How to Get Flat, Square Edges

When most woodworkers begin purchasing woodworking machinery for their shop, the table saw is typically the first purchase. Other tools such as a band saw, miter saw or drill press will likely follow. In my opinion, once these major purchases have been made, the next machine that should be added is a quality jointer.

In order to properly align two boards, the edges must be straight. This is essential when "gluing up" a number of boards to create a single, wide panel, such as a table top. While a table saw is very useful for cutting the boards to a specific width opposite a parallel edge, but how do you get the straight edge from which to begin?

The answer is with a jointer. No other power tool will straighten an edge (or square one edge perpendicular with another) easier or quicker than a jointer. Learning how to use one is easy and fun. We cover all of the basics in Jointers - The Easy Way to Get Square & Flat Surfaces.

Once you've added a jointer to your shop, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one!

(c) 2008 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.