What is the jointer used for and what jointer should you buy for your woodwork hobby?

Woodworking is a fun and productive activity. However, you would have to learn the basic techniques first before proceeding to the complex part.
Some of the necessary skills would be edge gluing. Edge gluing pertains to the fastening of several pieces of plywood together. The purpose of this is to create a wider and longer surface.

There are also problems encountered even at the simplest tasks. Lumbers with an uneven surface would be hard to stick while gluing. They would create spaces between attached lumbers, not securing the plank. If left untreated, the attached planks would not hold on longer than they should.
To avoid this, you would have to smoothen the wood. This would take a lot of time if done by hand. Luckily, there’s a woodworking machine created for this purpose.

A jointer is an equipment used to make smooth surfaces along a wood’s length. With this, you can flatten the surface of any piece of wood, making them ready for woodwork. Aside from flattening, this tool is also used for shaping and trimming wood.

There are four types of jointers made for specific tasks aside from flattening. This would help you know which you would need in your hobby.

1. Closed Stand Jointer

From the name itself, it has an enclosed fixed base. This serves to protect the blade and other internal parts of the jointer from dust and scrap.

This equipment is durable and can reduce vibration and noise while in use. This makes it convenient if you live close to your neighbors. This jointer is also the best option when it comes to bigger tasks in which consistency is a priority.

2. Open Stand Jointer

What makes this type more fitting for those who move from workplace to home is that it is light and portable. The exposed motor of the equipment, however, increases both sound and vibration.

3. Benchtop Jointer

This machinery is like a combination of the two stated above. It has a light body but is capable of dampening vibration during use. It’s small, but it has a powerful motor, meaning stronger wood cutting and faster working time.
This type is said to be suitable for beginners because of its qualities. The only disadvantage of this is that it can only handle short and thin planks.

4. Tabletop Jointer

This equipment is more applicable for heavy woodworks—something the benchtop cannot handle. It can flatten thicker and longer lumber because it has a bigger surface.

Some woodworking shops would have this machine since it can handle denser wood. Its whole structure is as massive as the lumber it flattens; hence, it is not portable.

Now, if you’re planning on getting a jointer, keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages. Also, consider where you work, so to avoid disturbing others if necessary. Noise-muffling types would be suitable in this case.

If you wish to carry along your equipment, choose the portable type. If you still cannot decide what to choose, you can always ask a fellow woodworker for advice.