Tool makers were always looking for a new tool. An adjustable fence for a hand plane seemed a good idea to make planing edges to a predetermined angle seemed like a tool every person planing wood would want.

Like so many other new tools the jointer fence didn't have a lot of woodworkers beating paths or breaking down doorways to buy one. Otherwise, they would be more commonly found at yard sales and auction sites.

They are useful for many woodworkers.

Though more experienced woodworkers can square or bevel an edge without one. It is easy to mark out the edges of a bevel with a marking gauge and work to it. Many can even cut a perfect bevel by marking it on the ends of the workpiece. Those who make much molding do work similar to this all the time.

Once one has established a flat face on a board, it is fairly easy to square an edge.

Flattening the face first helps to prevent splinters when riding fingertips or knuckles along under the plane when squaring an edge.

At one time it was my hope to purchase a jointer gauge. After getting more experience with hand planes it occurred to me it wasn't needed.

jtk