeed table is set at zero, the infeed, tip of the knives at the top of their arc, and the outfeed table are all in line with each other.

   Tables need to be flat and co-planar with each other.  Fence needs to be at exactly 90 degrees to the table.

   Most comments by Grizzly jointer owners have indicated that the machine was pretty well tuned when it came out of the box.  There hopefully isn't too much fiddling around you need to do.

   Jointer technique is something that takes practice.  You can have a perfectly tuned jointer, and still get imperfections due to incorrect technique.  Tune your jointer up and then come on back and get some info on technique.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

   Edited 11/22/2002 12:24:16 AM ET by forest_girl

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 22, 2002 11:42pm | #7

   Sounds like you need a bit of practice.  Start working with smaller stock - under 3 feet.  Once you've gained proficiency with that, then try longer boards.  The difficulty is keepin the board tight against the fence while holding it flat - first to the infeed table at the beginning of the cut, and then to the outfeed table.  Is there someone in your area with whom you could work for a few hours? 

   Jeff