I'm working on a baby changing table and using a jointer to flatten some maple boards, but they keep coming out curved. I'm applying pressure on the outfeed side and pushing from the back of the infeed side. Am I doing something wrong? I'm worried I might run out of material before I can get the boards straightened out.
2 Answers
It sounds like you might have a couple of issues at play. First, check if your board is too long compared to your jointer's table length. Boards that are longer can be tricky. Secondly, make sure your jointer is properly calibrated—the tables should be coplanar and the cutter height set correctly. I had to recalibrate mine after moving it once, and it really made a difference. It can be a pain, but it’s worth the setup time for better results!
Just curious, are you getting a smiley or frowny curve? If it's a frowny curve (like a bowl), that’s most likely due to uneven pressure while feeding the board through. You might want to ensure better support along the entire length when you pass it through.