The difference a solid jointer makes on face frames still blows my mind

I built face frames for years using a used benchtop jointer I got for $75. Last month I finally upgraded to a floor model 8 inch machine. The first time I ran a piece of poplar through it, the flitch came out dead flat and ready to glue. I didn't realize how much I was fighting twist and cup until that moment. Has anyone else seen a huge jump in quality just from changing one machine?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_hayden16d ago

Ngl that's the exact same jump I experienced when I moved from a 6 inch bench top to an 8 inch floor model. The extra weight and stability kills all that vibration that hides twist and cup in the cut. You think your boards are flat until you run them through a machine that actually has the mass to hold them steady. The flitch coming out dead flat like you said is a game changer for glue ups. Face frames go together so much faster when you aren't shimming and clamping out imperfections. It's one of those upgrades that makes you wonder why you waited so long to do it.

rileyb6116d ago

Wish I could say the same, but my first 8 inch planer was so badly set up from the factory that I spent more time fixing it than looking at flat boards. Ended up being a tuition fee in patience rather than woodworking.