The jointers function is to produce a flat surface along a boards length and has a 6" width capacity. When gluing board edges together they need to be flat and fit together without gaps. A jointer cuts with a helical cutter-head made up of many tiny carbide cutters wrapped around a rotating drum. Some of the cheaper and older machines use blades rather than carbide inserts to cut away material.
+
The jointer's function is to produce a flat surface along the length of a board that is no more than 6" in width. The jointer cannot accommodate boards wider than 6". When gluing board edges together they need to be flat and fit together without gaps. A jointer cuts with a helical cutter-head made up of many tiny carbide cutters wrapped around a rotating drum. Some of the cheaper and older machines use blades rather than carbide inserts to cut away material.
Here is an example of this piece of equipment being used.
Here is an example of this piece of equipment being used.