Should You Buy a 6″ or 8″ Jointer?

Article - August 17, 2009

This article was inspired by a question we received from Jeff. He writes:

I am setting up a woodworking hobby shop. Would you recommend a 6 or 8 inch jointer. Thanks.

A 6″ jointer will certainly get you by, so I don’t want you thinking an 8″ jointer is a requirement for high quality work. I know many people who get along quite nicely with small benchtop jointers and even some crazy individuals who would rather use their #7 jointer plane to get the job done! Avoid the latter group as they are very sick individuals! Just kidding…. I love those neanderthals.

I owned a 6″ jointer for years before I had the opportunity to upgrade to the 8″ model. The reason I upgraded was simply for efficiency. Nearly all the wood I purchase from my supplier comes in the 6″-8″ range. As a result, I was always sacrificing a few inches to the woodworking gods in order to accommodate the 6″ bed. Having that extra 2″ saves me both materials and time, so it was a no-brainer for me.

Now keep in mind there are certain tricks of the trade that will allow you to flatten wider boards with a 6″ jointer. Check out my video, The Jointer’s Jumpin’, for a few ideas. But these usually require more tools and more time. So in my opinion, an 8″ jointer is the best long-term investment. I can’t count the number of people I’ve heard utter the words, “I should have bought the 8″ model!” I’m not saying that’s you, because this all depends on your personal needs, wants, and budgetary restrictions. But if your name happens to be Average Joe Woodworker and you plan on being in it for the long haul, the 8″ jointer is something for you to seriously consider.

If you already own a jointer and you need some help setting it up and calibrating it, check out my video Jointer Setup.

*** I know this is one of those topics where everyone has an opinion, and I can only offer one. So what do you folks think? 6″? 8″? Aircraft Carrier 20″? Or maybe just a few hand planes?

Discussion

Alan Lilly August 17, 2009 6:12 pm

I guess it’s a right of passage for woodworkers. They finally become men (or women) when the finally move up to the 8″ jointer. I had a ridgid 6″ for years until I found a great 8″ grizzly locally on ebay.

Reply
- Jim Mac April 28, 2014 9:00 am
  
  One of your viewers posted a comment stating, “You become a man or woman when you buy an 8″ jointer.” What was he before? A child or a moron ? I thought you used a jointer for the edges of boards and a planer for the face of the wood. I also think people who can’t use a hand plane to do the job don’t know how to use them. Check out Paul Sellers videos.
  Also look at all the antique furniture in museums made hundreds of years ago. No Grizzly’s
  or Powermatic’s there.
  
  Best Regards,
  Jim Mac
  
  Reply
  - Marc Spagnuolo April 28, 2014 9:21 am
    
    Hey Jim. I think you may have missed the tongue-in-cheek tone in Alan’s comment. But to address the rest of your comment, jointers are used for the initial face and edge, not just the edge. A planer is then used for the subsequent face.
    
    Incidentally, you know why those antiques never used Grizzlys and Powermatics? Because they weren’t invented yet. I’d bet a good sum of money that if those early craftsman had access to the technology we have today, they certainly would have used it. They weren’t using hand tools for nostalgic reasons or because they were cool. They used them because that’s all they had.
    
    Reply
  - Jim Mac May 2, 2014 12:10 pm
    
    Mark, Thanks for your response. I was just pointing out that the size of you jointer does not determine your manhood. Sounds like jointer envy. And yes the old masters would have used modern jointers. I enjoy your videos. Your a talented craftsman. I think if you stopped trying to be funny I would enjoy them even more. I’m a business man who is getting into woodworking. I spent the last year mastering hand planes in use and sharpening them. I can plane wood as fast as some can set up a jointer or a jig.
    I like the photo of you in the hat. I thought it was a painting of a bandero. You should have a larger photo so we can access it.
    
