Buying a Jointer: Importance of infeed table length?
I’m looking to buy an 8″ jointer. All the reviews I’ve read say a longer bed, specifically a longer infeed table, matters. However, 12″ jointers typically have much shorter beds than 8″ jointers and additional roller stands will be needed to balance 8-ft+ long stock regardless of the table length. So does a difference in infeed table length of 6″ – 8″ really matter?
Also, I’ve read all the posts and reviews I can find about the difference between parallelogram tables and dovetailed ways. Both have their fans although most seem to favor the parallelogram system. I have never owned a jointer but I would like this purchase to last me the rest of my woodworking life with minimal aggravation along the way. My jointer will probably see light use (300 – 500 bd ft per year). Is it worth an extra $175 to buy a jointer with parallelogram tables to avoid potential future aggravation of shimming the dovetailed ways?
– Lyptus
Replies
My two cents on length is that it is beneficial to have longer beds so you don't need additional in-feed and out-feed support.
However, i have a 12" jointer/planer with an overall length of 55" making the in-feed and out-feed tables about 24" long. I make furniture and cut boards to rough length before milling so most of the pieces I push through the jointer are shorter than 5 feet. A two foot in-feed table is adequate for the 5 foot and shorter lengths. The out-feed table is less of a problem for the 5 foot boards because when jointing, once you have enough stock past the cutter head, you are putting all of your pressure down on the out feed table, minimizing the tendency of the work piece to tip when more weight extends beyond the end of the out feed table. Also, with five foot boards you only have one extra foot extending past the fulcrum point at the end of the table.
Occasionally I joint boards as long as 11 feet and use additional in-feed and -out-feed support while doing so. I've done 8 foot boards without the additional support, but it can be cumbersome, especially when using denser, wider or thicker wood. The additional in/out feed support doesn't have to be a roller or roller bearings. I use adjustable height tables with formica tops that are about 1' X 2'.
Pete
Not to butt in on John White, but if you ever need to align tables, it's typically a one time job until you drop the jointer off a tailgate, You shouldn't have to do it with a new jointer, but you never know, don't lift it by the tables. It's not too difficult to make extension tables for your jointer. As long as you can make them flat, straight and in line with the coresponding infeed and outfeed tables, you can make any size you want for long lumber. As far as buying something that will last your lifetime and never give you a problem, good luck with that. Jointers shouldn't change just by use. Of all the woodworking machines, they are pretty simple and usually only require sharpening. Switches and belts may wear out and a motor or capacitor may fail but that's unusual with the better brands. If you were comparing 2 Delta models, there isn't much difference for your use. If you are looking at inexpensive imports, the switches, motors, even castings, stops and screw threads can be of lower quality. Mine is a cheap piece of junk but I don't move things much and I may run 100's of ft. per week.
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