Summary of safe Operating Procedures for the Jointer (printable version)
Check the depth of cut before turning the jointer on.
Adjust depth of cut to less than 1/32 in. for material with knots, 1/16 in. for clear material.
Jointing of used or recycled lumber is prohibited without special permission
Do not joint stock less than 12 inches long.
Do not edge joint material less than 1/4 inch thick.
Do not face joint material less than 3/8 inches thick.
Use push blocks, and push sticks to keep your hands well away from the cutterhead
Do not remove or disable the blade guard.
Always examine the condition of the stock and evaluate the grain direction, warp, twist, burl, swirl, kink, and cup.
Allow the cutterhead to reach full speed before starting a cut.
Run wood through the jointer with the edge grain sloping down to the right as you face the jointer, whenever possible
Begin the cut with downward force on the in-feed table and then gradually transfer downward force to the out-feed table. Do not press down immediately over the cutterhead.
When straightening a cupped piece of stock, always have the concave side down & the humped side up. It may take several passes to get a smooth surface.
Do not face joint material with your thumb or fingers on the end. Use a push pad
When edge jointing material less than 6” wide, use a push stick or push pad.
Stand to one side of the jointer and position your stance to allow you to walk through with the board.
If you are jointing long or heavy stock, make sure you have help or use a stand to support the work
Do not back your work out of the cut; keep going in the direction of the out feed table.
Do not walk away from the jointer until it is off and the cutterhead has stopped turning.