If you are thinking about replacing your hand plane with a jointer and planer, but are confused about what they are, how they work, and which one is a better choice, then worry no more. In this article, you will find a detailed analysis of the jointer vs planer. We have covered a complete overview of what purposes these power tools serve. It will help you decide which one of these is best suited for you.
Contents
Our Verdict
After conducting a series of experiments and tests, we have concluded that a planer is a better option than a jointer. The reason is simple enough. With a planer, all you need to do is flatten one side of the board with a hand plane, while the rest is taken care of by the planer. But, if you have enough space and budget, you can get both a jointer and a planter. It will make your woodworking experience easier and more productive.
Jointer Vs Planer: Comparison Chart
| Specification | Jointer | Planer |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Cutter head below-board + Fences | Cutter head above board + Rollers |
| Smooth Edges | Yes | No |
| Parallel Faces | No | Yes |
| Squaring Up | Yes | No |
| Precise Thickness | No | Yes |
| Faster than Hand Plane | Yes | Yes |
| Exhausting | No | No |
Jointer Vs Planer: Differences
1. Structure
A Jointer is different from a planer when it comes to the structure. Both a planer and a jointer have a flatbed to support the wood board. But, in a jointer, the cutter head is below the board, whereas, in a planer, the cutter head is above the board. A planer also consists of input and output rollers that control speed and ensure a more pleasing finish. A jointer has fences that hold the board perpendicular to the cutter to smooth the edges.
Their intended purposes structure both jointer and planer.
2. Smooth Edges
It is indisputably a jointer’s task to create a flat smooth edge.
A planer is not designed to flatten the edges. When one side of the lumber board is already flat or smooth, a planer can be used effectively. Since there are no fences in a planer, it is difficult to hold it perpendicular to the bed or cutter. This makes it impossible to smooth the edges of aboard. A planer may be able to smooth out narrow boards, but it is not worth all the effort.
3. Parallel Surfaces
It is a planer’s specialty to create parallel surfaces.
It is impossible to create precisely parallel surfaces using a jointer. To solve this issue, we have planers. A significant function of the planer is to prepare a piece of wood by making it ready to be used directly in woodworking. A planer smooths the back and front of the board. It also makes the opposite faces precisely parallel to each other.
The overhead rollers press the board flat to the bed. The overhead cutter is precisely parallel to the bed. Thus, the edge being smoothed out remains parallel to the board.
4. Squaring Up
A jointer squares up the lumber board, unlike a planer.
It is exceedingly important to have perfectly squared edges of the wood. Then only, you can proceed to the task of adjusting its thickness. Many times, wood boards are warped or twisted, and these cannot be flattened out without a jointer.
A jointer makes warped, cupped, or twisted boards flat and renders them usable.
A planer only makes a wood board thinner. It cannot remove warps and twists from aboard.
5. Thickness
A planer can be used to create several boards of precisely the same thickness. An aim impossible to achieve with a jointer. You can create boards of roughly the same thickness on a jointer. But it is impossible to get the exact measurements.
A planer solves this problem. Its unique feature allows you to set the thickness of the finished product. On a jointer, you can only set the thickness for the amount being cut off. There is no control for determining or fixing the thickness of the finished product. Whereas, a planer allows you to set the thickness for the finished product. Thus, a planer makes all wood boards have the same thickness unless the settings are changed.
Jointer Vs Planer: Similarities
1. Saves Time
Both jointer and planer have some expected benefits. One of these benefits is that they save time. The same amount of work can take hours if conducted with a hand plane. These motorized power tools can do it comparatively faster. So, they save you precious time.
2. Not Exhausting
There is one more similarity between jointers and planers. They are not exhausting. The traditional practice of using a hand plane can be extremely tiring. These tools do your work easy, less exhausting, and fun too. They save not only our time but also energy. Thus, they speed up the entire woodworking process.
Features And Technical Specifications: Jointer Vs Planer
Jointer
Porter Cable Benchtop Jointer
- Variable 6,000 to 11,000 RPM speed range allows the user to select the right speed for the size and hardness of material...
- Two knife cutter head with jack screw knife leveling arrangement for easy replacement and adjustment of knives
- Built-in cutter head lock facilitates knife replacement and adjustment
- Feature 1: Variable speed range from 6,000 to 11,000 RPM
- Feature 2: Two knife cutter head, easily adjustable and replaceable, comes with a jackscrew knife leveling arrangement.
- Feature 3: Built-in cutter headlock
- Feature 4: Extra large table for work support
- Feature 5: Center-mounted fence for good support
- Feature 6: Cutter head speed- 12,000 to 22,000 cuts per minute
Technical Specifications:
- Model No. PC160JT
- Dimensions: 32.1 x 12.4 x 11.2 inches
- Weight: 35 Pounds
- Batteries: Not Required
See more benchtop jointers here.
Craftsman Benchtop Jointer
- Variable speed: range of 6,000 to 11,000 RPM allows the user to select the right speed for the size and hardness of...
- Easy replacement and knife adjustments: two-knife cutter head with Jackscrew knife leveling arrangement allows for easy...
