I’ve been into woodworking for about a year now. Not making anything too difficult yet, but just enjoying my new hobby. I’ve done a bunch of small projects in which I have learned a lot. I’m now thinking to take the step into making furniture. I have converted my 2 car garage that’s about 16×24 to a wood shop. Space is a little tight but adequate. My question is, to try to keep wood costs down, I want to use rough cut wood. I would like to purchase a planer and jointer and dimension the stock myself. I’ve been thinking of a 6″ jointer and the new delta 13″ 2 speed planer. I’ve read the discussions on 6″ jointers vs 8″ jointers. But what is the relationship between a jointer and planer? I know the real advantage to a larger jointer is the ability face joint wider stock. If I have a 13″ planer, does that in any way reduce the need to face joint?
My other considerations are that I’m a little cramped for space in the shop, and the costs of the 8″ machines are almost 2x the price of the 6″ models.
Any discussion is appreciated.
-Bill
Replies
Ut Oh this sounds like its going to be another toothpaste or flat workbench thread..:).
I use my jointer primerily to give me a straight edge for ripping and cleaning up the edges after ripping and dimensioning the diameter of the wood. The planer I use to assure that all the pieces have the same thickness especially with 4/4 stock on large projects/ doors ect. There are some folks who say you dont need a jointer. That a hand plane will work or just joint using a very good blade such as a forrest. I however think you need both.
Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
>>"If I have a 13" planer, does that in any way reduce the need to face joint?" No, No, No. A planer will not accomplish "face jointing" --
So, you mill one face flat with your jointer, then you can plane it to be flat on the other face and the correct thickness. Use your jointer to make the edges perfectly flat and perpendicular (yielding "square" stock).
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
One way I avoid not useing the jointer for face jointing is to buy my lumber s2s straight line ripped. Then I only use the jointer for edge jointing Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
(I) buy my lumber s2s straight line ripped.
And then you are at the mercy of the people who did the preparation. What lengths do you buy? Didn't they just run both sides through a planer? You could do the same with rough lumber and save some money. Are you certain there is no cupping or twist? Why bother with edge jointing if you trust the straight line rip?
Bill,
We all seem to follow the same logic as we emerse ourselves in our hobby..we buy undersized machines because, well, "were not professionals or anything..just wanna make some stuff". Then there's the "it'll pay for itself" routine. Lastly, or firstly depending on the direction, there is the hand tool appoach..."I'll do it the Old Craftsman way..by hand".
Reality check....The cost will be the same ..no matter what you choose. Perhaps the only thing that will change is your level of frustration as you move through the process..
Bill, I was a little rushed this morning when I posted, sorry. With regard to the issues of space and cost. Can't do much about space, but as a person who is only newly equipped with a jointer, I'll say that it is proving well worth the space and money it has consumed. It can live snugged up against a wall. Mine's on a small mobile base (an old furniture dolly, basically). If I need additional room for longer infeed/outfeed, it just pulls out into a clearer space.
As far as cost of the 6" vs. the 8" is concerned, if you really want an 8" machine you might consider the 8" Grizzly jointer. Many satisfied users of this machine have posted here and in other forums, and it's only $695 + $75 shipping. I have the 6" Jet, as that's what I could afford (got it at the Jet surplus store that's relatively local to my home). It has made woodworking a much more efficient and enjoyable activity.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
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