Jointer vs Planer 2021 Reviews: What’s the difference?
Jointer VS Planer: What’s the difference? The Best Jointer and Planer You Should Buy
As a woodworker or just a regular handyman, you must be familiar with the dilemma and seemingly everlasting debate of Jointer vs. Planer. While both tools come in very handy in woodworking, it is prevalent to be confused about which is best, if they are separate and distinct tools or should complement each other, and which one comes first and or is more effective?
These are very salient questions every good woodworker is familiar with and have asked themselves, especially as a novice, it could constitute a severe professional dilemma. Should you make use of a jointer to adequately get your lumber prepared for the next big project, or will a planer do the job just as well?
Now, of course, as earlier mentioned, this dilemma is mostly common among novice or inexperienced woodworkers, however, if you ask a pro, their answer as regards this debate may be to correct the unfortunate misconception that a jointer and planer should be viewed as separate machines that do very different things and should be treated as such.
There may be other different or diverse opinions on this matter, but mostly, both machines are very much needed and equally important.
If you are into woodwork or want to purchase a particular wood, it would be wise to be abreast of this Jointer vs. Planer thing so you can make well-informed decisions and be on top of your game as far as these machines are concerned.
Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, but we would help you provide a guide, clarity, and well-informed information concerning these machines.
We would adequately elaborate on jointers and planers, address the debate on what they are precise, what they are used for? Which one is better? How they should be used, the differences between the two machines, among others.
Best Jointers Reviews on the Market.
1
Powermatic 1610086K Jointer
The Powermatic 1610086K is arguably the best jointer in today’s market. Also called The Powerful 60HH is a jointer made for professional woodworkers.
It has a long front and back tables that makes it perfect for long planks. Even with its length, The Powermatic 60HH is easy to adjust.
With this jointer, you don’t have to worry about noise because it’s versatile four-sided helical cutter head helps it run smoothly and quietly.
The only drawback with this jointer is that it is a pretty heavy tool with its weight at 490 pounds. Nonetheless, this jointer makes up for this drawback by working smoothly and efficiently.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and start
- Auto lubrication
- Automatic tensioning system
- Chain brake
Cons
- Oil leakage is common
- Kickback brake is oversensitive
2
PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Jointer
Pros
- Easy to start
- Automatic oiling system
- Handle for cutting in many directions
- Great quality-to-price ratio
Cons
- Leaks when stored with oil
3
Delta 37-071 Jointer
Pros
- Easy to start
- Automatic oiling system
- Handle for cutting in many directions
- Great quality-to-price ratio
Cons
- Leaks when stored with oil
4
Jointers Ridgid JP0610 6 1/8”
Pros
- Easy to start
- Automatic oiling system
- Handle for cutting in many directions
- Great quality-to-price ratio
Cons
- Leaks when stored with oil
5
WEN 6560 6” 10 Amp Corded Cast Iron Benchtop Jointer
Pros
- Consistent, easy start
- Good battery life
- Speed trigger for speed control
- Little noise
Cons
- Chain oiler can cause problems
THE BEST PLANERS REVIEWS
1
DEWALT DW735X Thickness Planer
Pros
- Easy to assemble and start
- Auto lubrication
- Automatic tensioning system
- Chain brake
Cons
- Oil leakage is common
- Kickback brake is oversensitive
2
WEN 6552T BENCHTOP THICKNESS PLANER
Pros
- 6300 RPM
- Weather-resistant
- Long battery life
Cons
- Oil drips when stored
3
DEWALT DW734 BENCHTOP PLANER
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t have safety measures
4
Delta Power Tools 22-555 13″ Portable Thickness Planer
Pros
- Can start in any weather condition
- Easy to start
- Anti-vibration
Cons
- Not durable
5
Makita 2012NB 12” Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp
Pros
- Powerful
- Durable
- Easy starting
Cons
- You have to tighten the chain with a tool
WHAT IS A JOINTER
What Does A Jointer Do?
The jointers job is to make twisted pieces of wood smooth. Wood jointers are used for flattening the surfaces of damaged boards, and once those boards are flattened, the jointer can then be used to smooth out the edges. To perform its duties, a jointer has a rotating cutter head that may contain two or three blades between two flat tables.What A Jointer Cannot Do?
Just as important in the wood planer vs. joiner debate is understanding the limitations of a wood jointer. A jointer can set the thickness of a cut you’re working on, but it can’t set the finished piece’s width. A jointer is also unable to make opposite faces of a board parallel.Tips to Use the Jointer
Using a powerful tool such as a jointer can be dangerous. Here are some tips to ensure your safety when working with a wood jointer;
- Stay away from the blades. The blades are very sharp and can cut through flesh and clothes.
- When you work with thin pieces of stock, it is recommended that you work slowly.