    Best regards
    Jim Mac
    
    Reply
    - Marc Spagnuolo May 2, 2014 12:22 pm
      
      Well the “trying to be funny” thing is just who I am. To stop trying to be funny is to stop being me. And that’s not about to happen. So hopefully you can continue enjoying the content in spite of my personality. :)
    - R.M. Pitts March 30, 2018 12:12 pm
      
      Is this where one inserts the phrase, “lighten up Frances!”
    - Ray April 27, 2018 4:41 pm
      
      Mark is a good dude. Makes you love woodworking. Keep it up bro!
  - The Saw Dust whisperer May 2, 2014 2:28 pm
    
    Marc is right he should keep trying to be funny! Marc is correct that the masters would have used power tool if they were available. Could you imagine what they could have accomplished if they had? When I go to the Met. Museum in NYC and see the master work I can’t imagine a woodworker today coming close the this craftsmanship.
    Then I visit the museums I leave my ego at the door. Many of our tools to day are roughly based on the old manual tool.
    
    The only problem Marc, electricity wasn’t harnessed yet!
    
    Thanks for letting us post
    
    Your friend
    The Sawdust Whisperer
    
    Reply
Mike Lingenfelter August 17, 2009 6:16 pm

I bought a 6″ and soon wished I had bought an 8″. With that said, I really wish I had 12″ :). Also, width is important, but length is just as important. Most 8″ jointers will give you longer infeed and outfeed beds. This makes flattening longer board “easier”.

Mike

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- AnonyMouse December 12, 2018 1:55 pm
  
  “width is important, but length is just as important” … thats what she said
  
  Reply
Carlos August 17, 2009 6:21 pm

What about a nice 12″? I have a Jet 6″ which was predicated by my budget at the time. If I didn’t already own a planer, I’d seriously look at that 12″ combo jointer/planer. Yeah it’s expensive, but it does a great job at nearly anything you could throw at it. Neither my 13″ planer or 6″ jointer are as good as that one tool.

But really, the first question is to look at the wood sizes you will use. If you buy woods that come in narrow sizes most of the time, go narrow. If you buy wider stock, get the larger one.

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Devin August 17, 2009 6:24 pm

As wide a jointer as you can afford and/or fit…I can’t wait for the day I can fit at least an 8″ in my shop. Even further down the road is the day I can afford an aircraft carrier jointer…

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Mark August 17, 2009 6:36 pm

I don’t have a jointer or planer and am wondering if the 10″ Jet joiinter/planer would be a wise purchase. I looked at the 8″ version at my local Woodcraft store but the clerk wasn’t familiar with it at all. Like a lot of people I don’t have tons of space and thought it would be nice to have a quality 2 in 1 type machine. The price seems good at 399 on Amazon. Does anyone have any experience or opinions with this tool?

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- thewoodwhisperer August 17, 2009 6:41 pm
  
  If you can believe it, I have the Jet 12″ Jointer/Planer in the shop for review. I’ll let you know what I think as soon as I get time to play with it. I think these 2 in 1 machines are a great solution when space is at a premium!
  
  Reply
  - Mark August 18, 2009 5:21 pm
    
    You have all the cool toys! That’s why I like watching your videos :)
    
    Reply
  - tony August 19, 2009 3:48 pm
    
    Very interested in your perspective, Marc. Did yours come with a spiral cutter head?
    
    Reply
  - Mark J August 12, 2015 12:16 pm
    
    Marc,
    
    Did you ever do a review of the Jet Jointer/Planer? If not could you give us some feedback?
    
    Thanks.
    
    Reply
    - Marc Spagnuolo August 12, 2015 3:23 pm
      
      The bench top versions really should be avoided. I love Jet’s products for the most part, but those are not good tools. Now their floor-standing combo machine is a different story. That one is worth checking out. But if you see a jointer/planer combo that costs less than either a decent jointer OR a decent planer, walk in the other direction.
- Brad August 19, 2009 6:09 pm
  
  Yes, I have thoughts on the Jet 10″ combo unit..run away as fast as you can!
  
  I’m pretty fond of Jet overall but I had problems with TWO of these machines. I ordered one…it had a broken part, a warped fence and jointer tables that were NOT coplaner. No amount of adjustment could fix the issue, even after Jet’s recommended procedure.
  
  I ordered another machine as a replacement…same thing…warped fence and tables that were not coplaner. After several discussions with Jet, email with Charles Neil (did a review) and lots of frustration I sent both back and did not order a 3rd.
  
  Incidentally, TWO replacement fences for the first of the machines were also warped.
  
