Marking the Face Side and Edge

Before we proceed any further, it is necessary to take a couple of minutes and inspect each of the boards. Look at the two faces available and try to decide which one will make the best finished face for the project. On top quality lumber you are probably just looking at color. On our inexpensive, example lumber, we also have to consider water marks, blemishes, and other defects. Usually this isn't a difficult process, but the backer board does make it slightly more complicated. Once you have made your decision, inspect the edges for the best edge. Consider the fact that when passing the edge over the jointer with the face side against the fence, you want the grain oriented to reduce tearout by the jointer knives. This isn't always possible, especially if the grain directions are all over the map, but it's just another of many considerations you'll have to keep in mind. When you know which face and edge you are going to use, mark them using a square mark. Make sure the tail of the square mark points to the corner in question. That corner will become the key to making sure that your stock is perfectly flat and square.

One other step I usually undertake at this time is to check the face edge for bumps. If the face edge has some irregularities it can take longer to joint. In these cases I usually just run my block plane over the high spots and that saves me time at the jointer. This is just something I do - it isn't critical in any way.