- These tools come with safety rules and instructions that should be read. It is even more important for a beginner to read these instructions carefully before using a jointer.
- Wear protective gear. It’s never safe to underrate the power of safety gear even if you’re an expert.
WHAT IS A PLANER
What Does A Planer Do?
A wood planer is used to adjust boards to a leveled thickness, before the current machines that are planers now used to exist handheld planers. A planer and a jointer have a similar role. It’s possible in theory for a planer to do the job of a jointer (i.e., to even out a piece of wood). But it’s easier to use a planer to reduce the thickness of the board.What A Planer Cannot Do?
Smoothening edges can be tough if you’re using a thickness planer instead of a jointer. It is practically impossible to flatten out the edge of the wood with a planer.
Types of Planers
There are two major types of planers. The handheld planer is used for wood that is too large to fit through a thickness planer. The thickness planer is used when the wood is adjustable. Some other forms are Benchtop planers, Floor Standing Planers, and Electric Hand Planers.
Tips to Safely Use A Planer
The safety tips for using a planer are the same as that of a jointer. The wood planer vs. jointer debate doesn’t extend to safety measures. Safely operating and wearing safety gear remain very important.WHICH COMES FIRST: PLANER OR JOINTER
The most likely reason for the planer vs. jointer debate is about saving money. You probably want to choose between the two because you don’t see the point in buying two very similar tools. Then you ask the all-important question – Which one comes first?
The answer to this planer vs. jointer question depends on the nature of the work you need to be done.
However, if a choice must be made, you probably want to buy a planer first. The jointer has minimal functions and will most certainly not do what a planer would do. If you have pre-milled stock, you’ll be able to make the boards any thickness you want with a planer.
If it’s the case that your stock is not pre-milled, the planer can work too. So long as your rough boards are relatively straight, you can send them through the planer slowly. Likely, you’ll still have rough edges, but some options can take care of that other than a jointer.
You can get smoother edges if you:
Trim with a circular saw and a saw guide. Trim at the table saw with a jointing jig. Trim with a hand plane. Trim at the router table.
None of the above solutions are perfect replacements for a jointer, and they should be considered temporary.
If you want the best work, you’re still going to need a jointer.
Therefore, in Planer vs. Jointer, if one needs to come first, we suggest a planer.
JOINTER-PLANER COMBOS
The great thing about planer vs. jointer is that you don’t always have to choose one when you can get both. Not two separate machines but a two-in-one tool. This incredible combo is referred to as a jointer-planer combo.
An original jointer-planer integrates the features and functions of both jointer and planer while using the same cutting head for both. This combo looks like a very wide jointer, but it can smoothen out edges, and it can give you the exact thickness any planer would provide you.
Here’s a list of quality jointer-planer combos:
JET JJP-12 Jointer-Planer, RIKON Power Tools 25-210H Jointer-Planer, Jet JJP-8BT Jointer-Planer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Jointer-Planer Combos any good?
Yes, jointer-planers are great. But they can be cumbersome and expensive.2. Can a table saw be used as a jointer?
A table saw can help with smoothening edges, but it doesn’t do it as well as a jointer.3. Can you use a jointer on plywood?
Technically, you can use a jointer on plywood. However, there is a strong possibility that the glue in plywood can damage the jointer blades.4. Should I buy a planer or a jointer first?
As we said, this is highly dependent on the work you wish to do. If you are particular about smooth edges, use a jointer. If your primary concern is thickness, use a planer.5. Is a thickness planer worth it?
Sure, a thickness planer is worth it. It is of great help because of its speed and efficiency.6. What to do if you don’t have a planer?
If you haven’t got a thickness planer or benchtop planer, you can use a hand planer. They are instrumental too. If none of these options is available, you can try a table saw, or a router, or a jack plane.7. Will a planer fix warped boards?
A jointer is perfect for fixing warped boards. Nonetheless, it’s possible to use a planer to fix warped boards by following specific procedures.8. When would you use a planer?
If you wanted to smoothen the face and back of a board or ensure that the surfaces are precisely parallel or achieve a precise thickness, then a planer would be the best option.9. How can you reduce the planer snip?
Sniping is when a board is cut on the beginning or end when going through the planer. If you want to prevent planer snipe, you can cut the snipe off the ends, adjust the infeed and outfeed tables up. Then use a board that can be wasted before and after to be lifted in and out of the planer.Conclusion
Planer and Jointers are very different tools with different functions. It is kind of like how a knife and a blade can cut through things but will not cut through something in the same fashion. Deciding between a planer and a jointer is a temporary fix, and if you’re serious about getting the best from the woodwork, you should undoubtedly get the both of them. If you have to choose one, this article has provided you with all you need to make the best decision.
James S. Avila
Author
