Planers and jointers: two essential tools that have long captured the attention of woodworking professionals and hobbyists alike. With woodwork at the heart of many creative and functional projects, knowing the tools of the trade is paramount. But a frequently posed question is whether a player can double up as a jointer.
The short answer: yes, a planer can be used as a jointer with the right technique, but it’s crucial to recognize its limitations and potential risks. This approach can be both cost-effective and space-saving for many.
Woodworking is an art, and like any art form, it requires both skill and the right set of tools. With the advancement of technology, many tools have emerged, and knowing how to optimize their use can elevate the quality of your work significantly.
Planer Vs. Jointer: The Basics
What’s a Planer?
A planer is a tool designed to create uniform thickness across a piece of wood. The main function is to make the surface flat and bring the wood to a desired thickness.
- Function and Use
- Reduces the thickness of wood.
- Evens out warped or bent lumber.
- Essential for finishing and refining projects.
- Common Types and Their Features
- Benchtop Planers: Portable, ideal for small projects.
- Thickness Planers: Offers precision in thicknessing large boards.
- Electric Hand Planers: Handy for quick and small tasks.
What’s a Jointer?
A jointer’s primary purpose is to flatten wood surfaces, ensuring they’re straight and level.
- Purpose in Woodworking
- Flattens warped or twisted wood.
- Creates straight edges for joining.
- Enhances fit and finish in projects.
- Different Types Explained
- Benchtop Jointers: Suitable for hobbyists with limited space.
- Closed Stand Jointers: Industrial-grade with better dust collection.
- Open Stand Jointers: Offers a balance between portability and power.
Reasons to Consider Using a Planer as a Jointer
Woodworking often involves making decisions that streamline processes, especially when balancing budget and workshop space. Here are some in-depth reasons why many choose to use a planer as a jointer:
- Cost-effectiveness:
- Initial Investment: Buying a high-quality tool once means less capital outlay. In comparison to purchasing both a planer and a jointer, opting for a more versatile planer can save significant amounts.
- Maintenance Costs: Owning fewer tools can also translate to reduced upkeep costs. This includes everything from part replacements to regular tuning and adjustments.
- Upgrade Path: As you advance in woodworking, you might choose to upgrade tools. Starting with a versatile planer allows you to first master one tool, then invest in specialized ones later.
- Space-saving in Workshops:
- Compactness: For those with limited workshop real estate, minimizing the number of large tools can make operations smoother. This becomes even more significant for hobbyists working in shared spaces or garages.
- Mobility: A single tool is easier to move and reposition. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for those who often rearrange their workspaces.
- Optimized Workflow: Fewer tools mean fewer transitions. You can move from one task to another seamlessly, without the need to shift between different machines.
- Versatility for DIY Enthusiasts:
- Skill Development: Mastering the use of a planer for various tasks can help in honing one’s woodworking skills more holistically.
- Project Range: With the capability to use the planer as a jointer, a wider range of projects becomes feasible. This can include everything from furniture building to crafting intricate wood pieces.
- Innovation in Technique: Adopting non-traditional methods can lead to discovering unique solutions and techniques that can be applied in other areas of woodworking.
Limitations and Drawbacks
No solution is without its drawbacks. Using a planer as a jointer, while advantageous in many ways, has its set of challenges:
- Accuracy Concerns:
- Inherent Design: Planers are designed to maintain uniform thickness, not necessarily to flatten. This can lead to issues when trying to ensure the flatness of a board.
- Blade Limitations: The blades in a planer might not always provide the straight-edge precision a dedicated jointer can offer, especially on twisted or cupped boards.
- Adjustment Needs: Using a planer as a jointer often requires more frequent adjustments to get the desired results.
- Surface Quality:
- Finish Issues: Planers might sometimes leave a scalloped finish, especially on hardwoods. This is due to the slight curve present in most planer blades.
- Wood Tear: Depending on the grain pattern, there’s a higher chance of the wood tearing when planing edges, especially if not appropriately fed.
- Duration and Effort:
- Time Consumption: Achieving jointer-like results with a planer can be more time-consuming, especially for larger boards.
