How to Turn Your Planer Into a Jointer

My website: woodspirit.net/
Link to tools I use: woodspirit.net... I needed to square up some stock without a jointer. I was able to create a jig to turn my planer into a jointer.

[@SpriteHide]

We recently lumbered a 36" maple, a 36" white ash, and a 32" pecan. After drying, we tried planing with a Rigid (Home Depot) 13" planer with 2 HSS knives kzbin.infoUgkxIzvvTi3_Qc8JnVdYYRJCvuoDC4QjTzeL . This job was clearly too much for that machine. The pecan was particularly difficult, due to heavy mineral deposits, and a sharp pair of HSS knives would be consumed by a mere 3 boards. We were also having lots of problems from chip bruising, due to poor dust collection. The shavings came off like straw and jammed in the 4" hose.We bought the DW735 simply to be able to run carbide blades, which worked brilliantly for the pecan. However, we found it to be a much, MUCH nicer machine. It was far more rigid than the "Rigid" planer, and far more accurate as well. But what I liked most about it was the dust feed. This machine has its own blower, which shreds the "straw" like shavings as they come off the cutting head and helps boost the shavings into the dust collection system. No more clogs! It's also nicely sealed so that the internals stay quite clean. This is just a well tempered machine that's a delight to use. It literally cut the labor in half. Just another example of getting what you pay for.

[@michaelklein496]

As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement kzbin.infoUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!

[@migmagingenieria]

Great video, thanks a lot for sharing! This is a perfect example of the sophistication of simplicity. Thanks again and cheers from Alberta, Canada!

[@davidmorgan4738]

Very helpful! Also, I like the way you used the diagonal to cause less wear on the blades in a single spot.

[@pinballrobbie]

Also means he will get a cleaner cut on more difficult grained timbers

[@FirearmTutorials]

Yea that was genius!

[@gfldodge]

Nice

[@InthebasementMrNome]

Reduces snipe also

[@gershonperry5952]

I like the extension that you made for the planer.

[@Creator_Nater]

I really like the industriousness, cleverness, and PRACTICALITY of this! So sick of some videos with ultra hybridized, sort of out of reach approaches to these shop hacks. Good job!

[@DaveCSX]

You just saved me some cash on going out to buy a new joiunter. Good video, I'll be watching for more.

[@twsbrl2xlldmoney355]

Dave we are going to need to delete your comment . It goes against our comment section rules . And upon further review we are going to have to block you

[@thatmrbadger]

I'm just starting out with woodworking, and to keep costs down I'm using old pallets for wood. I've been trying to figure out if I should buy a planer or a jointer for the boards that aren't squared. I think you might have just convinced me which way to go. Thank you!

[@fresh2k2004]

Thatmrbadger I am in the same boat. I just broke down and got a dw735x yesterday. I was blown away by the results! I completely forgot about how much it cost once I saw the results. With the help of this video I'm confident I can hold off on a fancy jointer for now.

[@DavidUL12]

@@fresh2k2004 Hi Guys... I think both of you are right. I just bought my first planner a DW734, and there is a lot of info here in KZbin on how we can mill rough wood using a table saw, width planner and some jigs. ;)

[@melrosehawkins8294]

I went the planer route. I do not have a jointer. I think one can find the savings for what the planer costs milling the wood vs buying it from a big box score.

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

I landed here for the exact same reason. Torn between a planner and a jointer. Leaning toward the planner, and this video is pushing me closer and closer to the store! Great video, bud! Thanks!

[@arturogarcia8043]

I just started doing woodwork, and I was going through the process and this video help me so much. Thank you

[@usedcarsokinawa]

Awesome! I never heard of the planer sled, I will build one tomorrow. And I will start using the planer as a jointer! Thank you. It will really be a benefit with my small shop.

[@IdRatherMakeItMyself-Net]

Glad you liked it.

[@Visper84]

Excellent video. I have seen plenty of planer sled videos but, I hadn't thought about the case where you want to make a piece 90 degrees to your other planed face.

[@MrAmishdude]

Why not just use your table saw?

[@ccook31]

Excellent solution. I get it that if all you have is a table saw, all your solutions involve a table saw... but this is so much safer and precise.

[@guyfisher2050]

Excellent idea! I really like it. Do you have a video showing how you build the workbench for the planer with the infeed​ and outfeed extensions?