  The infeed/outfeed coplanar issues were not related to shipping in both Charles’ and my opinion…otherwise they would have adjusted back into alignment. It’s a real shame too, it would have fit my niche…small, weekend woodworker.
  
  Reply
Shannon August 17, 2009 6:38 pm

I currently have a Grizzly 6 incher. I put a lot of thought into the purchase between 6 and 8 inches and went with 6 because I figured that most of the parts I would be using for furniture were 6″ or under. Those that were wider were substantially wider and the jointer to handle those was way out of my space and price ranges. 5 years later I do wish I have the 8″ not because I am using wider lumber but for the reason Marc mentioned above. Most lumber from the mills is greater than 6″ and often below 8″. While I can rip off the extra this is just another step and does not let me pick and choose the grain I want to use for the project as freely as I like. Also ripping un-jointed wood can be tricky and dangerous with machines.

All this being said, I am quickly becoming one of those sick people who answer this question with the answer 22″ jointer plane. Having a 6″ jointer has forced me to learn to flatten boards by hand and I would not trade this experience for anything. Now when I know the final part I need needs to be bigger than 6″ I will crosscut it close to dimension and hit with my planes to flatten. Now I no longer wish for that 8″ jointer as you will see like Mike mentions above once you have the next size up you will wish you had the next size above that. I think you should make this decision on space available and the infeed/outfeed tables rather than width of cutting knives. Greater infeed will all greater precison of jointing just like a longer plane will get a flatter surface. That’s my long winded 25 cents.

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Rob Bois August 17, 2009 6:39 pm

I have a 6″ jointer, and it seems that every board I buy is at least 6 1/2 or 7″ wide. I’m too frugal to rip that extra inch off, so I make a good 1/8″ pass on the jointer, and yes….pull out the trusty hand planes. A #5 will level off that ridge, and the #7 drives it home the last few passes. So I guess I’m only half sick in the head. But this works for me, and I love feeling connected to my ancestors when I use those old Stanleys.

PS: “I should have bought the 8″ model!”

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Walter Wolf August 17, 2009 7:13 pm

I have a 6 1/8″ craftsman professional, it’s a very cool jointer i’ve never had any problems with it and never wished an 8″ jointer so much as i do right now. I am making poker tables and I have to use 8 inch boards, maybe i could glue 2 4″ together, but i rather use a single board so i don’t have problems with grain or so. I don’t have a lot of space either, really.. you should look at my shop, it’s outside on the backyard with vynil canvas that covers all the “ceiling” and another canvas for my jointer and table saw (believe me, it’s a small shop). my point is, you really don’t need too much space to have a 8″, i think it is not really that much bigger than the 6″. but if you also want a planer, maybe the jet 2 in 1 is the perfect choice. But personally, in other furniture y don’t really like using very wide boards i always buy 6 and 4″ lumber.

If you are planning on doing your hobby more seriously perhaps an 8″ jointer is the better choice, but it all depends on your budget and how often you buy wider than 6in lumber.

Sorry if its a long story. i guess i needed to talk to somebody about wood.. haha

Walter Wolf

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Dan August 17, 2009 7:33 pm

I was told by an old crusty Marine one time to buy the best I could afford and I won’t waste money on the same thing twice. I saw the logic in his advice and tried to follow it as best I could. I believe you should think about the size of the stock you will be buying and the applications then buy the jointer that will accommodate that size. I have a 6″ jointer and do not wish for an 8″, the one I have does a fine job. When you do choose a size decide on a helical or straight blade cutter head (if available). Good luck in your choice.

Dan

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Denis Rezendes August 17, 2009 7:41 pm

12″… i have a 10″ and i could never get by without it. i couldnt even imagine needing to glue up 4 boards to get a 20″ top… i can get a 20 inch top out of a bookmatched 10 1/8″ (max i can fit on my jointer) board. i really wish i had a 12 though… or a 16…. a 24 would be nice… but you get the idea. really the bigger the better

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garry wiersum August 17, 2009 8:36 pm

This is the “belly button” opinion. Everybody has one. The REAL answer is that it DEPENDS on what you use it for. I can get along just fine with a bench model. I don’t do BIG stuff and my shop is pretty small. See GARRY’S HARDWOOD SHOP in the Shop of the Week Archives (Stand alone category). I am thinking of building a new shop and turning this one into a guest house. A REAL Jointer may be in the plan. Maybe.

