Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Mark the best face of the board with a long wavy line of chalk down it's length. Then run this board face across the jointer to flatten it. You will know it is flat when all the chalk is gone.
Run the board with the newly flattened face side down through the planer. What this does is remove material from the opposite face and creates a parallel surface. You are now ready to square the edges of the board to the faces.
Mark one face of your board. Place the marked face against the jointer fence and begin removing stock from one edge of the board. When that edge is square to both faces you are ready to move to the table saw.
Rotate board so the marked face is down and the newly squared edge is against the table saw fence. Now rip down the length of the board. Both edges should now be parallel and square to each face.
Optionally you can attach your board to a commercially available squaring jig and cut the first side on the table saw. You can also build your own squaring jig with the free plans in the resource section below.
Trim the first end with either the Table Saw or Miter Saw and verify that it is square with both edges and both faces. Then trim the other end to length.
Double check for square with Tri-square. Make minor corrections on the Jointer if needed.
And you're done! It reads as if it is difficult, but it really isn't. If you take your time, a couple of practice sessions with scrap wood will be all it takes to master the process. Be safe and have fun!