This refers to a specific woodworking tool, a jointer, sold by The Home Depot under the Ridgid brand. A jointer is a stationary power tool used to create perfectly flat and square edges on pieces of wood. These edges are then used as reference surfaces for further woodworking operations, such as creating tight-fitting joinery. For example, a woodworker might use this type of machine to flatten the face of a board or to create a precise 90-degree angle between two adjacent surfaces.
The significance of this tool lies in its ability to prepare lumber for accurate and professional woodworking projects. A properly jointed board is essential for constructing cabinets, furniture, and other woodworking items where precise dimensions and flush surfaces are required. Historically, achieving these flat, square edges required hand tools and considerable skill. The modern power jointer provides a more efficient and accurate means of achieving these results, making high-quality woodworking accessible to a broader range of users.