Why the Jointer Can't Do it All

Watch our newest video: "A Fancy Dead Blow Hammer, a Back-Saving Quick Lift, and a Bargain Router Plane | Tools Unleashed 02 "
The number of people who asked if I could just use the jointer to mill all sides and faces of the board was staggering. So I thought it would be a good idea to make a video explaining exactly why that won't work and why you shouldn't do it.

Join this channel to get access to perks:

For more information, free plans, and helpful links:

SUBSCRIBE!

Take a woodworking class online with The Wood Whisperer

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

PRODUCTS RECOMMENDED BY MARC

CHECK OUT OUR BBQ CHANNEL

WOOD WHISPERER en Español

CHECK OUT OUR SHOP TOURS

GET INSPIRED BY OUR VIEWER PROJECT LIBRARY

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP

Follow me on:

[agoogleuser]

The internet has spoken, we must see you mill a block of cheese!

[nd-place]

That explains a lot about why my cutting board was so jacked up the first time I tried to use the jointer to clean up a bunch of rough sawn wood scraps I got for cheap. Huh. I’ve been frustrated by that ever since. Thanks.

[RadINation]

I'm just now getting into wood working and purchased a used Jointer and during assembly noticed I was off a whole inch. Thanks for explaining this. I thought it was user error.

[casselscustom]

It's going to need to be a hard cheese that is available in generous sized blocks.
I'd consider an aged cheddar, but it may crumble. Perhaps a swiss cheese, and you could stabilise the holes with an epoxy pour.

[guyincognito.]

The jointer makes things flat. The planer and table saw make things parallel.

[woodwhisperer]

This is a quick bonus video this week so no Notification Crew giveaway. We'll have our usual giveaway this Friday. See ya then!

[garrydye]

Those were legit questions because I think we all wondered the same thing at some point.

[robertcarrozzo]

Haven’t finished watching this video yet… but watching the other short had me asking the same question. So thanks in advance!!

[rich]

Well said. Great explanation. You good sir are great at explaining these topics to the masses, which is why you enjoy the success and stature you do today.

[richieohio]

Glad you showed this! I just did a picture frame and did nothing but use the jointer on it. It was skinnier on one side and I couldn't figure out THANKS for posting this!

[midjetville]

If you only had a jointer and was being held at gunpoint until you could produce a perfect board, you could always go hand-tool style. Mill the first two reference faces, then use your calipers or marking gauge to mark the depth on the opposing faces. Then you could take partial passes on the jointer to remove the material on the opposing faces until you get right up to your gauge lines. Very silly, but could definitely be done in a pinch. Still doesn't solve the problem for super thin boards though, as you mentioned.

[jscook]

Haha the opening montage was funny. Love the clean shave look on you. Your videos are so helpful. As a beginner, it is so important to get good honest information. Thank you.

[julietphillips]

You're an excellent teacher! The beginning was funny though...I thought it was like, "No you can't! 'Cause I said so!"

[roberthall]

The best explanation I've ever seen 👏

[Chroniknight]

Thank you for the explanation. Just saw the short and this was nice to have right after!

[alexs]

Why this needs to be explained again and again? This is the best video that explains it all, but how confused you must be not to understand it?

[judigrass]

Woo! Surprise Saturday morning video. 😁

[DanDDirges]

It`s all becoming so clear now. I wonder if they make a jointer for the economically unfortunate. I go googoo to find out. Great video as always

[timseguine]

It took me a while to figure out the first time I was told this, since I could imagine a way to do it that should work geometrically.

But then I figured out the part you showed at the end: referencing on the short side is both error prone and dangerous.
But then I thought: you can at least square up the other short side if you flip the board over. But no, it would be going against the grain then and likely to tear out.

[lincolndickerson]

That is exactly the shape board I need can I borrow your jointer so I can make some too? … … 😂😂😂😂