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dylder August 17, 2009 8:51 pm

I’m looking at upgrading to an 8 inch. One thing to think about is power. With the 6 inch you can go 110. Most of the 8 inch are 220.

dw

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- thewoodwhisperer August 19, 2009 6:19 pm
  
  Oh good point. Didn’t even think about power.
  
  Reply
Jeremiah Rodriguez August 17, 2009 9:04 pm

I bought my 8″ Grizzly nearly a year ago and I am very glad I saved up the extras pennies to get it over a 6″. My original plan was to get a 6″ but after reviewing this idea with my wife and the things I want to add to the shop she suggested I just wait and go for the 8″ so I wouldn’t end up whining about the 6″ and then want to sell it and upgrade to an 8″. Man was she right and I’m so glad I went with her idea.

One nice thing with an 8″ model is you typically get longer infeed/outfeed beds so it’s easier to run longer stock. Usually you get larger motors too.

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duncan August 17, 2009 9:33 pm

ALWAYS… but ALWAYS…. buy the best tool you can *afford*. Many, many people regret buying cheap tools but few a good tool.

8″ powermatic here planning to upgrade to a 16″ felder in the next couple years. Not for everyone but nice if you can.

Mark – kind of like the question of “should I buy the dewalt/makita/etc. drill or the festool?”

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Andre August 18, 2009 5:20 am

Like Dan, I was always told to but the best I can afford. Now, that said, when I bought my Delta 6″ I considered a lot of factors. As Dylder pointed out, most 8″ machines use 220V power, you need access to this or must be willing to have it installed. Next the beds are quite a bit longer than on a 6″ machine (obviously a good thing) but is there space for them? One big thing I had to consider was weight, 8″ machines weigh substantially more than 6″ ones. Is your shop in the basement like mine is?? We has a HECK of a time getting my 6″ down the stairs, I can’t imagine doing that with an 8″ machine. All that to say even though I could have saved a little longer for the 8″ machine, the 6″ one just made more sense for me in my situation.

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Blake August 18, 2009 5:57 am

We have a 6″ now, and for maybe 75% of the work we want to do that’s more than sufficient. But wow is it irritating the other 25% of the time. Given space limitations, though, the 6″ will remain for some time. an 8″ or a 12″ just won’t fit (unless we can find a way to get a jointer/planer combo and thus do away with the added space needed for the planer). Methinks Marc needs to find a way to get that review in so I can start prepping for Christmas :)

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BedrockBob August 18, 2009 7:01 am

I was talked into buying an 8â

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Robofalltrades August 18, 2009 7:10 am

This is such great timing, because I have been debating a similar question lately, but mine has to do with the jointer/planer combo.
I have been looking at the Jet 12″ combo (salivating over it, really), but I don’t have my own shop (I work in theater/displays and have use of their shop whenever I want, but they don’t have any fine woodworking type tools). When I saw the Jet 8″ jointer/planer combo I thought it was perfect as I need something a little more compact that will be able to fit into a garage shop as soon as I had a garage. But I’m worried about the small size. Is there anyone that has experience with smaller jointers or planers and can give any advice?

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Todd A. Clippinger August 18, 2009 7:25 am

Just go straight to the 8″ jointer.

I bought a Jet 6″ and wish that I had longer beds so I bought the Powermatic 54A. I out grew that almost immediately and stepped into a Grizzly 8″ with a spiral head cutter.

I think that the 8″ is about the perfect size for woodworking. It will actually allow you to surface the face of most common sizes that you will buy.

As a pro I am now wishing I had a 10″ or 12″ jointer. I will say that the spiral head cutter is the way to go no matter what size you get. It is the key to working difficult grain.

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Kevin August 18, 2009 7:35 am

Don’t go with an 8″, go with a #8. Not only will it flatten boards of any size, it’s silent, requires no dust collection and best of all comes with 2 free tickets to the gun show…

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Mario August 18, 2009 7:43 am

At the current price for a good 8in jointer and if you can justify the expense why not consider one of the dual 12in jointer planer units? I own a Hammer 31A and it will perfectly joint and plane just about anything I need in my shop.

