A ___ is constructed with two tables: infeed and outfeed.

A ___ is constructed with two tables: infeed and outfeed.

• A. Jointer
• B. Drill press
• C. Bench
• D. Table saw

Answer: (A)

A jointer uses two tables, the infeed and the outfeed, to shape one face of a board flat while also giving a reference edge that’s square to that face. The infeed table is adjustable and sets how much stock is removed as the wood is fed into the cutter head. As the board passes between the cutter and the two tables, the portion of the stock that has just been cut sits on the outfeed table, which supports it as it exits and helps keep the surface flat and true. This setup, with the cutter head between the two tables, is unique to the jointer and is what lets you establish a flat reference face and a square edge, which you’d then use for subsequent planing and routing operations. Other tools don’t rely on this paired-table arrangement: a drill press has a table for vertical cutting but not infeed/outfeed surfaces; a bench is simply a work surface; a table saw involves a blade with one main table and fence, not two dedicated tables for feeding stock.

A jointer uses two tables, the infeed and the outfeed, to shape one face of a board flat while also giving a reference edge that’s square to that face. The infeed table is adjustable and sets how much stock is removed as the wood is fed into the cutter head. As the board passes between the cutter and the two tables, the portion of the stock that has just been cut sits on the outfeed table, which supports it as it exits and helps keep the surface flat and true. This setup, with the cutter head between the two tables, is unique to the jointer and is what lets you establish a flat reference face and a square edge, which you’d then use for subsequent planing and routing operations. Other tools don’t rely on this paired-table arrangement: a drill press has a table for vertical cutting but not infeed/outfeed surfaces; a bench is simply a work surface; a table saw involves a blade with one main table and fence, not two dedicated tables for feeding stock.