Push block mentioned →
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One of the few machines in my shop that rarely needs any adjusting is my jointer. But in time, things can move around, so let’s go through problems and fixes for it. If you’re having snipe problems where your board is getting a divot on the back side of your boards, it means your front table is too high. Use a square and find the zenith of your blade and adjust it so that it’s perfect. On the other hand, if you’re having a hard time pushing your board from one plane to the next, it means either the out feed table is higher than the blade or there’s a bow in the board, causing the board to drop after its cut.
We discussed cutting with the grain in bitesize 72 which will eliminate chipping and gouges. If you’re experiencing ripples, check to make sure your blades are all at the right height. The next best practice is to use a dust collector at all times…if there’s dust that ends up on the surface then you’re not getting good airflow. Remember not to press down as you pass your board through the blades. The goal isn’t to squeeze a bend out before it’s cut but allow the board to be crooked on the in feed table as you make cuts to flatten it. More strength and concentration should be put on the back of the board as you push it through. Because of this you’ll always want to use a push block with a hook on it, even if that means taking an old block and adding a couple screws to the back edge.
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