Jointer Vs Planer | Which One is Right for Your Needs?

What is a Jointer?

A jointer is a heavy-duty machine used to get both a straight edge and a square edge of rough sawn lumber pieces before joining them to create a larger panel. One may argue that it is possible to do this without a woodworking jointer by using a hand plane across the wood piece instead of moving the wood through the machine, which is true.

However, you need to be a highly-skilled woodworker to pull such a move. This locks out beginners or intermediate woodworkers who may not have acquired such skills. It is also quite time-consuming even for those with the right skills to avoid using a jointer.

You need a wood jointer to quickly square edges, saving you time and effort. You will also use this tool to remove twists, warps, and cupping from boards.

What is a Planer?

Running your rough cut lumber through a jointer leaves behind one flat surface and a perfectly square edge. You need a way of dealing with these before going ahead with your project. Whereas it seems viable to run the same board through a jointer plane repeatedly, the process requires a lot of effort, time and may, in the end, prove ineffective.

A jointer will hardly ensure that the wood surface is parallel or of the same thickness, which calls for a planer. A planer tool has a flatbed, which provides a body for the board to ride on, and a cutting head right above it.

It offers a more precise and smooth finish thanks to the infeed table and outfeed table that manage the board’s speed through the cutterhead to achieve the desired thickness.

Why Do You Need a Jointer or a Planer? 

Before we look at a detailed comparison of the two, you need to know why they are essential woodworking tools. You may not need them when you choose pre-finished wood. However, most woodworkers and DIYers prefer unfinished rough lumber, which has always proved to be strong, durable, and inexpensive.

Despite the advantages, such pieces of lumber are not fit for different projects unless they are prepared. They usually have uneven surfaces that can cause a big challenge when it comes to jointing. The wood may also come twisted, warped, or even cupped, rendering it unusable.

You need these tools to turn unusable wood into usable wood. A jointer will help you work on the warping and twisting while the surface planer will smoothen the surface, getting your wood in ready condition.

Video: Jointer Vs Planer – What Does Each One Do?

Differences Between a Jointer and a Planer

Usage 

Joiners and planers are used for different purposes. Planers control the thickness and creation of parallel surfaces, whereas jointers are used to square a given edge or flatten a single face while woodworking.

One should also note that jointers can even finish wood or boards to roughly the same thickness. However, you will still need a thickness planer for high accuracy levels since it ensures that the boards have the same thickness all through. A benchtop planer is not only quicker than a hand planer but way more accurate.

Jointers are also used to remove warping and cupping, making wood assume a usable form, whereas planers are used to achieve smooth finishing.

What Are The Pros of Jointers and Planers?

Jointer