Can A Router Table Be Used As A Jointer

Router tables with a split fence can be great for edge jointing short pieces.

Can a router table be used as a jointer. Make sure your infeed and outfeed guides are long enough and rigid enough then you can set it up like a jointer laid on its side. The jointer setup on the router table requires careful alignment. By using a router table fence thats equipped with an offset fence youll be able to dial in the thickness of cut by adjusting the position of your infeed fence in relation to the outfeed side.

Yes a very narrow jointer good for edge joining but too narrow for face jointing. First eyeball the fence and clamp one end. The only difference is that we have the board laying down rather than standing up as on a true jointer.

The technique for making jointing cuts on the router table is very similar to that used on a jointer. Place the piece that you want to be jointed on the router. 1 Insert your straight cut bit into the router and a guide-bushing in the router base plate.

For longer stock lay out your boards on a scrap piece of ply in the order that you want them laminated and clamp them at both ends to your bench photo 10. 2 Lay the board to be jointed work piece on your bench with none of the bench directly underneath the actual edge getting jointed. Yes although there will be limitations to board depth based on bit size.

A simple table saw jig will also do an excellent job of edge jointing a board so you may not need to wait until your router table arrives. As was mentioned earlier face jointing is almost impossible with a router bit. For small stock a router table is every bit as convenient as a dedicated jointer.

You CAN joint on a router table but it isnt always the best choice especially with thicker lumber. In this short video furniture maker and Fine Woodworking contributing author Gregory Paolini demonstrates his technique for jointing wood on the router table. You may need to tweak it for your table.