How to Use a Parallelogram Jointer

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To get the perfect, clean edges on your woodworking projects, you’ll need to use a jointer. A jointer is a machine that helps to create perfectly straight and parallel lines on your pieces of wood. There are many different types of jointers on the market, but one of the most versatile is the parallelogram jointer. In this post, we’ll take a look at how to use a parallelogram jointer so that you can get the best results possible. Stay tuned!

What is a parallelogram jointer and what are its uses?

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A parallelogram jointer is a type of woodworking tool that is used to make precise joints in wood. They are also known as edge jointers or tongue and groove jointers. The main difference between a parallelogram jointer and other types of jointers is that it has an adjustable fence that allows you to make precise adjustments to the depth of the cut. This makes it an essential tool for any woodworker who wants to create high-quality joints.

There are many different uses for a parallelogram jointer. Some of the most common uses include:

Making precise cuts for tongue and groove joints
Making intricate cuts for door frames
Creating detailed moldings
Making window frames
Constructing cabinets

How does a parallelogram jointer work?

A parallelogram jointer also called a hand jointer or surface jointer, is a woodworking tool used to create flat, level surfaces on boards and panels. The key to its operation is the pair of cutting blades, which are set at an angle to each other.

As the board is fed through the blades, they work together to remove small shavings of wood, leaving behind a smooth, level surface. The cutting blades can be adjusted to different angles, depending on the desired results. A common use for a parallelogram jointer is to create a perfectly flat surface on a board before gluing it to another piece of wood.

The benefits of using a parallelogram jointer

A parallelogram jointer, also known as a jointer-planer, is a powerful woodworking tool that offers several advantages over other types of jointers.

Its precision cutting ability allows for very tight joints that are virtually invisible when glued.
The blades on a parallelogram jointer are set at a constant 30-degree angle, which means that they will never need to be sharpened or replaced.
The parallelogram design of the tool helps to keep the workpiece in contact with the table at all times, preventing it from becoming misaligned during the cutting process.

The different types of parallelogram jointers available on the market today

There are several different types of parallelogram jointers available on the market today. Each type has its own unique set of features that make it a good choice for certain applications:

Fixed Blade Parallelogram Jointers

Fixed blade parallelogram jointers are one of the most popular types of jointers on the market. as their name suggests, they feature a set of blades that are fixed in place within the machine. This design is favored by many woodworkers because it offers a high level of precision and control. However, it is important to keep in mind that fixed blade jointers require frequent sharpening to maintain their accuracy. Additionally, these machines can be more difficult to set up than some of the other types of parallelogram jointers.

Spiral Cutterhead Jointer

These machines feature a rotating cutterhead with spiral blades that slice through the wood like a hot knife through butter. The major advantage of this type of jointer is that it requires less frequent sharpening than a fixed blade machine. But for some, it can be more difficult to control than their fixed blade counterparts. Additionally, these machines tend to be more expensive than other types of jointers.

Movable Blade Parallelogram Jointers

These are one of the more versatile woodworking tools. As their name suggests, their main difference from other jointers is that they have an adjustable fence. This allows you to make very precise adjustments to the depth of cut, which is essential for making accurate and strong joints in wood.

Adjustable fence parallelogram jointers

These are one of the most versatile woodworking tools. Their main advantage is that they can make very precise adjustments to the depth of the cut. This makes them ideal for making tongue and groove joints, as well as other types of joints such as miters and dovetails.

Combination Jointers

These are woodworking tools that are used to make precise joints in wood. The main difference between a combination jointer and other types of jointers is the fact that it has an adjustable fence. This particular feature allows the user to make precise adjustments to the depth of cut.

How to choose the right parallelogram jointer for your needs

When shopping for a parallelogram jointer, there are a few factors you will need to consider:

Size of the machine. You will want to choose one that is big enough to handle the projects you plan to work on.
Power of the motor. You will want one that has enough power to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Price. You will want to find one that fits your budget.

