Before you begin to make furniture, you need boards that are straight and square on all sides—in other words, four-square lumber. The jointer and the planer are an indispensable pair of tools for this job. In this course, power-tool expert Roland Johnson explains the principles of how each tool works and how to get the best results when using them. He discusses cutterhead technologies and possible upgrades, along with a foolproof technique to accurately set straight blades on these machines. Johnson demonstrates how to precisely align the infeed and outfeed tables to the cutterhead and how to accurately adjust the jointer fence to 90°, or to any other angle. He also shows how to identify the different types of warp that might be found in rough-sawn lumber and how to eliminate them using the jointer and planer.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Craftsman Random Orbit Sander

While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.

Buy at Amazon

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon

Fein Turbo II HEPA Wet/Dry Dust Extractor

Among the most powerful HEPA-rated shop vacs on the market, Fein’s Turbo II is quieter, more compact, and nimbler than the rest.

Buy at Amazon