How I Joint Edges Without a Jointer (for Panels and Table Tops)
No jointer? No problem. Learn how I create square edges for professional-looking furniture projects. It’s easier than you think.
Jointers are fantastic for creating perfectly square edges, which are essential for strong joints. However, they can be expensive and take up a lot of space. If you don’t have one, I’ll show you how I achieve similar results using my table saw, even without a special jig.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Edge Jointing
- Alternate Methods for Jointing Edges
- Limitations of My Table Saw Method
- Before You Begin
- Selecting the Wood
- How I Joint Edges Without a Jointer
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Understanding Edge Jointing
Edge jointing creates a right angle on a board’s edge, ensuring the workpieces fit together seamlessly, preventing gaps or misalignment. Woodworkers frequently use the technique for gluing up narrow boards to make wider panels for woodworking projects, from simple boxes to furniture.
I usually avoid building projects with plywood because the big sheets are hard to handle in my tiny workshop. Instead, I make panels from individual boards. But these boards often have uneven edges or get damaged during shipping, so I often joint them before gluing them together for a professional look
A jointer, a woodworking machine with a long, flat table and rotating cutter head makes it pretty easy to get super-square edges by flattening one face and making one edge perpendicular to it.
Related: Jointer vs Planer (Differences & Which to Buy First)
But let’s be honest, they can be a big investment. Not everyone can afford one, especially when you’re just getting started with woodworking. But there are still great ways to get good edge joints without one. In the next section, I’ll share some alternatives and my go-to method for great results on a budget.
Alternate Methods for Jointing Edges
If you don’t have a jointer, you can use several other tools to create smooth, straight edges. Here are a few popular options:
- Hand Plane: A hand plane is a classic woodworking tool you can use to joint edges. While this method requires some skill, practice, and patience, it can produce excellent results.
- Table Saw Jig: A table saw jig can be a quick and efficient way to joint edges. You’ll need to build or purchase a jig that clamps your workpiece securely against a fence and guides it across the blade.
- Router: Another option is using a straight bit and a router table or a handheld one with a fence. Router tables are often preferred for smaller pieces, while a handheld router is more suitable for larger workpieces that might be too big for a jointer.
My Go-To Method
When it comes to edge jointing, I’m a big fan of keeping things simple. My go-to method is just a table saw and the rip fence. No fancy jigs or complicated setups. It’s a pretty straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind that we’ll discuss in the next section.
Limitations of My Table Saw Method
My table saw method creates square edges for most boards; however, it’s important to understand its limitations:
- Warp and Cup: It can’t flatten warped or cupped boards.
- Bow: It can’t straighten boards that are severely bent end to end (like a banana).
- Rough Lumber: It’s not suitable for transforming rough-cut lumber into usable boards.
What My Technique Can Do
My method is ideal for creating relatively square edges on store-bought boards, making it perfect for gluing up panels and tabletops for DIY furniture projects. While it might not be the best choice for heirloom-quality pieces, it can help you produce professional-looking results from your home workshop.
Before You Begin
WARNING: Table saws are powerful tools capable of causing severe injuries, including lacerations, amputations, eye damage, and broken bones.
Before using a table saw:
- Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wear safety equipment, including eye protection, ear protection, and a dust mask.
- Ensure safety devices are correctly installed and functioning.
Related: 21 Table Saw Safety Rules (& Mistakes to Avoid)
Table saws can pose a serious safety risk known as kickback. Imagine kickback this way: your table saw is humming along, cutting your workpiece. Suddenly, the wood snags on the blade, launching it back at you like a rocket, packing a punch that can break bones. And the danger doesn’t stop there – the blade’s downward force can pull your hand into the spinning teeth, potentially leaving you with deep gashes or even missing fingers.
Related: Table Saw Kickback (Cause, Injuries & How to Avoid It)
Important Safety Note: If you’re unfamiliar with table saws or feel uncomfortable using one, please do not attempt this method. Always prioritize your safety and avoid unnecessary risks.
Selecting the Wood
Beyond safely using your table saw, selecting the right boards is the most critical part of my table saw technique.
You want to buy the straightest boards with the fewest imperfections. Before shopping, I recommend checking out my How to Buy Wood article, where I share tips for choosing the best boards.
I was chatting with my friend Tina, who sells handmade wood crafts. We discussed where to buy lumber, and I mentioned that I often get mine at the big box store. While lumber yards offer higher-quality wood, they’re farther away (nearly an hour and a half roundtrip) and have shorter hours. So, even though it takes a little more effort, I usually go to the big box store. It can take some digging, but I usually find decent boards.
How I Joint Edges Without a Jointer
Step 1. Cut the Boards to Length
I cut the board slightly longer than its final size using my miter saw. I believe running a shorter board through the table saw is much easier than trying to handle a longer one. Plus, my shop is small, and ripping 8-foot boards can be tricky without hitting a wall.
For example, if a panel needs to be 47 inches, I’ll cut the boards to 47-½” inches.
Related: How to Use a Tape Measure Correctly (Tips for Success)
After jointing the edges, they’ll be perfectly straight, so I can get a clean, square cut when I trim the board to its final length.
Related: Why Can’t I Make Accurate Cuts? (& How to Fix It!)
Step 2. Joint the First Edge
With my table saw unplugged, I place the board next to the blade and gently snug (very light pressure) the rip fence next to it.
TIP: If the board has a slight bow, I place the bowed ends toward the rip fence. Think about it like a banana. I would place the ends of the banana against the fence. Positioning the middle of the board (or banana) against the fence could create a pivot point, allowing it to rock as you push it through the blade which could result in kickback.
Using a Grr-Ripper, I push the workpiece through the blade, shaving off a thin amount of material and leaving the edge relatively square.
I should mention that you can use a featherboard. Its angled finger-like slots apply constant pressure as you feed workpieces, keeping them tight against the fence.
Step 3. Joint the Second Edge
To joint the second edge, I flip the workpiece, place the board next to the blade (with the cut edge facing the fence), and gently snug the rip fence next to it.
Using a Grr-Ripper, I push the workpiece through the blade, shaving off a thin amount of material and leaving the second edge relatively square.
That’s it. Now, the boards are ready for the next step: gluing up the panels.
Final Thoughts
While a jointer is excellent for creating perfectly square edges, you can achieve similar results using your table saw. Following the methods in this tutorial, you can create clean, square edges for your woodworking projects, regardless of your workshop size or budget.
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