The value of a jointer

[mmayo]

If you make cutting boards or cheese cutters, consider a jointer even an inexpensive one like my Rikon. The image shows evidence of very, very tight joints fresh from the planer and drum sander. No need for putty to fill the joints. I also use a Freud glue line rip blade and carefully true it before starting to cut the strips.

 

[Dale Allen]

I use my planer to get the boards trued for gluing.


What advantage would a jointer give me over my planer?


BTW, I have 2 old cast iron 4" jointers and the one in service gets the wide boards. However, jointing anything over 3 foot is problematic.

 

[bmachin]

What advantage would a jointer give me over my planer?

.

A planer will not take out twist or bow.

You really need both.

Bill

 

[Dale Allen]

I use my planer for flattening twisted or bowed boards by shimming one side and planing the top flat. Then flip it over.

 

[mmayo]

After carefully cutting the strips for a cutting board there is a surprising variation in how flat each board measures. A quick pass through the jointer (very light cut) determines if more passes are needed. Some boards fresh from the saw require five of six passes before the helical cutter cuts the entire length. Then in to the next board. Before going to the jointer I mock up the cutting board and mark it with chalk. That way I know which faces need jointing and can reassemble it correctly. The difference is substantial difference before and after jointing.

As for using the planer, I get no snipe with the jointer. I have a good freaky 735 13" planer.

 

[mmayo]

I use my planer to get the boards trued for gluing.


What advantage would a jointer give me over my planer?


BTW, I have 2 old cast iron 4" jointers and the one in service gets the wide boards. However, jointing anything over 3 foot is problematic.

My jointing projects are fairly short. The short bed of my Rikon is plenty. Dust off the ones you have, true the blades and fence and give it a try on your next glue up. You will like it I think.