[@ChinJazz]

Mark, great idea! I just got a DW734 and mostly make guitars. Since I don’t have a jointer this came at a good time. Thank you! I also like your planer table for addressing snipe. I’ll see if I can model off of yours but try to make it mobile since I’m limited on space. Cheers!

[@markielinhart]

Great hack, the simplest solutions are often the best! 👏🇦🇺✌️

[@michael.schuler]

Good sled. Another benefit of the skew angle at which the work piece meets the cutterhead is a shearing cut which reduces tearout.

[@juanperales7814]

Great job! I’m going to have to try this on my next project. I’m making a coffee table but don’t have a jointer! Thanks for sharing the video!

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

thank u so much for a simple solution now I can get a planer.

[@richardmadsen115]

Thanks Mark, I have a jointer but like this solution even better.

[@nah3186]

I've always wanted a jointer but could never justify the expense for my home projects. I was lucky enough to pick up a DW735 at a local auction for a fraction of the MSRP. I just recently used it for the first time and learned a lot, lol. Both those planer jigs are a must if you don't have a jointer and want flat/true/square stock. This is a great solution, thanks for sharing it has saved me a lot of time, frustration and heartache...much appreciated.

[@ponchonlisa]

If you already had 2 flat and parallel sides, why couldn't you just use the table saw?

[@offr0adrangerguy]

because you would have a either 1 of these 2 scenarios happening. If you have the planed edge riding the fence the uneven edge is table side down, or if you have the planned edge table side down, you'd have the uneven edge riding the fence.

[@embwee]

you wouldn't use the fence, but a sled that goes up against the fence, parallel, with hold downs to trim one edge square, and then use that side against the fence.

[@danielbaggett6283]

The blade on a table saw can and will flex slightly when pushing your board through the saw! The planer is by far the better choice of the two machines.

[@EclecticEcentric]

Thanks Mark! I've been thinking about a solution for a similar issue. I like yours better. It also saves me from going out to buy a new jointer (as I have a perfectly good planer) Great solution man. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and live well

[@RobinLewisMakes]

This is great! I've been thinking of getting this thicknesser but I'm struggling to justify the cost. This changes everything! Thanks for sharing

[@IdRatherMakeItMyself-Net]

I'm glad you found it to be useful.

[@ronnieparker2870]

My little pony

[@patcassidy6978]

Robin Lewis oo

[@decocatani]

Me too. The cost is so high that I’ve been postponing purchase for years. Last week I bought a brand new one and… this tool changes EVERYTHING!

[@x96mustanggtx]

I’d suggest frequently checking FaceBook market place and Craig’s list. I recently picked up a Dewalt735 planer with in and out feed tables and a stand for $275! Like you I couldn’t justify the cost for something I would use so infrequently. But I couldn’t pass this deal up! They’re out there, just have to be persistent on the search!

[@ShogunJimi]

very interesting solution - I was just having a conversation with my daughter about - Planer vs jointer and you just messed it all up - LOL

[@IdRatherMakeItMyself-Net]

Well, it only works for stock that will fit within the planer. A jointer is an important tool to have. Sorry to mess up your conversation. :)

[@Duality6469]

But a lot of the jointers (benchtop) are only 6 inches anyway. One less tool for those with a limited budget and limited space. I will be building this jig. Thanks for the tip!

[@bud7551]

You can also build a jointing jig for the table to do larger pieces.

[@rickspriggs2176]

For edge jointing a jointer wouldn't have any restrictions would it. The face would be limited to 6 inches on a small jointer but assuming you had jointed it flat it would rest against the jointer fence and only be limited by the width of the planer in this case.

[@nickbrutanna9973]

@@rickspriggs2176 Cutech/Wahuda has a nice 8" jointer using helical cutters for only about 550. The reviews for it seemed to be pretty good, but that was before Wahuda bought them, so I have no idea if they've gone downhill at all in the last year or so. They also have a 12½" planer for about the same price, using, again, helical cutters.

[@Chris.Davies]

Great idea for the sled! But why wouldn't you anchor it back into the sled for the other side? It's a far more solid base than just the double board, isn't it? Anyway, thanks for the shop tip!

[@aquovadjustfakie6418]

You just saved me about 400$ so thank you very much

[@ScottSmith-kz9nq]

Hello Sir, just saw your video and I'm at this exact stage in a project. I just got my planer from a gentleman on Letgo. After a bit of cleaning and rust removal I now have a DW734 in working order for $50.00 and a new belt. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Good Day!