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Claude Stewart August 18, 2009 10:33 am

I have an 6 in. Jet jointer and it never seems to get any use. I have used it on occasions but if I had to do it over I would get an 8 in.

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Keith August 18, 2009 6:41 pm

No doubt an 8″ if you have the room. I purchased a 6″ and it didn’t take long to start wanting an 8″ model. I also decided to take a chance and purchase a grizzly product and haven’t regretted it. The bed is very flat and the knives were extremely sharp!

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smrk August 18, 2009 7:04 pm

As the others have mentioned one should get as large a joiner as one can afford.

This includes length as well as width.

For me the cost of a quality 8″ joiner was too high so I ended up with a 6″ but I decided to stretch a little and got one with longer beds.

Other than large panels and tops most of my work pieces are < 6" so I have not found it to be too much of a problem. When I do need the extra width I have found ways around it without much trouble.

But the extra length has helped more than the width has limited me. I use the joiner to taper legs and you need the extra length when tapering long legs.
Plus the extra bed length helps control longer stock.

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Tom Collins August 19, 2009 12:04 am

Marc, All the talk is about the width of the jointer, but doesn’t the length of the bed determine how long of a board can be jointed? It would seem that the width and length of the stock one intends to joint would be the two factors to determine what size machine to buy. Do you know the formula for determining how long a board can be properly jointed for a given bed length?

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- thewoodwhisperer August 19, 2009 12:26 am
  
  Well in general, most of the 6″ and 8″ models have decent enough bed lengths. I know you can get the extended beds on the Powermatic 6″ and perhaps other brands, which is nice. But in most cases you are just kind of stuck with whatever the manufacturer gives you.
  
  I don’t know if there are formulas though since a lot of it depends on just how curved the wood is to begin with. If the board is relatively straight, then a 12′ board can be jointed with ease. But if its all out of whack, even an 8″ jointer is going to give you trouble.
  
  So although we talk about width all the time, length is also a crucial factor.
  
  Reply
Keith Leonard August 19, 2009 12:41 am

I had a 6″, went to an 8″, and honestly I find it limiting at times. I wish I could afford a 12″. I don’t think I’d need larger than that in 99+% of the things I’d like to do, but when I’m slicing veneer it is frustrating that my jointer isn’t as wide as my resaw height.

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jHop August 19, 2009 7:38 am

I have been wistfully eyeing pretty much every jointer I have seen. Having a basement shop, as mentioned earlier, puts a kink in the plans for tools. Which is why I’m looking at the combo units.

There are several reasons for the combo units: Portability (compared to the dedicated, single use tools), price (pay x dollars for one tool that does two jobs, or x+y for two tools to do the same thing), and get a bigger cutting area (wider planing width, wider jointing width. See where this ended up?)

I’ll deal with smaller infeed/outfeed support for now, and the need to use a sled to get the first side or face to square. I am waiting with baited breath for Marc to finish his review, but I have learned patience from this wonderful craft of ours.

I have also learned that having the hand tools is sometimes the better, and necessary, route while saving up for the bigger power tools. It makes you appreciate your investments more.

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JP Knapp August 19, 2009 9:08 am

Go 6″ for hobby. 8″ if you plan on building larger stuff. Just get your wood less than 6″ wide.

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montrealwoodworker August 19, 2009 9:10 am

i would totally agree with jhop, I’ve been seriously considering buying one of these combo, jointer/planers, having a limited shop space to work with is one of my main problems, and it just makes more sense in buying one machine, instead of two. For now ill just have to settle with my Millers Falls no.15, and my pre-milled lumber bought at the wood store. Does anybody have any reviews on these types of machines?

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Brad August 19, 2009 6:02 pm

Well, I’m new to woodworking so my thoughts may not have a lot of weight right now, but I’ve done a lot of research on this sort of topic lately. The work I do requires face jointing wider boards so I had to do what we all do at some time or another…weigh cost vs benefit. If I had had the money I would have opted for the 8″ simply for ease of use and efficiency…but I didn’t/don’t have the money, even for the 6″ given my recent purchases.

