Whether you're crafting tables or making cabinets, you'll need to have a working knowledge of wood jointers if you're pursuing a career in woodworking. Fortunately, there are several resources you can choose from when it comes to wood jointers education and training. With the proper training, you can learn about grizzly jointers, powermatic jointers, benchtop jointers and other types of wood jointer tools.

You might start your wood jointers education and training by attending a woodworking school. An apprenticeship with an established woodworker will also teach you to use a wood jointer tool. Specific classes and seminars conducted through professional woodworking associations will also address how to operate a wood jointers. Finally, retail outlets where you'd find a wood jointer for sale may offer training classes.

1. Learn about wood jointers and other woodworking tools by attending a woodworking school.
2. Sign up for an apprenticeship with a woodworking studio to get hands-on wood jointers education and training.
3. Take advantage of wood jointers education and training classes and seminars offered by many professional associations.
   

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Enroll in woodworking classes as a first step in wood jointers education and training

Perhaps the best place for novice woodworkers to start learning how to use wood jointers and other woodworking tools is by taking classes in a woodworking school. Many of these schools use crafting projects as the means to teach students how to use specific tools, so attending woodworking schools is really a working experience.

I recommend: Kelly Mehler's School of Woodworking has an extensive class schedule that has students building tables, cabinets and other items by using all types of woodworking tools, including wood jointers. Take day or evening classes that introduce students to woodworking tools and techniques at the Coeur d'Alene School of Woodworking.

Get invaluable hands-on wood jointers training by working with a master woodworker

Though woodworking school is a great way to get hands-on wood jointers education and training, you can take that a step further and sign up for an apprenticeship with an established woodworking studio. This type of one-on-one training offers an incomparable experience in learning how tools are used in a real workshop setting.

I recommend: Established for nearly 15 years, Conover Workshops offers a successful apprenticeship program with many apprentices going on to run their own furniture design shops. The Heartwood School offers a summer apprenticeship program that combines hands-on experience with conferences and workshops conducted by the Timber Framers Guild.

Look to woodworking associations for wood jointers training and educational classes

Most woodworking clubs, organizations and associations offer members training classes, seminars, conferences and lectures which can enhance their wood jointers education and training. In addition, networking opportunities with master woodworkers and educational publications such as instructional guides and videos may also be available by joining a professional association.

I recommend: Northwest Corner Woodworkers Association runs classes every year, many of which concentrate on teaching the use of specific woodworking tools, such as lathes, wood planers and wood jointers. The Sonoma County Woodworkers Association offers an extensive video library that includes instructional videos on wood jointers and other woodworking tools.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with local retail outlets such as Lowe's or Home Depot. These stores may offer training classes for many types of tools, including wood jointers.
• •  Subscribe to professional woodworking trade magazines, either print or online, to learn about wood jointers and other woodworking tools.

The variety of wood planers and wood jointers run the gamut and include the popular benchtop jointers, mainly used in small or craft projects, from trusted manufacturers like Rigid, Grizzly and Dewalt. Their purpose, as their name implies, is to smooth flat edges on rough cuts of wood so that the edges of woods can eventually be joined to construct furniture and other wood products. Wood jointers can help repair and recondition wood as well since any cut of wood can expand and contract given certain conditions.

Some wood workers prefer to use hand tools for shaping wood, but wood jointer machines can help you get the job done quickly and produce wood made to exact specifications.

Whether shopping for benchtop jointers or larger wood jointers that can handle bigger jobs, consider the following for the best information:

1. New jointers for a solid performance

2. Blades and other accessories for wood jointers

3. Refurbished jointers as an inexpensive option

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Find a new wood jointer for sale from a trusted manufacturer

Finding a wood jointer for sale is as easy as getting online. Trusted wood jointer manufacturers sell products through online hardware stores as well as through their own sites. Going through the manufacturer sites might offer the advantage of better product guarantees and customer service dedicated to their products.

I recommend: Look to Rockler Woodworking and Hardware for benchtop jointers. Check out Grizzly Industrial, Inc., for the well-reviewed 6 inch by 24 inch benchtop jointer.

Buy wood jointer tools and blades online

Need a wood jointer tool or extra blades? You may not now but you will eventually, and companies who also sell wood jointers will more than likely carry the blades as well. You may also want to check with companies who specialize in blades that tout a universal fit.

I recommend: Search by your specifications for jointer blades and tools through Toolstoday.com. American National Knife also a wide variety in your search for a wood jointer tool or blade.

Look at refurbished wood jointers for a cheaper option

New wood jointer machines can have a hefty price tag. If you're starting a new business and are trying to limit spending, consider purchasing a refurbished or used wood jointer. You can purchase them online but be sure to ask the seller about shipping -- the equipment is heavy and, unless you plan to pick up the jointer, shipping can cost as much as the machine itself.