[@stefanw5894]

Scott Smith your gonna love the 734. I have had mine for a couple years and it works great. Such a smooth finish with that 3 blade head. I just did a cherry tabletop for some doll furniture and no need to do a final sand as the top came out silky smooth

[@lincolnmusicpublications2730]

First, I did like your video! However, could you not just have used a less complicated version of you planer jig, flipped it horizontally, run it through a table saw and fine tuned it with the planer? That could be the solution wider boards...

[@mr.mickles]

Very handy. The way I do it is a sled on the table saw. The sled had a perfect 90 degree to the fence and my lumber clamps to the top of the sled.

[@Ed-lz4jv]

True and less use and wear on the planet blades

[@wudntme54]

I guess all these smart people that keep saying table saw is better or faster are not smart enough to even read the title of the video. The man never said the planer was better or faster then a saw but was just showing you another way to do something. Maybe someones table saw isn't big enough or it could be a piece of junk or maybe its down for some reason. Regardless all he is doing is showing you that there is more then one way to do some things. liked and sub

[@errmora5213]

I Love Jigs, after years of Professional Woodworking, you automatically start resolving issues with neat ideas! Another way u could accomplish 2 straight edges, is to glue both surfaces together with about an 1/4 inch offset on 1 edge, when your ready, run that edge that's a 1/4 offset against the tablesaw fence facing down, flip it over and trim the opposite edge, now u have 2 flat straight edges ready for the jointer!

[@adameffray]

You don't sound like a true professional by the terminology you use. Don't quit your day job.

[@carterscustomrods]

Couldn't you just edge joint a clump together in the planer before you glue them up? That way the extra glue isn't making it wobble/offset?

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Very well thought out jig, and I like the materials you used. As others have mentioned, you could do the second side on the table saw, but since you just need to do another pass through the planer, and you're standing right there, this seems easier. Also if you have a wimpy contractor's saw (like me), but a nice planer, this is still better. It might give a cleaner cut with no blade marks. Looks like this may help control snipe on the planer, too.

[@Skippy0330]

just a note, i've had this planer for awhile, if you're getting snipe on this unit, its because of your own doing.

[@SamM-ig8oc]

Hi! Thank you for this! I don't need a jointer, once I make this sled. My Craftsman 15-amp planer has a 6 inch depth gauge ruler, so I do have some space to work with, if I use a 3/4-inch sled. 👍

[@fellovergen]

Love the sound of the birds in the background

[@pikubird]

Jon Fell robins make for an entertaining bird with their song during summer

[@joergwiesmann4261]

....thank You very much !! nice made and explaind !!! kind regards from Switzerland !!

[@hmmpppsaywhat7878]

I was going to get a joiner/planer (UK) but I’m convinced to get a thicknesser based on your video. A simple sled with a straight edge, t tracks and clamps would work well to create lumber which is 90 degrees and planed all around!

[@nannimanfrin8420]

after 20 mins of ads....

[@atteljas]

Hello! I have jointer/planer combo and it takes long time to swap from jointer to planer and vice versa. I will be making this sledge as it would cut my time from rough lumber to smooth in half. This info was much appreciated, thanks!

[@z1catfish]

Why just just run it across the table saw? You have one surface flat, so just graze the edge on the saw... I don't have a planer, so made a table saw jig to plane with it....

[@michael.schuler]

For edge-jointing wider stock, you can set up your router table with straight or shear cutting bit and offset split fence. Quicker, dead square, extended time before resharpening required with carbide bit, and no width limitation.

[@davearonow65]

Wouldn't you need a really long router bit then?

[@maxjohnson1758]

@@davearonow65 Yes. I went this route, but it's hell keeping the stock against the router fence for a perfectly flat edge. I bought some wheel contraption things that sort of snug the board against the fence and it helps.

[@jeffstanley4593]

@@davearonow65 The router bit has to be no longer than the lowest point of the edge/side you are jointing/planing. Think about it, even 1/2 inch is a huge difference to plain down but is still only 1/2 inch. You can easily buy one inch router bits.