How to use a parallelogram jointer

Here are the steps to follow when using a parallelogram jointer:

Sharpen the blade and check that it is properly aligned.
Set the fence at the correct angle.
Place the workpiece against the fence and hold it firmly in place.
Run the workpiece through the blade, making sure to keep it level and consistent with the fence.
Repeat steps 3-4 until the desired depth is reached.

When using a parallelogram jointer, it is important to take care and be precise. This type of tool can be dangerous if not used correctly. Always make sure the blade is sharp and the fence is properly set before beginning any cuts. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is best to seek out the help of a professional.

The advantages of using a parallelogram jointer over other types of jointers

Parallelogram jointers are a type of woodworking tool that is used to make precise joints in wood. They are also known as edge jointers or tongue and groove jointers. The main difference between a parallelogram jointer and other types of jointers are as follows:

It has an adjustable fence that allows you to make precise adjustments to the depth of the cut. By being able to adjust the depth of the cut, you can ensure that your joints are perfectly flush every time. This is especially important when working with tongue and groove joints, as an
Has the ability to make precise adjustments and the fact that it can be used on different types of wood.
This design gives the user more control over the depth and angle of the cut, making it a more precise tool.
The blades on a parallelogram jointer are easier to sharpen and replace than on other types of jointers. It uses a pair of parallelogram-shaped blades to make the cuts.

The disadvantages of using a parallelogram jointer

While a parallelogram jointer may be an attractive option for its low price point, there are several disadvantages to be aware of before making a purchase.

This type of jointer is less accurate than other designs. This is because the cutting head is not mounted on a fixed pivot point, which can result in more vibration and Less precise cuts. As a result, it can be more difficult to achieve clean, crisp edges when using a parallelogram jointer.
It can also be more difficult to keep in alignment, which means that it may require more frequent adjustments.
It can be difficult to use. The adjustability of the fence can make it tricky to set up, and the blade can be difficult to sharpen correctly.

How to care for your parallelogram jointer

As any woodworker knows, a jointer is an essential tool for creating smooth, flat surfaces on pieces of lumber. However, like any tool, a parallelogram jointer requires regular care and maintenance to keep it in good working condition. Here are a few tips for caring for your parallelogram jointer:

Keep the blades sharp. The blades on a parallelogram jointer are what do the work of cutting into the wood, so it’s important to keep them sharp. You’ll need to sharpen the blades more often if you use the tool frequently, but even if you only use it occasionally, it’s important to sharpen the blades at least once per year.
Clean the table and fence. The table and fence on a parallelogram jointer can accumulate debris over time, which can negatively impact the quality of your cuts. To clean the table and fence, simply wipe them down with a clean cloth after each use.
Lubricate the moving parts. Like any machine with moving parts, a parallelogram jointer needs to be lubricated periodically to prevent wear and tear. Lubricate the moving parts on your jointer every six months or so, or more often if you use the tool frequently.
Check for alignment problems. Over time, the moving parts on a parallelogram jointer can become misaligned. This can cause the tool to produce less-than-perfect cuts. To check for alignment problems, simply make a test cut on a piece of scrap wood and compare the results to a reference cut. If the cuts are not identical, then your jointer is out of alignment and will need to be adjusted.
Stored in a dry place where it will not be exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture.

The different parts of a parallelogram jointer

A parallelogram jointer is a type of woodworking tool that is used to make precise joints in wood. It has an adjustable fence that allows you to make precise adjustments to the depth of the cut. This makes it a great choice for joinery tasks where accuracy is important.

Here are some of the parts of a parallelogram jointer:

Blade guard

The blade guard is one of the most important parts of the tool, as it helps to protect the user from the sharp blades. The blade guard is usually made of metal or plastic and is positioned so that it covers the blades when they are not in use. When the guard is in place, it is important to make sure that the blades are properly aligned before beginning any cuts. If the blades are misaligned, it can cause the guard to become damaged or even break, which could lead to serious injury.

The dust collection system

Most parallelogram jointers come with a dust collection system that helps to keep your work area clean and free of sawdust. The system consists of four main parts: the inlet, the outlet, the hose, and the collector bag. The inlet is located at the front of the jointer and is connected to the outlet by a hose. The outlet is located at the back of the jointer and is connected to the collector bag. The collector bag collects the sawdust that is generated by the jointer and helps to keep your work area clean.

