Planer or Jointer? - Woodworking Talk

CivilEngineer13 · 11-19-2009, 10:31 PM

Haven't used either, but I have a project coming up that I need one or the other. I plan on buying 1" stock boards (cedar), ripping them in half with the table saw, and then smoothing out the one side that the table saw cut.

Do I want a jointer or planer? In the long run, what will benefit me more?

And no, I can't buy both.... And I know someone will still recommend it...

Thanks!

greg4269ub · 11-19-2009, 11:23 PM

if your goal is to get rid of the saw marks your table saw makes the jointer is the way to go. i bought a small delta jointer brand new for around $200. the bed is 6" wide and about 20-24" long. good luck with your project!!

Big Dave · 11-19-2009, 11:39 PM

I would buy the planer. I have both but use the planer more than the jointer. I even use the planer to joint the edges of boards. Run several together at the same time and they will keep themselves straight up and down and all be the same width too.

Only drawback is your limited on the width of board to run through on edge.

Streamwinner · 11-19-2009, 11:53 PM

Depending on what you do most. I find the planer more useful. You can get rid of the saw marks on the edge of your boards with sandpaper, or a hand plane.

GeorgeC · 11-20-2009, 06:06 AM

Unless you are going to purchases a lot of rough cut lumber I would get the jointer. I had a jointer for 25 years before purchasing a planner. For what you describe the immediate need is I believe a jointer would serve you best.

G

**joasis** · 11-20-2009, 07:14 AM

With the great quality saw blades we have now, if your table saw is set up well, you really should not need the edges jointed. Care during sawing will produce suitable edges for gluing.

Big Dave · 11-20-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joasis

With the great quality saw blades we have now, if your table saw is set up well, you really should not need the edges jointed. Care during sawing will produce suitable edges for gluing.

Ain't that the truth. I have a Forrest saw blade that leaves the edges smooth enough I don't need to do anything before gluing panels together.

If an edge is going to be exposed though a little light sanding and it's free of saw marks.

Big Dave · 11-20-2009, 08:15 AM

They actually make one machine now that will do both. Plane and joint. I want one just don't have the cash.

rfanslow · 11-20-2009, 08:35 AM

What big dave said.. takes up the same floor space as a jointer.. costs a little more then the single unit.. and you get both.. you can even buy one with the spiral indexable inserts so you never have to go out and buy a new set of knives due to a nick on your planer blades (where I sit now)

drawbacks to the combo machines.. not as much board height.. low bed for the planer (lot of leaning over)

woodnthings · 11-20-2009, 08:51 AM

YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.

You didn't mention your budget, but a good bench top planer is around $700 or so. There are cheaper ones for $300 as well. I got a Ryobi on sale at HD for $200. I use it on job sites.
So, there all sorts at all sorts of prices......

Grizzly has one: http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-J...er-Combo/G0675
BTW I have an older Mini Max S45 Combo, but I really only use the jointer 13 1/2" as I have other planers. It was/is expensive......
another link: http://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolG....aspx?id=32101
If I only could get one machine...planer.....and a good sawblade as mentioned above.

bill

TS3660 · 11-20-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Quote:
Originally Posted by joasis

With the great quality saw blades we have now, if your table saw is set up well, you really should not need the edges jointed. Care during sawing will produce suitable edges for gluing.

Ain't that the truth. I have a Forrest saw blade that leaves the edges smooth enough I don't need to do anything before gluing panels together.

If an edge is going to be exposed though a little light sanding and it's free of saw marks.

I agree. If you are only concerned about the sawn edge, get a good table saw blade ($60 - $100) and set your saw up perfectly. No need for a jointer.

John in Tennessee · 11-20-2009, 09:52 AM

The Jet looks like the way to go if there isn't any problems with it.

clarionflyer · 11-20-2009, 06:38 PM

I understand the $ dilemma.

I'm in the jointer crowd. I use my jointer almost as much as the tablesaw. The jointer makes everything flat and correct. Most of my wood hits the jointer before anything else.
You can joint your way to size, but you can't plane "flat" without a sled/jig (what a pain).
I have both. And this topic is certainly a matter of opinion.
Hope it helps.