[@davearonow65]

@@jeffstanley4593 thanks man. I asked because I am building exterior doors with panels that are 1 3/4 inches thick. Since this post a year ago, 25 successful doors later,, I've pretty much become an expert at edge joining long boards with a router. My preferred method is to clamp an 8" level down I trust and have checked to be dead straight(used as a straight edge) and use it to guide my router along the edges of boards I'm going to join. I built a bigger base for my router to give it a lot more stability and I make sure to clamp down the center of the level as well as the ends so it doesn't flex. Its a little more involved than I'm explaining it, but I get perfectly straight edges and my joints look like they were made by a machine.

[@webosm6494]

I normally use the tablesaw for that, but i can see the advantages as it gives you more control and it is also safer. Good idea!

[@ATthemusician]

What I'll probably do is just screw the board down to a thick sheet of MDF from the bottom(screws will obviously be recessed) since i don't need to use 100% of the board length the screws can just be put in at the very end of the board

[@EpicGamer-ny1fu]

Step one find a straight board... meanwhile from the looks of the lumber in every lumberyard and big box store I've been to straight wood is now considered a hate crime and doesn't exist.

[@timconnell4570]

Nice. Logical. I LIKE the blade saving angle idea 😁 ill eventually get a jointer but for now ill use this, make some money selling and then pay for a jointer. Thnx

[@tomasgulas]

Thanks for the tip. I have asked for planer for Bday. In this situation I would have used table saw though

[@francoisbouvier7861]

You could square up your blanks on the table saw. As long as you have the height capacity. That will also save planer knife life. No doubt your solution has merit.

[@marklewis8081]

Where did you get the extra long metal extension tables for your planer? I'm not referring to the stock tables that you can get for the DeWalt 735 (X) version but the extra metal extension tables you are using.

[@vikingrobot4179]

Smart with the angle so you don’t wear the blades in one spot. I definitely need to build one of those jigs because I don’t have. jointer but I have a DW735.

[@josevelez7539]

Thanks for the video! Simple solution to a complicated problem since many of us don’t have a jointer in the garage shop.

[@hjboots]

Excellant jig, it will make getting a straight edge alot easier. You explained it very well and i will be using your method on my next project. Thank you

[@jimmybob7364]

Geez just use your table saw to joint. Would take half the setup time once you make a jig with hold down clamps.. Plus you are only limited to how wide your fence will go versus 6 inches on a benchtop planer.

[@justinjenkins1620]

nice idea. I use my Festool track saw for edge jointing. Much quicker. Dead flat. I do think this has merit though.

[@ryananthony4840]

I like your thinking my friend about running at an angle to evenly utilize (and wear evenly) the blades...... I think you also inadvertently may be getting a better cut to from the different angle of attack like a spiral or helical head?

[@kle2217]

Would be cool if this jug were adjustable for different sized thickness of woods (2x4, 4x4, etc).

[@JonathanPOyen]

I didn't hear you speak to your intent/strategy behind slanting the repurposed table legs. I have my assumptions, but it'd be nice to get your take.

[@knothead5]

Good video. I need to start on a table top, aprons and legs. This gives me a bunch of ideas for planing and jointing of the table top boards. Thanks. Just a comment...a bit of echo in the sound but clear.

[@munkustrap1984]

Cleaver. That is a must try. My router does a great job up to 1 inch. Your solution Looks like something I need to try.

[@rogerbois1128]

Why not run the board on your table saw to rip the side edge and square it up to the top or bottom side and then plane that edge smooth and square? Will that work?

[@kirikcark9120]

Why not if both sides planed using shims on the sled then get both edges to square on the table saw?

[@chrisbolton7303]

Loved this - great, practical, simple (and the best idea's usually are) solution. Thanks for the tip....

[@glenschmeisser6633]

this is only as good as the 3 inch snipe at the ends of the wood youre milling. these planers always snipe the ends no matter what.

[@johnkieff7272]

Iam a 67. Year old with Parkinson’s just got a plainer do u think your jig would work on pallets stacked 3 wide

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

I like this, but is it really any different than using a table saw to create a good 90 degree for the shorter side of the material?

[@thefeet]

Excellent idea! I've used a long sled with shims to properly plane the wide sides of rough cut lumber before and have used a long table saw sled with cam-locking clamps that I made for jointing the edges. I usually end up with some burn marks from the circular blade and will have to try this method using the planer for the edges. Thx for posting. This looks promising and I will have to give it a try!

[@Wyman642]

I do the same but cut the edge a little big (1/8) on the table saw on the first cut, and then do a second cut of the oversized 1/8th edge, which is quick and eliminates the burn marks.