The fence

The fence can be adjusted to create either 45-degree or 90-degree joints, and can be set at different depths to accommodate different thicknesses of wood. In addition, the fence can be tilted to create beveled or chamfered edges. When setting up the machine, it is important to make sure that the fence is level and square to the table, as this will ensure that the boards are cut accurately. Once the fence is in place, the operator can make a series of passes with the blade to create a clean, precise joint.

The infeed and outfeed tables

The infeed table is where the workpiece is fed into the machine, and the outfeed table is where the workpiece exits the machine. In between the two tables is a set of cutting blades that rotate at high speed, creating a smooth, level surface on the wood. The cutting depth can be adjusted by raising or lowering the blade, and the width of the cut can be controlled by moving the workpiece from side to side.

Motor

The motor is the key component of the tool, providing power to the cutting blades. The cutting blades are mounted on a parallelogram-shaped frame, which allows them to move up and down as well as side to side. This gives the user a wide range of motion to work with, making it easy to create complex joints. In addition, the motor is typically mounted on a swivel base, allowing the user to rotate it for even more versatility. With its powerful motor and versatile design, a parallelogram jointer can be an invaluable tool for any woodworker.

Switch

The switch on a parallelogram jointer is typically located on the front of the machine, near the inlet. It is important to make sure that the switch is in good condition and is properly connected to the motor before beginning any cuts. If the switch is damaged or not working properly, it could lead to serious injury.

How to assemble a parallelogram jointer

Assembly of a parallelogram jointer can be a bit daunting for the first-time user, but with a little patience and care, it can be done fairly easily.

Remove the jointer from the packaging and check to make sure that all of the parts are there.
Attach the base to the body of the jointer. Four screws need to be tightened to do this.
Once the base is attached, you can then attach the motor to the body of the jointer. Again, four screws need to be tightened to do this.
Attach the blade guard to the body of the jointer. Once again, four screws need to be tightened to do this.
Attach the dust collector to the body of the jointer. This is done by simply attaching the hose from the dust collector to the port on the body of the jointer.

Tips for using a parallelogram jointer

There are a few things you should keep in mind when using a parallelogram jointer:

Always use sharp blades. Dull blades can cause the wood to chip and splinter.
Make sure the fence is properly aligned before making any cuts.
The depth of the cut should be adjusted according to the thickness of the wood you are working with.
Take your time and make sure all cuts are precise. Remember, a little bit of extra effort will go a long way in ensuring your project turns out to look its best.

Troubleshooting Common issues with parallelogram jointers

There are a few common issues that can occur when using a parallelogram jointer. Here are some of the issues and how to troubleshoot them:

The fence is not adjustable. If the fence on your parallelogram jointer is not adjustable, it can lead to inaccurate cuts. To fix this issue, you will need to adjust the fence so that it is level with the table.
The blade is not sharp. If the blade on your parallelogram jointer is not sharp, it can result in a poor-quality joint. To fix this issue, you will need to sharpen the blade.
The jointer is not properly calibrated. If your parallelogram jointer is not properly calibrated, it can also lead to inaccurate cuts. To fix this issue, you will need to calibrate the jointer.

Conclusion

A parallelogram jointer is a woodworking tool that is used to make precise joints in wood. The main difference between a parallelogram jointer and other types of jointers is that it has an adjustable fence that allows you to make precise adjustments to the depth of the cut. This makes it a great choice for projects where accuracy is essential, such as when joining two pieces of wood together.

FAQs

What is the difference between a regular jointer and a parallelogram jointer?

The main difference between a regular jointer and a parallelogram jointer is that the parallelogram jointer has an adjustable fence that allows you to make precise adjustments to the depth of the cut. This makes it ideal for making precise joints in wood.

How can you replace the blade in a parallelogram jointer?

To replace the blade in a parallelogram jointer, you will need to remove the four screws that hold the blade cover in place. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the blade cover and replace the blade. Be sure to replace the blade cover screws before using the jointer.