Tuning Your Jointer

by David Fielhaber

A common problem with jointers is misalignment of the table beds causing end snipe or tapering. In the case of end snipe, the outfeed table is too low in relation to the cutter head. With tapering, the outfeed table is too high in relation to the cutter head.

To fix both problems the tables need to be realigned to each other and to the cutter head. Using a straight edge adjust the tables so they are parallel to each other and to the cutter head. Then, adjust them so they are level with each other and the knife height of the cutter head. The depth of cut indicator should now be set to zero.

Now, the outfeed table is properly aligned to the cutter height and as you lower the infeed table to increase the depth of the cut, the stock should ride smoothly from infeed to outfeed without any sniping or tapering. This realignment should be checked as blades wear and each time they are sharpened or replaced.