I just set up a new jointer and am in the process of destroying some wood (I mean learning how to joint wood).
I'm working with some cheap poplar so I'm more interested in learning at the moment so my quest is to be sure the problem is with technique (or lack) and not equipment. I'm leaning toward operator error.
However, to elimnate an equipment problem I took out my straight-edge (LV 38" aluminum) and measured the flatness of the tables. They seem OK, each table is within .003" of flat (which could reflect the accuracy of the straight-edge as well as the tables).
I then measured the parallelness (OK, so it's not really a word) of the tables in relation to each other.
Now since each table is not "perfectly" flat how close should the two tables be aligned to each other?
I've watched my dogs chasing their tail.
I can imagine the two of them shaking their heads watching me try to align these two tables thinking "he's never going to get it".
When dealing with these tables how close is close enough?
thanks,
Jeff