Should I Buy a Jointer? | WT616

Wood Talk

Wood Talk

5,124 views

Wood Talk #616, Should I Buy a Jointer?
On today’s show, we’re talking about whether you should buy a jointer, glue-up strategies, and shop walls.
Wood Talk is proudly sponsored by Woodcraft, your trusted source for quality woodworking machines and power tools. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next upgrade, they’ll help you find the right tools to power your woodworking.
Learn more at Woodcraft:https://bit.ly/4nv8xu3
Use code WT2026 for 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Cannot be combined with other offers, exclusions apply.
The show is also supported by the generous contributions of our patrons. You can support the show and get an ad-free version at:Patreon: woodtalk
This week, we thank:
Stephen Stribling
Katherine Sanborn
Michael Bateman
Jordan Needles
Those guys are now getting access to an ad-free version of the show. Well, except the Woodcraft ad, which is always baked in.
Sign up for the Wood Talk Newsletter:https://twwg.kit.com/94f711bd6f
WHAT’S ON THE BENCH
Marc decided to go with the two-saw setup and is trying to make that happen.
Matt is working at the sawmill.
Shannon took a New York trip and saw expensive stuff.
KICKBACK
Chris at Lazy Gretl Wood Works follows up on the metric vs. imperial discussion. He points out that relative measurements make up a lot of a project, and that’s where much of the real precision happens. When he uses a ruler or tape, he rounds off fractional millimeters, stays consistent, and keeps the math simple.
Jonathan P. Szczepanski writes in to thank the guys for the talk and levity. He was having a rough morning, and the show helped pull him out of it.
Chris Williams says that someone who uses both metric and imperial in the shop should be called a hybrid woodworker. Cue the money sound effect for Marc.
Philip writes from Northern Ireland as a proud imperial user. He learned metric in school, but after spending time around his grandparents and working with older imperial machines, imperial became his go-to system. He still uses metric when needed, like with the Domino, but prefers imperial when the choice is his.
QUESTIONS
Brian built all the cabinets for his new house and now knows he never wants to woodwork with a deadline again. He is finally ready to set up his new walkout basement shop in Michigan and asks whether he should use drywall, plywood, or something else for the walls.
Jason has a one-bay garage shop and wants to know if he should buy a jointer. He currently flattens a first face with a planer sled and shims, planes the opposite face, cuts the first edge with a track saw, and rips the second edge at the table saw. He asks whether he is missing anything, whether he should cram in a jointer, or whether a jointer/planer combo makes sense.
Mick asks about strategies to keep workpieces aligned during glue-up, including large tops, furniture legs, plywood laminations, shop furniture, and jigs. He also asks when to clean up squeeze-out if clamps are in the way.
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Woodcraft:https://bit.ly/4nv8xu3
Wood Talk Newsletter:https://twwg.kit.com/94f711bd6f
WOODCRAFT EVENTS AND DEALS
October 9 and 10, in-store Woodpeckers event at Woodcraft. See tool demos and get 15% off Woodpeckers products in-store only.
The event includes measuring tools, joinery jigs, router systems, and an in-store sweepstakes.
Sweepstakes prizes include an Adjusta-Joint Box Joint Sled, an in-DEXABLE Miter Sled with Drop Zone, and a Woodcraft gift card. No purchase necessary.
Check your local store’s demo schedule and the October flyer at Woodcraft.com.
LOCAL WOODCRAFT EVENTS AND CLASSES
Lexington, Kentucky, free Turn-N-Learn demo, Thursday, October 8, from 4 to 6.
Boise, Idaho, Woodpeckers tool demo, Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 2.
Pelham, Alabama, free Turn & Learn demonstration, Thursday, October 15, from 4 to 6.
Charlotte, North Carolina, cheese slicer and cutting board demo, Saturday, October 17, from 1 to 2.
Check your local Woodcraft store at Woodcraft.com for classes, demos, and events near you.
CONTACT THE SHOW
Send questions at woodtalkshow.com, find us on Instagram at @woodtalkshow, or send us a voicemail using your phone at woodtalkshow@gmail.com.
You can find us individually on Instagram at @mattcremona, @woodwhisperer, and @renaissancewoodworker.
Thanks to Todd and Margaret.