Jointer
A jointer is an essential woodworking machine used to make wood pieces perfectly flat and straight. It's like a large power tool that helps woodworkers prepare raw lumber for furniture making. When someone mentions using a jointer in their resume, they're showing they know how to prepare wood properly before assembly. This skill is fundamental in furniture making, cabinet making, and general woodworking. Other names for this tool include "planer jointer" or "surface planer" in some regions, though technically a planer is a different machine.
Examples in Resumes
Operated Jointer and other woodworking machinery to prepare materials for custom furniture projects
Maintained and calibrated Jointer equipment to ensure precise wood preparation
Trained junior woodworkers in safe operation of Jointer machinery
Typical job title: "Woodworkers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Woodworkers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Learning Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you train someone to safely use a jointer?
Expected Answer: A senior woodworker should describe safety procedures, proper stance, push block usage, and common mistakes to avoid. They should also mention maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
Q: What's your process for evaluating wood before jointing?
Expected Answer: Should explain checking grain direction, looking for defects, determining proper feed direction, and how to handle problematic pieces of wood.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the steps to properly adjust a jointer?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how to check and adjust fence squareness, blade height, and infeed/outfeed table alignment.
Q: How do you handle twisted or bowed lumber on a jointer?
Expected Answer: Should describe the correct sequence of passes, proper pressure points, and when to use alternative methods for severely warped wood.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic safety rules when using a jointer?
Expected Answer: Should mention using push blocks, keeping hands away from cutterhead, proper clothing, eye protection, and basic operational safety rules.
Q: What is the purpose of a jointer in woodworking?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's used to create flat surfaces and square edges on wooden boards as preparation for further woodworking.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic jointer operation
- Understanding of safety procedures
- Simple wood preparation tasks
- Basic maintenance checks
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex wood preparation techniques
- Machine adjustment and calibration
- Problem-solving with difficult wood grain
- Equipment maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Training and supervision of others
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Complex project planning
- Safety program implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with basic safety procedures
- No hands-on experience with actual jointer operation
- Lack of knowledge about wood grain and proper feed direction
- Unable to explain basic maintenance procedures
