Replies

1. 
   Nick93 | Dec 24, 2023 11:41am | #1

   I recently jointed a couple 85" long, 3" wide boards with my bench top jointer and a roller stand on each end to help keep the infeed and outfeed even. Got me within 1/16" deflection across the length of the board, more than straight enough for my purposes. If more exact was needed, I would have either gotten 2 more roller stands (to have 2 at each end) or built an infeed and outfeed table level and coplanar with the infeed and outfeed tables. The biggest problem I found was physically having the 85" on both ends of the infeed and outfeed to actually be able to joint the boards, but I'd assume space isn't such an issue for you if a floor model jointer is an option on the table (or floor, as it may be)

2. 
   joeyboy | Dec 24, 2023 12:21pm | #2

   Even with an industrial jointer, it would be almost impossible remove all of the end-to-end bow from a board 8 feet long. That said, the longer the bed on the jointer the closer to perfectly straight you will get. Try to pick the boards with the least amount of bow and twist from the start.

   A jointer is the best tool to flatten and square the edges of long boards for glue up. There are also ways to do so on a table saw equipped with a good ripping blade and/or by using a long hand-held jointer plane.

   If you are serious about woodworking, this might be you chance to justify investment in a floor model jointer. On the other hand, if this project is likely to be a one-time affair, I'd suggest finding a lumber supplier who can also mill the boards and provide ones that are ready for glue up or nearly so.

3. 
   hotdogman | Dec 24, 2023 06:17pm | #3

   I like Nick93's idea. Give it a try and be precise as possible with the roller stands. I would practice with some 8 foot boards of soft maple or poplar at 4/4 to get things as close as possible. Make sure your jointer knives are sharp. Good luck and have fun. If you get a pretty small concave bow that can work to your advantage with good clamping