Jointer Technique Question

[Jules Dominguez]

How hard is it to hold a board down onto the outfeed table, considering that the blades are tending to lift it, when face-jointing 8" and wider boards on 8" and larger jointers? I'd especially like to hear from those who face joint really wide boards on the really wide jointers. I know part of the answer is to take thin cuts.

[Steve Cox]

Jules, the answer to that is "not hard at all". The reason for that is that the blades should be set so that they are at exactly the same height as the outfeed table therefore there is no lifting as force as you asked about. In addition, as the blades come to the top of their circuit, the force back against the board not up on to it. It can take a fair bit of effort to hand feed a 16" wide board through a jointer. Lighter cuts help but a power feeder is best.

[Alan Turner]

Jules,
It is not hard, but there is a bit of technique. You really want the pressure on the outfeed table, but you can't get it there until enough of the board is on that table. So, of necessity, you start with light pressure on the infeed table, but when the balance permits, move the pressure to the outfeed table, and keep it there, a bit gently, using a push block with a lip so you can push forward without pushing down. Harder to describe than to do. You are strong enough to flatten the board with pressure down, but you don't want to do this or the purpose of the jointer is defeated.

[Jim Becker]

And...you don't want much "pressure" in any case. If you bend the board, you are compromising the ability of the jointer to do it's job--it needs to take off the "high spots" only. Only use enough pressure to keep the board in the same plane, shifting your attention as Alan suggests from infeed to outfeed when there is enough material past the cutter head to do it with stability.

[Jules Dominguez]

Thanks to all. As usual, a lot of good and really useful information without excess verbage.