5 EASY Ways to Joint Boards Without a Jointer

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May 15

I know what it’s like to woodwork without a jointer. It can be challenging to say the least. I worked for about three and a half years without a jointer. It’s possible to work without one and I’ve got five ways you can joint boards without a jointer! I have a full video about this below.

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The first and easiest method is using a 48 inch level. I’ve used this method for years. While it isn’t perfect, it works very well. A level and a table saw will get your edges flat and square so you can build things like table tops and more!

The second method is just using a scrap of plywood. You’ll raise your table saw blade up through the plywood as seen in this picture. You want to keep about half the blade exposed and half in the plywood. This creates a way to barely take the edge off of a board. Super simple and easy to do. Just make sure you clamp that plywood to the fence so it doesn’t move on you when jointing.

The third method is just using tape and plywood. Get you a piece of plywood that is about 36” long by 14 to 16” wide. Use two sided tape to attach one side to the plywood. Then use the other side of the tape to tape down the board you want jointed without hanging over the edge of the plywood and run that through the saw. Easy jointed edge. You would just have to tape each new piece every time. Not convenient but it’ll work.

The fourth and probably the best results comes by making a jig. I made this jointing jig using MicroJig Matchfit system. IT IS AWESOME! I love the dovetail clamps on this jig. It allows me the ability to clamp the piece securely on the jig and make the cut. This can also be used as a tapering jig and a high fence for your table saw. I love this jig. It is so simple to make and even better to use!

The fifth way is jointing with a circular saw. So if you don’t have a table saw or a jointer, you can still joint boards with a circular saw. All you would need to do is make a similar jig using the MicroJig dovetail clamps. The clamps allow you to clamp your stock and use the jig as an edge guide for the circular saw. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.