- Physical Effort: It can also be more physically demanding as you might need to run the board through multiple passes to achieve the desired flatness and edge straightness.
Steps to Use a Planer as a Jointer
Achieving jointer results using a planer requires a systematic approach. Let’s break down the process:
- Equipment and Setup:
- Sharp Blades: One of the critical factors for a smooth finish. Ensure your blades are sharp and free from nicks.
- Depth Setting: This controls how much material is removed in each pass. Start with a shallow setting and adjust as needed.
- Reference Board: A flat board placed underneath the workpiece can serve as a guide, ensuring the planer cuts only the protruding parts.
- Safety Precautions:
- Protective Gear: Safety can’t be stressed enough. Ensure you have protective eyewear, ear protection, and a dust mask.
- Hand Safety: Keep hands well away from the blades. Use push sticks or blocks when feeding wood into the planer.
- Dust Collection: Planers generate a lot of wood shavings. Ensure you have a good dust collection system in place to maintain visibility and reduce inhalation risks.
- Procedure Breakdown:
- Preparation: Start by inspecting the wood. Mark high spots with a pencil to guide your passes.
- First Pass: Place the wood on the reference board, ensuring stability. Feed the wood into the planer, focusing on removing the high spots.
- Subsequent Passes: Adjust the depth as necessary and make multiple passes until the board is flat and reaches the desired thickness.
Tips for Best Results
Achieving optimal results requires attention to detail and a systematic approach:
- Wood Choice and Preparation:
- Grain Direction: Feed the wood in the direction of the grain to reduce the chances of tear-out.
- Moisture Levels: Woods with high moisture content can be challenging to plane. Ensure the wood is adequately dried before beginning.
- Inspection: Always inspect the wood for nails, screws, or other foreign objects. These can damage the planer blades.
- Feed Rate and Pressure:
- Consistent Speed: A steady feed rate ensures an even cut across the board.
- Pressure Application: While feeding, apply downward pressure on the infeed table and then shift to the outfeed table as the board progresses. This ensures flatness throughout.
- Tool Maintenance:
- Blade Checks: Regularly inspect blades for nicks or dullness. A dull blade can cause uneven cuts and more tear-outs.
- Lubrication: Ensure moving parts are adequately lubricated to maintain smooth operation and reduce wear.
Potential Risks and Solutions
- Snipe and its Prevention
- Snipe is a deeper cut at the start or end of the board.
- Use longer boards or support to minimize it.
- Tear Out: Causes and Remedies
- Tear out occurs when wood fibers get torn instead of cut.
- Ensure sharp blades and optimal feed rate.
- Overheating and Wear
- Due to prolonged use or dull blades.
- Allow the tool to cool and maintain blades regularly.
Advanced Techniques
- Using Jigs and Sleds
- Offers support for tricky cuts.
- Improves accuracy and safety.
- Surface Planing Larger Boards
- Use extension tables.
- Feed the board slowly for even results.
- Tackling End Grains
- Approach with caution due to potential breakage.
- Ensure sharp blades and a slow feed rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Sharpen My Planer Blades?
Regular maintenance is key. Depending on usage, sharpening every 20-30 hours of operation is a general guideline.
Can I Use a Hand Planer Instead of a Benchtop Planer for Jointing?
Yes, but it requires skill. Hand planers offer more control but might not be as efficient for larger tasks.
Is It Safe to Use a Planer as a Jointer?
With the right technique and safety precautions, it can be safe. However, always be aware of the machine’s limitations.
Conclusion
Woodworking, an intricate dance between skill and machinery, demands both precision and adaptability. The discussion surrounding the versatility of tools like the planer is a testament to the craft’s evolving nature.
Using a planer as a jointer can be an efficient solution, especially for hobbyists on a budget or with space constraints. However, knowing the technique’s intricacies is crucial.
Craftsmanship thrives on innovation. With the right approach, techniques like using a planer as a jointer can be another feather in a woodworker’s cap, opening doors to a world of creativity and excellence.