I recommend: MachineKing.com offers a variety of heavy-duty refurbished wood jointers. HGR Industrial Surplus features refurbished wood jointers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're working with a particularly rough cut of wood, remove most of the rough or defective wood with a hand or circular saw. It will not only make for a more accurate cut with a wood jointer but will also reduce wear and tear on your blade.

A wood jointer is an excellent addition to any woodworking shop. You will need absolutely straight wood while making panels or any piece of furniture. A wood jointer is a necessary accessory for the wood-straightening process. The word "jointer" comes from the term jointing (or joining), which refers to the process of gluing pieces of wood together to produce a wider board. This guide covers some of the important terms that you will need to know, such as jointer fence, edge jointing, bed length and kickback.

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Jointing or jointers

Wood jointing refers to the process of making a wooden board straight and smooth. A jointer is a machine that produces straight and flat edges.

I recommend: To learn more about the wood-jointing process and the working of a wood jointer, visit Cyber Woodworking Depot. Additionally, you can refer to The Cutting Edge, a supplier of woodworking tools, for information about wood jointers.

Bed length

The jointer has a large flat bed or table to support the wood. This bed is split into the in-feed and out-feed table. Bench-top jointers have a shorter bed, which limits the length of the board you can joint. The longer the bed length, the more support your wood board has.

I recommend: Visit Builders Square for detailed information on bed lengths.

Jointer cutting capacity

You can determine the cutting capacity of a jointer by the knives that are used in a jointer. The jointer will not work properly if these knives are not adjusted correctly.

I recommend: To learn more about the cutting capacity of a jointer, visit Fine Woodworking, a magazine dedicated to the woodworking industry.

Jointer fence

Unlike other woodworking equipment, a jointer fence is permanently mounted on the jointer table. A jointer fence runs across the table and the cutter head. You can adjust most of the fences as per your needs, which will assist you in making various types of joints. You can also use the fence to keep the board at a right angle to the tables, producing a square edge.

I recommend: You can learn more about fences and their uses at New Woodworker, an online information resource.

Parallelogram jointer

A parallelogram jointer is adjustable from four points for each table. It is also possible to reinstall these jointer tables if it gets out of shape.

I recommend: Sawdust Making 101 publishes information about the various types of jointers, including parallelogram jointers.

Edge jointing

Edge jointing refers to straightening a wooden board in preparation for edge joining.

I recommend: Woodworking Jointer, an online information resource, offers detailed information about the edge-jointing process.

Kickback

Kickback is one of the most dangerous problems while working with jointers. Kickback happens when the knives throw back the material in the opposite direction, toward the operator. This may also expose the operator's hands to the knives.

I recommend: To learn the techniques to avoid a kickback, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

Wood jointers are large pieces of equipment used by woodworking professionals and hobbyists. It is a large machine that uses two flat tables, with blades in between, to cut a flat surface on one side of a board. Jointers come in different shapes and sizes, which allows for a wide range of prices.

When looking for a wood jointer, consider the type of work being completed. There are benchtop jointers, as well has sturdier industrial strength jointers. Wood jointers pricing and costs vary from $200 to over $7,000, so consider the following when purchasing:

1. Benchtop jointers typically cost less than stand-alone wood jointers.

2. Industrial wood jointers have strength and durability, but also a higher price.

3. Combination wood planer and wood jointers can save space and money.

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Compare prices of benchtop jointers

Benchtop jointers sit on top of a workbench and do not have a large body stand or legs attached. These wood jointers are typically smaller and less expensive than other styles of wood jointer tools.

I recommend: Grizzly Industrial has grizzly jointers, including a 6-by-24 inch benchtop jointer with a 2 HP motor for around $200. There are different brands and sizes of benchtop jointers at ToolCorral, ranging from about $220 to $270.

Find the price range on industrial wood jointers

A wood jointer tool that is intended for industrial use are typically sturdier and have more horsepower. You can find industrial grade jointers for as little as $700 or as much as $7,000.

I recommend: TheFind shows a several different types of industrial wood jointers, starting around $700 and going up. CPO Commerce carries a large line of Powermatic jointers with prices ranging from $960 to around $7,100.

Consider wood planers and wood jointers in one

If space is a consideration, purchasing a separate wood planer and wood jointer may not be the best bet. There are combo machines that offer wood jointing and wood planing capabilities for a reasonable price.

I recommend: The Taunton Press shows a Grizzly jointer/planer at FineWoodWorking.com starting around $1,800. WoodCraft Supply has a comparable jointer/planer made by Jet for approximately $2,000.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing wood jointer machines off the Internet, remember to factor in shipping costs to your final price. These machines are very bulky and heavy, and typically have a high shipping cost.