Jointer noob

[john schnyderite]

I got my jointer, set it up. on short test pieces everything seemed perfect. I ran some longer boards that are a bit more bowed and I'm having more issue getting them straight. I'm not sure if my technique is wrong. It seems like the beginning of the board takes a decent amount of material, but by the end its not taking any. Any tips or things I might be doing wrong.

[johnny means]

Sounds like you're angling your board downwards by pushing the leading edge down to the table with the board bowing upwards. Try running your boards with the ends bowing down into the table.

[Mel Fulks]

If the outfeed table is too high the wood climbs and less material is removed. One and one half thousands is enough to cause problems. Can be caused by a small knick or just slight dulling.

[Andrew Hughes]

I agree with Mel. Lower the outfeed table a very small amount

[Keith Westfall]

Make sure you are maintaining downward pressure on the board on the out-feed side and not on the in-feed side.

[john schnyderite]

by too high, do you mean one of the sides of the outfeed is not coplanar and sitting high?

i am trying to run the boards so that the bow is making a frown..where should i be putting pressure as i run the boards through?

If the outfeed table is too high the wood climbs and less material is removed. One and one half thousands is enough to cause problems. Can be caused by a small knick or just slight dulling.

[andy bessette]

Why have you not mentioned what jointer you have?

[Derek Cohen]

John, do not make any adjustments to your jointer until you are absolutely certain it is the machine and not the human! It is most likely the human.

I would begin by scribbling on the underside of the board, so as to monitor what the cutter is doing. It should remove waste from the extreme ends first.

Of course the board may also have a twist, and this can be affecting the way you transfer downforce as the board moves along the bed. Downforce and hand positioning is likely to be the issue with your troubles (regardless of twist). Take light cuts and observe what is happening, then report back your observations to the forum.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[jack forsberg]

What Mel said the rear table is to high or the cutter block to low . I’ve never experienced anything requiring supernatural technique to use a jointer when it’s properly set up.

Here is how you do it
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiCXbm5gBCc/

[Mel Fulks]

John, they can be run either way. I do the best edge with out regard to which will be easiest. Keep the stuff held down to contact outfeed table. For a "smile" edge it's ok if first pass does not cut the end,just run it again.

[Al Launier]

Make sure you are maintaining downward pressure on the board on the out-feed side and not on the in-feed side.

I'll emphasize Keith's comments: Downward pressure on the board only when it is on the out-feed side letting the tail end of the board assume its natural "float" position as it passes over the cutters.

[Chris Merriam]

I agree on changing the table height, using straight edges and setup tools gets you started, but if you’re not getting the results you need then you have to make adjustments and test the results until you’re happy.

You also need to consider the board length. If it’s longer than the outfeed table then as it leaves the outfeed side (and it’s bowed) then that can start to alter the physics of everything. Start with a board that is no longer than your outfeed table, whether it’s bowed or not, and make sure the blades are cutting from end to end (might take a few passes).

[johnny means]

jointer.pdf

This would be my first guess as to what you're doing.

[john schnyderite]

I ran a smaller board though which had a bow. I ran it 'frown'-wise. Here are some photos of the result after 3-4 small passes. I focused pressure only on outfeed side while running though. It seems to take more material on the side that is run through first. The front of the board is already .1" thinner than the back side of the board though the bow makes it appear that material should be coming off the back too. I noticed this also when running longer boards.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zTyvAxRbQGkgjmdt2

John, do not make any adjustments to your jointer until you are absolutely certain it is the machine and not the human! It is most likely the human.

I would begin by scribbling on the underside of the board, so as to monitor what the cutter is doing. It should remove waste from the extreme ends first.

Of course the board may also have a twist, and this can be affecting the way you transfer downforce as the board moves along the bed. Downforce and hand positioning is likely to be the issue with your troubles (regardless of twist). Take light cuts and observe what is happening, then report back your observations to the forum.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Andrew Hughes]

So you have a Dj 20 ? That's a nice machine. See if you can get a full end to end cut with that board on edge. Just pass it along don't push anywhere. Look at the contact it make with the table before and after the cut this will tell a lot.