Is a jointer a must have?

[Bobby O'Neal]

So I have every intention of owning a jointer (I think) but haven't pulled that trigger yet due to funding versus need. I have a scrub, 4 and 5 and really haven't "needed" a jointer yet. The next build will be a bench and I think I know the answer already but is this the project that will finally push me to getting something? If so I'll just put it in the budget for this build. Is there a chance that with straight edge and winding sticks, my jack will suffice?

Other tools that may factor that I own currently: 13" planer, TS, routers, jointer fence that I use on my #5. And I will be using SYP 2x12s for the bench.

Thanks for any input.

[Stanley Covington]

So I have every intention of owning a jointer (I think) but haven't pulled that trigger yet due to funding versus need. I have a scrub, 4 and 5 and really haven't "needed" a jointer yet. The next build will be a bench and I think I know the answer already but is this the project that will finally push me to getting something? If so I'll just put it in the budget for this build. Is there a chance that with straight edge and winding sticks, my jack will suffice?

Other tools that may factor that I own currently: 13" planer, TS, routers, jointer fence that I use on my #5. And I will be using SYP 2x12s for the bench.

Thanks for any input.

Bobby:

Of course you can get by without a jointer, so long as you have the skills and the patience to use your No.5 effectively. If you count your time worth much, however, a jointer plane is a worthwhile investment. Besides, your just going to buy one in the future, so why not now when you need it most?

Stan

[Bobby O'Neal]

Bobby:

Of course you can get by without a jointer, so long as you have the skills and the patience to use your No.5 effectively. If you count your time worth much, however, a jointer plane is a worthwhile investment. Besides, your just going to buy one in the future, so why not now when you need it most?

Stan

What you said at the end is what I wanted to know. "When I need it most." Thanks.

[Charlie Stanford]

A jointer should have been the first plane you bought, not the last.

[Carl Beckett]

A jointer should have been the first plane you bought, not the last.

Certainly wasnt my first plane. (my first plane was an old block plane)

Maybe I did it all backwards? (pretty easy to imagine, because I do a lot of things backwards)

[Zach Dillinger]

The jointer is the plane that will open up the world of hand tool work for you, if what you want to make requires it. The rule of thumb (based on math I don't understand) is that a plane will effectively make a straight edge that is roughly 2 times longer than itself. So your #5 will be fine for parts around 2 feet long. Anything longer than that and it is very easy to make a banana. For most cabinet scale work a 22 or 24 inch jointer will be fine. For joiners work, you pretty much need a 30" jointer. My two favorites are a 22" Ohio that is virtually NOS and a self-built 18th c. jointer with silver inlay, although I do have an infill jointer coming my way from Lee Richmond...

[Jessica Pierce-LaRose]

. . . although I do have an infill jointer coming my way from Lee Richmond...

Oooh - love to see this.

Nothing wrong with getting another plane first - a lot of folks get a block or a smoother for little tasks, and then the bug bites 'em. A plane like that is certainly a decent way to test the water, get an idea of what a plane can do and what sharp is. But if I was jumping straight in with the decision to do a lot of work by hand or with limited machinery, a jointer plane would be one the first I got. I find it invaluable for the majority of my work. I'd rather be without a smoother than a jointer. Even if I worked in a machine-based approach, there's lots of times I'd want to reach for a jointer plane first.

[Bobby O'Neal]

Good stuff guys. Thanks for the input. Again, I thought this would be the project that really required a jointer. I've been watching eBay and the classifieds here for a Bailey 7 or 8 for a while. I'll pull the trigger when I find it for sure.

[Zach Dillinger]

Good stuff guys. Thanks for the input. Again, I thought this would be the project that really required a jointer. I've been watching eBay and the classifieds here for a Bailey 7 or 8 for a while. I'll pull the trigger when I find it for sure.

Keep hunting, and don't ignore a good old wooden jointer. They are incredibly good pieces, if you find one in good shape.

Oooh - love to see this.

I can't wait to get it. Should be any day. I'll be sure to post pics when it arrives.

[Prashun Patel]

If you need an excuse to get a new plane, don't let me stand in the way.

However, I will say that I've recently been able to flatten bench-size slabs with a block plane and a jack plane. Is it ideal? Probably not. However, it forced me to "hone" my sharpening skills and to learn to read the wood with winding sticks and straight edges. I own a jointer. I just don't reach for it as much now. I find it more comfortable to work with smaller planes and keep checking for reference.

[Jason Coen]

I'd give up my smoothing planes before I'd give up my #8. That is the one tool with which I have an unhealthy attachment.

[David Weaver]

although I do have an infill jointer coming my way from Lee Richmond...

Oh my...sounds like it will be a good Christmas.

[Zach Dillinger]

Oh my...sounds like it will be a good Christmas.

I was extra good this year. And by good, I mean I worked my tail off.

[David Weaver]

Always nice to attach a little bit of fruit to the labor at the end of the year.

My grandfather used to modify a popular saying and say "All work and no play makes jack", which confused me when I was little because I've never heard anyone else use the world "jack" for money. At the time, I was working 60 hours a week in a cabinet factory (by choice, of course).

[Sean Hughto]

I think so, yes.