[@PCPAyLOAD]

Same can be accomplished with a 40+ tooth quality table saw blade and fence. You may take off a fraction more meterial but if measured properly its quick and easy.

[@armus550b]

I came up with a solution too - I spent $250 on a jointer. Yes I tried using the planer. It does ok but it needs shims just like face jointing

[@thomasking2197]

Ohhh come on use the correct tool especially at today’s prices, Jointer is designed to create right angles, the planner is designed to create parallel surfaces. Follow the math.

[@squiggs928]

Why wouldn’t you just use your table saw after you have the 2 sides flat? Seems like it’s more work than it’s worth.

[@NBGTFO]

Those sleds are a pain in the ass. Storage can be a problem because they are large. Setup is even more of a pain. Just get a jointer. You'll thank me later.

[@danieltaylor8347]

I like this idea...limited but very much worth the effort imho...Thank you

[@ibrahimwehbe1153]

Great thinking

[@Ed-lz4jv]

Nice, I used to have a jointer and still like my hand planes, but this will be nice for bigger projects

[@johnchausow4857]

Best method I've found yet. Thank you so much for sharing this, it's really quite brilliant

[@melrosehawkins8294]

That is an ingenious solution. One of the better out there. I think once you get that one straight edge you can rip the other on a table saw, correct? Thanks for the video.

[@alanendel1582]

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I was dreading buying a joiner. I will still probably get one, but this will help me in the interim.

[@keefer88]

How does one acquire the perfectly square and flat pieces to make the jig in the first place?

[@blahdiblah2169]

Is it not possible to just use a circular saw cut and a jig to get you that edge? I don't really have the budget for a jointer at the moment.

[@DragonclawMakerStudio]

Thanks for sharing. I am new to working with hardwoods and I don't have a jointer.

[@davidporterrealestate]

Cool idea especially like the angle as not to wear down the blades

[@ericmontez8463]

I really like the idea! I’m going to buy a planer today and I was wondering if I needed to buy a jointer too! The only thing your jig limits you on is the size of the board I think if I make one of this I will make just as wide as it needs to be so it can be moved around rather than fitting perfectly in there that way it could be used with longer boards as well

[@thedodsons38]

Great video, any suggestions on making this jig but over 10’ long?

[@tedbrown7908]

What? this is the dumbest thing ever. A planer and a joiner are the same tool with the cutting blades on opposite sides.

[@anandkkpr]

Great idea, excellent stuff. Thank you for sharing!

[@clutions]

Hey Mark, neat solution! Bah Humbug the nay sayers!

[@sevron-rk5tz]

I have a piece of 12 foot long. Can you make it flat and straight like on a joiner?

[@PLF...]

Get a table saw bub, thats prolly one of the most basic pieces of equipment for any shop.

[@gonzalosanchez1137]

Congratulations, you did a very good example and taught to the world another way to do a job.

[@me1270]

Brilliant!

[@LargeFry1]

use a table saw to joint the edge once you get a surface flat. unless you don't have a table saw?

[@timm8087]

Has anyone ever told you look like the sheriff from Yellowstone?? Voice is close too

[@LarryB-inFL]

A "jointer jig" on a table saw is much easier, more versatile and a ton faster.

[@JesemanuelRamirez]

You could also use something like a tapering jig on the table saw for wider boards.

[@TheMadJester159]

A jointing jig for the table saw would be much easier in my opinion

[@sumosprojects]

Nicely thought out mate 👍, if your interested check out Downunder woodworks where the guy designed a sled jig for his tablesaw to joint boards there, cheers mate

[@IdRatherMakeItMyself-Net]

I do that method as well. White Oak tends to burn pretty bad and the planer left a pretty clean edge. With thinner stock - 3/4" or smaller I think the table saw jig is quicker and very good.

[@janeromnicki6598]

I've heard good feedback about the Woodglut plans.

[@eggsngritstn]

I like the glass/plexiglass outfeed table. I may adopt the same.

[@edcaffey4248]

Excellent video and process Thanks for sharing

[@ThekiBoran]

I've used my track saw to edge joint with good results.

[@RadddahTat]

What whaaat? So I️ don’t need the 6” jointer I️ just bought?

[@earlkarow1342]

Good jig , I try to plane all my boards at an angle . It seems to reduce tear out for me.