My alternative, I use a planer sled to face joint boards up to the width of my planer and my table saw to edge joint. The method is simple and effective…check out this link…http://modernwoodshop.com/2008.....mment-4193

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Shawn August 19, 2009 7:46 pm

Most of the points are made but being fairly new and limited on funds and space I went with the 6″ Ridgid and it’s great. For the most part it gets me buy with no complaints. However, I’m in the process of making the 21st Century Workbench (thanks for the great videos Rob…I just want some of them again!), and I could really use the extra length (please refrain from Michael Scott comments). Even though I went wtih 72″ top I really struggled when more than 50% of the board was through the cut. All that extra weight on the outfeed side makes it difficult and somewhat dangerous. Plus I found my boards were getting slightly tappered at the end. I guess I’m destined to be on of the sick individuals that cleans up my stock with hand planes. Has anyone tried the No. 7 bevel up Veritas? I’m thinking it’s my next choice. Good luck.

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Tom August 20, 2009 10:07 pm

I hope I am not too late to this discussion but for those who are starting out – skip the 6 inch vs. 8 inch debate and think about buying a jointer/planer combo – Grizzly makes a 12 inch jointer and planer. I know that a lunchbox Ridgid planer and a 6 inch jointer can cost half the price of a combo but the combination machines with the spiral heads are much more quiet, provide better quality cuts and provides twice the jointing capacity.

Grizzly also sells a 10 inch jointer/planer machine but reviews are scarce. Rikon is coming out with their own combo and Jet already has one – there are also more expensive options from the European manufacturers as well.

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- Brad August 21, 2009 11:43 am
  
  The Grizzly 10″ looks like a great option and when I finally have the cash I’ll probably go with that machine. As far as the Jet 10″ combo…see my comments above. I don’t know about the new Rikon machine but I can say this; my local Woodcraft didn’t even want to order me one for fear that I would return it. The previous version apparently was in their store forever after someone returned it.
  
  Reply
TrickyD August 20, 2009 10:30 pm

I have a 12″ Grizzly with Shelix. Awesome. Revolutionized my production of bread boards. A mini-aircraft carrier but I love it. Took 4 big dudes to get it in my shop.

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Johnnymo August 21, 2009 12:16 pm

I made this right of passage by buying a Jet 10″ jointer/planer combo. I love it! I have a small 12’x14′ shop and this little puppy on a mobile base saves me alot of room!

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CrackPotWoody(Gregg) August 23, 2009 10:12 am

I have a 6, will be upgrading to an 8 in the future.

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Pezdad August 24, 2009 10:43 am

I have a 4″ joiner, and have never really wished for a 6″ or 8″. Sure, I’d love some giant machine (and the space to put it in) but there are a dozen other woodworking tools I’d rather have first. When I need to joint boards wider than 4″, it always seems that I need to joint more than 8″, so a glue up is going to occur anyway – and I can glue up 3 boards just as pretty as I can glue up two.

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John Loflin September 7, 2009 10:02 am

I have a 6″ jointer at the moment and as most of you have previously said, I will be upgrading when space and power limitations make it possible. It is not that I find the 6″ jointer to be too small for the projects that I need to build, it is small for the projects that I wish to build.

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Jeff Olsen September 18, 2009 7:21 pm

I just bought the Jet 10″ jointer/planer combo from Woodcraft and now chomping at the bit to get it delivered so I can play!!

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Mike September 25, 2009 7:27 am

Hand planes!! Of course I am one of those sick individuals who believes anything you can do with a power tool you can do better by hand.

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Thomas Hansen November 16, 2009 2:38 pm

Hi jeff,

i

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Rick December 15, 2009 4:49 pm

I have the Jet 10 combo and love it could never get by without it.

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Robert April 5, 2010 12:55 pm

I would like to know if anyone has ever built an extension table to increase the length of the outfeed table?

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- thewoodwhisperer April 5, 2010 1:00 pm
  
  I have heard of folks using rollers to get more support, but I never thought this was accurate enough to actually try it. If its slightly higher or lower, it will screw up the whole operation. So an outfeed extension is definitely possibly, but it would have to be set up perfectly. I am curious to see if anyone has actually tried this.
  
