Taper Cuts - Steel City 40540 User Manual

SURFACING
Surfacing is identical to the jointing operation except for
the position of the workpiece. For surfacing, the major
flat surface of the workpiece is placed on the infeed
table of the jointer with the narrow edge of the work-
piece against the fence, as shown in Fig.10. The work-
piece is moved from the infeed table, across the cutter-
head to the outfeed table, establishing a flat surface on
the workpiece. SEE FIG.11.
Fig.11
WARNING
!
ALWAYS USE PUSH BLOCKS WHEN PERFORMING
SURFACING OPERATIONS AND NEVER PASS YOUR
HANDS DIRECTLY OVER THE CUTTERHEAD.
CAUTION
!
MAXIMUM DEPTH OF CUT SHOULD NOT BE MORE
THAN 1/8" IN ONE PASS.
BEVELING
To cut a bevel, lock the fence at the required angle and
run the work across the knives while keeping the work
firmly against the fence and tables. Several passes may
be necessary to arrive at the desired result. When the
angle is small, there is little difference whether the
fence is tilted in or out. However, at greater angles ap-
proaching 45 degrees, it is increasingly difficult to hold
the work properly when the fence is tilted out. The
advantage of the double-tilting fence is appreciated
under such conditions. When tilted in, the fence forms a
V-shape with the tables, and the work is easily pressed
into the pocket while passing it across the knives. If the
bevel is laid out on the piece in such direction that this
involves cutting against the grain, it will be better to tilt
the fence out.

TAPER CUTS

One of the most useful jointer operations is cutting an
edge to a taper. This method can be used on a wide
variety of work. Tapered legs of furniture are a common
example. Instead of laying the piece on the infeed table,
lower the forward end of the work onto the outfeed
table. Do this very carefully, as the piece will span the
knives, and they will take a "bite" from the work with a
tendency to kick back unless the piece is firmly held.
Now push the work forward as in ordinary jointing. The
effect is to surface off all the stock in front of the knives,
to increasing depth, leaving a tapered surface. The
ridge left by the knives when starting the taper may be
removed by taking a very light cut according to the reg-
ular method for jointing, with the infeed table raised to
its usual position. Practice is required in this operation,
and the beginner is advised to make trial cuts on waste
material. Taper cuts over part of the length and a num-
ber of other special operations can easily be done by
the experienced craftsman.
SURFACING WARPED PIECES
If the wood to be surfaced is dished or warped, take
light cuts until the surface is flat. Avoid forcing such
material down against the table; excessive pressure will
spring it while passing the knives, and it will spring back
and remain curved after the cut is completed.
SURFACING SHORT OR THIN WORK
CAUTION
!
WHEN SURFACING SHORT OR THIN PIECES,
ALWAYS USE PUSH BLOCKS TO MINIMIZE ALL
DANGER TO THE HANDS.
Fig.10 illustrates using the push blocks properly.
SEE FIG.10.
CAUTION
!
DO NOT PERFORM SURFACING OPERATIONS ON
MATERIAL SHORTER THAN 10 INCHES, NARROW-
ER THAN 3/4 INCH, WIDER THAN 6 INCHES, OR
LESS THAN 1/2 INCH THICK.
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