Carpentry and Woodworking - taking the twist out of 4x4's

I use pine 4x4's often as legs for kitchen islands. The problem is that they always have a twist and/or a bend in them, and it makes for interesting angles and compensation for them. I do not own a planer or a jointer, and my table saw's blade height is 3"-- one 1/2" short of a 4x4 (3 1/2x 3 1/2) Is there another wood that I should be looking at? Red cedar is the only other 4x4 available to me nearby, and those also have a twist, though a little less.

Sampson.

Do you own a bandsaw?

You could resaw them if you have one. Best bet is to use 2 x 4 and laminate up the legs.
1- More stable than solid piece.
2- Can use your table saw and a sled to make them straight if needed.
3- The problem is I bet you use construction grade lumber - 4 X 4 is awfully hard to take down to the right moisture content and keep it straight.
4- Expensive alternate is to pay a commercial kiln to rehydrate and redry them.