The Jointer. (A.) This tool is from 20" to 26" long, and is used to straighten edges and surfaces, or to fit them together. The shape of the edge of the cutter of this plane should be but slightly elliptical, less so than that of the jack plane or the smoother, unless the two latter are fitted for doing very fine work.

Fig. 31. - Method of Guiding a Jointer.

(B.) In using a jointer for squaring or jointing an edge, it should be carried to one side or the other of its face, as may be necessary, to take advantage of the elliptically shaped edge of the cutter. This may be done by cutting a shaving thicker on one edge than on the other, thus making the edge of the board square with the face side.

To make a perfectly square edge, the cut should be made in the center of both the iron and the width of the face of the plane. The plane should be held as shown in Fig. 31, with the fingers under the face of the plane, and the tops of the finger nails touching the board lightly, guiding the plane, and keeping the bit cutting in one place upon its edge.