Can You Use a Table Saw as a Jointer? Clever Workshop Hack
03.10.2023 ... I used the stumpy nubs one a few weeks ago. Worked like magic....
When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools for the job is crucial. Two of the most versatile tools in any woodshop are the table saw and the jointer. But can you use a table saw as a jointer? Let's delve into this question, exploring the functions of both tools, their similarities, and the potential drawbacks of using a table saw as a jointer.
Understanding Table Saws and Jointers
Before we discuss the interchangeability of these tools, let's first understand what they are and their primary functions.
Table Saw
The table saw is a versatile tool that allows you to make precise cuts along the length, width, or angle of a board. It consists of a circular blade that spins at high speeds, mounted on a trunnion that allows it to be tilted for bevel cuts. The blade is adjustable in height and can be set to different depths to control the cut's thickness.
Jointer
A jointer, on the other hand, is designed to prepare the edges of a board for gluing. It has two spinning knives that cut along the grain of the wood, creating a flat, smooth surface. This allows you to create perfect joints when gluing two pieces of wood together.
Similarities Between Table Saws and Jointers
At first glance, it might seem like you can use a table saw as a jointer. Both tools have spinning blades that cut into the wood, and they both require you to feed the wood through them. However, there are some significant differences that make using a table saw as a jointer less than ideal.
- Blade Design: Table saw blades are designed for cutting through wood at an angle, while jointer knives are designed to cut along the grain. This means that using a table saw to joint wood can result in a rough, uneven surface.
- Cutting Width: Jointers allow you to joint the full width of a board, while table saws can only joint the width of the blade. This means you would need to make multiple passes with the table saw to joint a wide board, which can be time-consuming and increase the risk of error.
- Safety: Using a table saw as a jointer can be dangerous. Table saws are designed for cutting, not for jointing, and using them in this way can increase the risk of kickback and other safety hazards.
When to Use a Table Saw as a Jointer
While it's not ideal, there may be times when you need to use a table saw as a jointer. For example, if you're working on a small project and don't have access to a jointer, or if you need to make a quick repair, using a table saw can get the job done. However, it's important to understand the limitations of this approach and to take appropriate safety precautions.
If you're using a table saw as a jointer, make sure to use a blade designed for resawing or ripping, as these blades have fewer teeth and can provide a smoother cut. Also, make sure to secure the wood firmly to the table saw's fence to prevent kickback. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask.
Alternatives to Using a Table Saw as a Jointer
If you find yourself in need of a jointer but don't have access to one, there are a few alternatives you can consider.
- Hand Jointer: A hand jointer is a simple tool that consists of a handle and a blade. It allows you to joint wood by hand, which can be time-consuming but provides a great deal of control.
- Router Table: With the right bit, a router table can be used to joint wood. This method requires some setup and practice, but it can provide smooth, even results.
- Planer: A planer can be used to joint one edge of a board at a time. This method requires multiple passes, but it can provide a smooth, even surface.
Conclusion
While it's technically possible to use a table saw as a jointer, it's not the best tool for the job. The unique design of jointer knives and the ability to joint the full width of a board make the jointer the superior tool for preparing wood for gluing. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, using a table saw as a jointer can get the job done, as long as you understand the limitations and take appropriate safety precautions.
In the end, the best tool for the job is the one that you have on hand and know how to use. So, whether you're using a table saw, a jointer, or an alternative, make sure you're using it safely and effectively to get the best results from your woodworking projects.