- Accurate cutting: center-mounted fence gives needed support throughout the cut for accurate edge jointing
- Feature 1: Heavy-duty 10 amp motor
- Feature 2: Variable speed range from 6,000 to 11,000 RPM
- Feature 3: Two knife cutter head with jackscrew knife leveling arrangement
- Feature 4: Centre mounted fence
- Feature 5: Built-in cutter headlock
- Feature 6: Cutter head speed- 12,000 to 22,000 cuts per minute
Technical Specifications:
- Model No. : CMEW020
- Dimensions: 32 x 12.5 x 11.5 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Batteries: Not Required
Planer
DeWalt Thickness Planer
- Powerful 15-AMP, 20,000 RPM motor (10,000 RPM cutterhead speed) handles larger cuts in wider materials with ease
- Three knife cutter-head delivers 30-percent longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
- Two speed gear box allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
- Feature 1: 15 AMP, 20,000 RPM motor
- Feature 2: Three knife cutter head, 30% more durable
- Feature 3: Two-speed gearbox allows users to change the speed at 96 or 179 cuts per inch
- Feature 4: Cutter head speed 10,000 RPM
- Feature 5: Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuum cleans cutter head
Technical Specifications:
- Model No. : DW735
- Dimensions: 24 x 22 x 19 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Power Source: Corded-electric
- Warranty: 3 years limited
Craftsman Benchtop Planer
- HARD AND SOFT WOOD MATERIAL REMOVAL: 15 Amp motor of the woodworking planer provides power for both hard and soft wood...
- MAXIMUM STOCK REMOVAL: The thickness planer features Poly-V Cutterhead drive for maximum stock removal
- SMOOTH OPERATION: The wood planer featuring two knife, quick change, solid steel cutter head mounted on ball bearings,...
- Feature 1: 15 AMP, 8,000 RPM
- Feature 2: Two knife, reversible for longevity
- Feature 3: Cutter head speed- 16,000 cuts per minute
- Feature 4: Poly-V cutter head drive ensures maximum stock removal
Technical Specifications:
- Model No. : CMEW320
- Dimensions: 23 x 17.25 x 15 inches
- Weight: 61.9 pounds
- Batteries: Not Required
You see more planer options here.
Jointer Vs Planer: Overview
Overview Of Jointer
The operating segment of a jointer consists of a flatbed, which is split at the cutter head. This makes the forward part of the bed adjustable. It can accordingly be raised and lowered to adjust the amount of cut. When the front bed is lower than the rear, it simultaneously supports both ends of the board. This helps in ensuring a smooth cut and also prevents damage. To get a perpendicular cut, the jointer also has a fence that allows boards to be held vertically on the bed.
A jointer’s primary function is to prepare wood board edges to be joined or connected to make a wider board. Another primary purpose of a jointer is to square up the lumber board. It also makes warped, cupped, or twisted boards flat and useful. However, it is easier to square up a shorter board, especially if it is twisted.
Thus, a jointer makes it easy and quick to create functional pieces of lumber to be used in woodworking directly. Jointers come with limits too. Although they are quite versatile, they have some shortcomings that cannot be ignored. It is not possible to cut several boards of precisely the same thickness. Moreover, a jointer is incapable of assuring parallel faces.
- Faster than hand plane
- Ensures even cut
- Can square up warped, cupped or twisted boards
- Less exhausting than a hand plane
- Prevents wood damage while flattening
- Cannot set thickness for the finished piece
- Cannot produce parallel opposite faces
Overview Of Planer
A planer has a flatbed with a cutting head that goes over the board to be cut. To regulate speed, there are input and output rollers. These rollers ensure smooth and even cut, with a finer finish than can be expected from jointers. There are two most essential functions of a planer that cannot be carried out with the help of a jointer. Planers are primarily designed to create exact parallel surfaces. The second primary usage of a planer is that it can be used to create several boards of precisely the same thickness.
Unlike jointers, planers allow you to decide the thickness of the finished product. So, as long as the settings remain unchanged, a planer would continue to produce lumber boards of the same thickness. Despite all these advantages, a planer is not free of limitations. No matter how efficient a planer is, it cannot replace a jointer.
A planer can never be used effectively to create smooth edges. Planers can be appropriately used only when the wood board has one flat side. A planer comes into use to thin a wood board and create parallel surfaces, only when one side has been flattened beforehand. Also, it is impossible to flatten warped, cupped, or twisted boards in a planer.
- Produces parallel edges
- Can set thickness for finished pieces
- Smooth finish
- Less exhausting than a hand plane
- Saves time
- Cannot create a flat edge like jointers
- Cannot flatten warped, cupped, or twisted boards
FAQs
1. I am pretty skilled at using a hand plane. Why should I buy any of these power tools?
These power tools ease your job and increase productivity. This is because they are fast and efficient. So, you can save much effort by investing in these tools.
2. Can I go for a jointer/planer combo, instead of separate machines?
Jointer/planer combo is suitable for those who have a smaller workspace. The jointer/planer combo is good, but separate machines are better. if you want the recommendation you can go for porter.
Final Thought
It is advisable to buy a planer, not a jointer if you are tight on budget. As mentioned earlier, a jointer does not ease much of the work. A jointer is only meant for flattening one of the sides of a lumber board. It’s not that hard to Join two boards.
On the contrary, a planer ensures exact thickness. It also creates parallel edges, which is a more difficult task. Thus, a planer is a better choice than a jointer when it comes to investing in a power tool.
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