How to Use a Router Table As a Jointer

If you want to know how to use a router table as if it were a jointer, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll go through the steps needed for taking light cuts, using a moderate feed rate, and using a table-mounted router. After reading this article, you’ll be ready to tackle your next project. The first step is to make sure your router table is set up correctly. It needs a clamped-on fence so you can see the cutting edge. You’ll also want to set the fence so that the bit will protrude the thickness of the mica.

Using a clamped-on fence

If you’re a woodworker, you may have wondered how you can set up your router table as a jointer. The answer is simple: jointed edges will look the same as those produced by jointers. A router can produce these edges, but it’s important to remember that a jointer is a dedicated piece of equipment. A jointing bit is a tool that routs a piece of wood by 1/16 inches. The bit should be set so that it cuts without forcing the wood, and the fence will need to be adjusted to accommodate the length of the piece.

A router table’s split fence system is a major drawback, making edge jointing much more difficult. A router table can’t joint the face of a board; instead, it parallels the edges of the board. In addition, it’s more difficult to work with large boards on a router table because the fence halves are offset from each other. Face jointing requires a sled or straightedge to make it easier to work with, and it can be a pain.

A router can be used as a jointer in many cases. The router can make clean edges that are free of saw marks, making it an excellent tool for edge-joining. This tool is also useful for many other woodworking projects, such as gluing, finishing, and carving. You’ll also find that router tables can be used to do tasks that a jointer couldn’t do.

When using a router table as a jointer, you must first find a material with an edge that’s perfectly straight. Most people cheat by buying MDF, which has perfectly straight edges right off the shelf. You can also find narrow shelving blanks at most home centers. And you’ll find straight-edged MDF at a local lumberyard. If you’re still not sure which kind of material to use, you can use a straight-edged board.

Taking light cuts

Taking light cuts with a router table can be accomplished with a combination of techniques. Light cuts and moderate feed rates are important to achieve the best results when jointing with a router. Small cuts, removing less than 1/16-inch per pass, produce the best straightness. Using short fences and a clamped-on guide can help create a straight edge, while medium or heavy-cut cuts are more difficult to control.

One disadvantage of table saws is that they leave saw marks that are difficult to hide, and make it impossible to glue up a finished piece. Many woodworkers turn to a jointer to prevent unsightly glue lines. Unfortunately, this tool is expensive to purchase, so many people still use router tables as jointers. In order to use a router table as a jointer, you need to first install jointing shims.

While taking light cuts with a router table as sander can be easier, it requires a high level of skill. This is because the knife must be parallel to the router table’s surface. A high-level cut can result in tear-out. Similarly, a low-level cut may cause tear-out. Therefore, you should rotate your workpiece in the direction of the grain to minimize the possibility of tear-out.

Routing a piece of scrap wood involves a series of small, repeated passes. The first pass should have a thickness of 1/8-inch and should be performed against the fence with the workpiece firmly planted on the table. Then, pivot the wood into the bit, keeping your fingers away from the area above the bit. Once the first pass is complete, make sure to set the stops properly and repeat the process.

Using moderate feed rates

The basic principle of using a router table as a jointer is simple: start by cutting the stock into project-appropriate lengths. Then, shimming the fence on the outfeed side so that it guides the newly straightened edge. If you have a manual jointer, a simple shop-made fence is all you need. Once glued, you can place a thin plastic laminate on the outfeed side of the fence to create an offset.

Moderate feed rates and light cuts are important when using a router for jointing. A light cutting speed with one-eighth-inch or less per pass will help you control the process and achieve best results. Short router table fences and clamped-on guides make it easier to create a straight edge. However, if you are using a router for jointing, it is best to use a dedicated jointer to ensure the best results.

Once you have made a template with a router table, prepare a rabbeting bit and fit it onto the router’s bearing. The bearing rim distance should match the length of the tongue. You can measure this distance with the router table fence. Then, drill the rabbeting hole using a 1/2″ carbide flush trim bit and finish it. After cutting the rabbets, you can glue the joint pieces together.

When using a router, always make shallow test cuts to determine the safest feed rate and cutting speed. When cutting a thin piece of wood, always run it against the spin of the blade. The slower the cut, the less likely it is to hurt yourself. You also should make sure that you are using a push stick to protect your fingers. While it might be tempting to rush through the process, do not be afraid of the dangers of reckless cutting.

Using a table-mounted router

A table-mounted router can be a handy tool for joining wood. This versatile machine is a great way to profile edges and do joinery. However, you must be aware that it can be dangerous if you accidentally switch it on. Here are some tips for using a router table instead of a jointer:

Unlike a table-mounted jointer, a router does not make the cut in the same way on both sides of the wood. In order to use it effectively, you must install fences on the router table. The fences are important for edge jointing. The fences on the outfeed side must be offset a little. Having a small offset on one of the fences may result in more passes, which might not be ideal. But, as long as you’re consistent with your measurements, the results will be worth it.

Moreover, a table-mounted router is equipped for large bits and long strips. The fence allows you to adjust the height of the cutter and shape the edge without the bearing guide. Using a table-mounted router as a jointer is an excellent way to achieve a variety of profiles using one bit. The benefits of this device are numerous. You can get more efficient results and reduce your costs.

Another advantage of a table-mounted router is that it leaves a smooth edge for the glue to adhere to. Hence, woodworkers use these machines to achieve the perfect edges and avoid ugly glue lines. However, the cost of a table-mounted router may prevent you from getting one, so a table-mounted router will work as a suitable substitute. It will also help you save money on the cost of a jointer.

Using a router table to joint two boards at once

If you’re planning to straighten the edges of two boards, a jointer is the best option. Although a router can produce reasonably straight edges because of its tiny contact area and short fences, it can’t match the accuracy of a jointer. The following instructions will help you use a router to straighten and join two boards at once. This method can save you money and effort compared to using a jointer.

To use a router as a jointer, clamp the two boards together with plywood. Use a 1/4-inch-thick router bit to cut a slot between the two boards. Be sure to mark each board before jointing it. You can also use a hand-held router to joint long boards. After marking both boards, clamp them together with the router table’s fence.

To make jointing cuts on two boards, use the same technique as a jointer. Move the wood from right to left while applying pressure to the outfeed edge. Once the edge has been made, repeat this process on the other board, making sure to use moderate feed rates. Once again, use light cuts. One-eighth-inch-thick cuts will be easier to control and produce the best results. Short fences on the router table and a clamped guide will make this task easier.

Another common method is to use the router table as a jointer. Router tables are capable of creating the perfect edges for glue-up. These machines are able to join man-made materials that cannot be joined with steel knives. The router also cuts a groove in both boards, and these cuts are invisible once the glue is applied. So, while routers are great for fast edge jointing, they aren’t the best option for small-scale projects.