<strong>How do I joint with a table saw? : r/BeginnerWoodWorking - Reddit</strong><p>03.10.2023 ... I used the stumpy nubs one a few weeks ago. Worked like magic.</p>
<strong>Table Saw Jointing WITHOUT A JIG! - YouTube</strong><p>17.11.2020 ... Table Saw Jointing WITHOUT A JIG! - How To Joint Wood Without A Jointer · Comments.</p>
<strong>Can a table saw be used as a jointer? - Facebook</strong><p>11.05.2024 ... Thank you to each and everyone of you that replied!!! General consensus is, use a jig for the table saw. No jointer needed for a hobbyist and ...</p>
<strong>How to use Your Table Saw as a Jointer - Woodworker's Journal</strong><p>11.08.2014 ... With the addition of a simple shop-made fence, you can easily edge joint on your table saw. Remember that man-made materials like plywood can be hard on steel ...</p>
<strong>NO JIGS! -Turn a table saw into a jointer to straighten boards!</strong><p>29.03.2022 ... How to straighten an edge on a jobsite with just a table saw and a scrap of plywood. ▽EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS ...</p>
<strong>Question about jointing on a table saw</strong><p>31.01.2018 ... If you have table saw, it's not hard to do edge (edited - original post incorrectly said face) jointing with no jointer. Really just a matter of ...</p>
<strong>Table Saw Jointer : 6 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables</strong><p>Place a few washers in the bottom of the tracks in your table saw. This will raise the runner above the top of the table saw. Lower the blade and move the fence ...</p>
<strong>Use Your Table Saw as a JOINTER | Matthew Peech Woodworking ...</strong><p>04.03.2025 ... Okay so we're going to use a couple of scrap pieces of material just to put on the ends of the material that you're going to be joining. Make ...</p>
<strong>How To Joint Boards On Your Jointer and Tablesaw</strong><p>03.04.2025 ... A table saw also works very well. In fact, in some cases, a thicker, wider, longer board is better supported on a table top. So let me show you ...</p>
<strong>Methods of jointing without a jointer - Woodworking Stack Exchange</strong><p>01.10.2015 ... It will give you a glueable edge with a good sharp blade and a steady hand much better than a table saw. If you want to plane the edge with a ...</p>
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<strong>260. Turn a table saw into a jointer #mtbitesize ... - YouTube</strong><p>12.07.2024 ... The table saw's Achilles' heel is that it only works effectively if your stock has at least one surface that is properly dimensioned.</p>
<strong>How to Joint Rough Lumber on the Table Saw (Quick Tip) - KM Tools</strong><p>12.07.2023 ... Before you can safely make a rip cut on the table saw, a board needs one straight edge to ride along the fence. Normally, this is the job of a ...</p>
<strong>How to Use Your Table Saw as a Jointer Effectively | TikTok</strong><p>06.11.2024 ... Quick tip on how to use your tablesaw as a jointer. It won't be 100% perfect but it'll get the job done #tablesawjig #tablesaw #woodcutting # ...</p>
<strong>How To Joint Boards On Your Jointer and Tablesaw - YouTube</strong><p>10.03.2019 ... Learn how to joint your boards on your jointer and tablesaw. WOOD magazin'es Jim Heavey shows you methods for getting perfectly flat, ...</p>
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<strong>Two ways to joint wood on your table saw—no jointer needed</strong><p>14.08.2022 ... How to joint wood without a jointer by using a level · 1. Place your level on the table saw, flush against the fence. Then place the board you ...</p>
<strong>Using a table saw as a Jointer | LumberJocks Woodworking Forum</strong><p>10.12.2010 ... Mike - several blades including a Forrest WWII will give a glue-up quality edge…at least to my standards. I use my router table wing on my table ...</p>
<strong>Jointing on the Table Saw - Woodworkers Guild of America</strong><p>23.10.2014 ... Even if you own a jointer, jointing on the tables saw is a handy technique to know about. If you ever need to clean up edges on abrasive ...</p>
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<strong>What is the purpose of a jointer in woodworking? - Facebook</strong><p>04.09.2023 ... You can use a table saw without a jointer, but it may require more effort and alternative methods to achieve accurate and smooth cuts. •. "I've ...</p>
<strong>5 EASY Ways to Joint Boards Without a Jointer - 731 Woodworks</strong><p>15.05.2021 ... So if you don't have a table saw or a jointer, you can still joint boards with a circular saw. All you would need to do is make a similar ...</p>
<strong>Jointer jig for the tablesaw - The Amp Garage</strong><p>01.06.2018 ... I've used my palm router with this too, but it's built for the big one. The Wreck boards are about 9 inches wide. I can rip pretty wide with the ...</p>
