Jointing short stock

[cdols]

I have some smaller pieces of padauk and purple heart (8 inches long or so)I would like to use for a project - how can I flatten these? Jointer docs say not to do short pieces...

Thanks!

[Gecko]

Well if you have a hand plane, that is the way to go. Or you can use the jointer. Make very shallow cuts and watch your hands. Also do not do it if you are not used to using a jointer. I have run 8" long pieces through the jointer with no problem but the safest, easiest and most satisfying way is to use a hand plane.

[Ruffnek]

I do short pieces all the time on my jointer.

Set it for a light cut (~1/32") and make sure you are cutting with the grain, not against it.

[Doug B]

I don't consider 8" too short for the jointer even though the manual says not to use anything shorter than 12".

For shorter than you are comfortable with pieces you can always use a dab of CA glue or hot glue or (my favorite) double sided tape to attach a longer piece next to the short piece and run them through the jointer with the longer piece next to the fence. Make sure your push paddle keeps pressure on both pieces and you make the pass - that is probably not really necessary, but it feels safer to me doing it that way.

[boodrow]

Thats some good info , I have allways used the 12" rule. If shorter I didnt use the jointer on it. For some reason that thing scares the livin piss out o me when usin it. Guess cause I knew a guy that got his hand in one. Wasnt good.
Boodrow

[Doug B]

Boodrow, the jointer is one tool that I always use push paddles and push sticks with when face jointing because the thought of slipping and getting finger into that that makes me very cautious with it. Especially with face jointing. When edge jointing wide stock where there is no chance of slipping into the blades it does not concern me so much.

[rhull]

I always use handplanes for short stock, and almost always for wide stock.

[dburkhart]

i was bit once with the jointer my bad but i would use the jointer gor the short stock

[sawduster]

The length of the piece is not the only thing I would take into consideration if deciding whether or not to use the tailed jointer. Thickness and width of stock would also be a consideration.

Even using hand planes, I might clamp the plane in the bench vise upside down and move the piece over the plane rather than trying to joint in the normal manner by sliding the plane over the work.

[TDHofstetter]

Mar 19, 2010 16:52:00 GMT -6 sawduster said:

Even using hand planes, I might clamp the plane in the bench vise upside down and move the piece over the plane rather than trying to joint in the normal manner by sliding the plane over the work.

Done THAT many times. Acoustic jointer.

[Gecko]

Mar 19, 2010 13:48:14 GMT -6 rhull said:

I always use handplanes for short stock, and almost always for wide stock.

Neanderthal! ;D

Just pokin at you. I am getting more and more that way as I get better with the planes. In fact, I rarely edge joint a piece with the jointer anymore.

[Joe Lyddon]

That sounds like a very good way to do it... clever & safe! ;D ;D

[art3427]

start with a belt sander and coarse belt (60 grit). Final step with a few strokes with the hand plane.

art

[rrich]

A belt sander then a hand plane is probably the best option. However a two handed push pad with a small lip would work with short pieces on a jointer.

When you make the push pad, off set the handles to the right of center. This will keep your fingers further away from the jointer knives.