  Reply
  - Robert April 6, 2010 9:19 pm
    
    I built an outfeed table for my table saw based on your torshon box design and the assembly table on your torshon box design. However instead of putting on MDF top and bottom of the box I will cover it with 3/4 wide strips of spruce from 2x4s. That way I can use bench dogs with it. Any way I digress from the jointer; I plan to build an extention onto the jointer with a torshon box also and like the other tables cover them with sheet metal as I did with my mitre saw tables. It is very smooth and cheep believe it or not. To make sure that the extension table on the jointer is level I use 6 legs with t-nuts. As everything shifts I can compensate for it by just turning the bolts. I just wanted to check with you to see if you thought the idea was sound with a jointer. Do you have any other thoughts on this idea? And thanks for your earlier reply.
    
    Reply
    - thewoodwhisperer April 7, 2010 9:56 pm
      
      Hey Robert. It sounds like you are taking all the precautions you can here. But if the extension is even slightly off, you can end up with issues. So to be honest, I don’t know how well its going to work. But if the table is stable, well-built, adjustable, and immobilized, I think you have the cards stacked in your favor.
    - Robert April 9, 2010 8:48 am
      
      Thanks Mark, I will let you know how it works and take some pictures when it done.
Stephane July 15, 2010 7:06 pm

And what about the cutter head? Normal cutter head or helical cutter head?

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- thewoodwhisperer July 15, 2010 7:17 pm
  
  Well if you can afford it, I say go with helical. Easy to maintain over time and a cleaner cut.
  
  Reply
Lilly Allen November 3, 2010 12:19 am

Hand planes!! Of course I am one of those sick individuals who believes anything you can do with a power tool you can do better by hand.

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Mike January 20, 2011 6:35 am

Don’t have a wide jointer? I can’t remember where I read this trick but it works for me. Try jointing a couple of 1x1s flat (make sure they are thicker than the piece you are trying to flatten). Lay your board on your workbench and glue the 1x1s to the edges (make sure your workbench is flat). Then run it through your planer. Then go to the table saw and rip off the 1x1s. Works for me and I get a perfectly flat surface. The wood almost sticks to my cast iron table saw top where I check it for flatness. Have not tried anything longer than 2 feet though. Not the fastest way either.

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Tim R January 27, 2011 5:50 am

Would like to see a WW video review of the Rikon 10″ jointer-planer combo. It is priced about double the JET 10″ j/p combo, and I’m wondering if its higher price translates to significantly higher quality. I like the 10″ board capacity and the manageable weight of the machine.

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Mo Theron June 26, 2011 7:29 pm

I went with a 12 inch combo unit. Mainly because of space issues. I am very happy with this machine. It is a 12 inch jointer and plainer plus It has a atacheched morterser accessory. Laguna make a beautiful peace. That what I have. Please excuse any grammar or spelling mistakes. I’m all thumps when I type on my cellphone…

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Robert R March 4, 2012 9:20 pm

Hi,
I need a bit of advise. I’m an amateur woodworker who is just starting to discover the pleasures I can get when working with wood. My goal is to build some book cases and small furniture in the future. I have already purchased DeWalt DW735x 13” planner and used it for my cutting boards. Great tool! Now I’m finding a need to buy a joiner and not sure if I’ll ever need 8″ joiner. It would seem to me that I would only use joiner to get the perfect flat, 90 degree edges, and for other wide pieces of flat wood I can use my DeWalt planner since it can handle up to 13″.
Is there any reason anyone would recommend 8″ joiner in addition to my planner or would 6″ just do fine?

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- thewoodwhisperer March 5, 2012 7:52 am
  
  Hey Robert. The jointer is essential for milling boards flat and square. I would suggest giving this video a quick viewing to get a better idea of how the jointer fits into the milling procedure: http://www.thewoodwhisperer.co.....rs-jumpin/ You can do a lot of things without it, but you can do so much more with it, especially if you want to mill your own lumber to size.
  
  Reply
Robert R March 4, 2012 9:37 pm

I have just found this video. :-)
Why buy a joiner when you can build one… LOL
http://woodgears.ca/jointer/homemade.html

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Michael March 20, 2012 9:22 pm

What older (3 years or older) model 8″ jointers (make and model) have you jointer users found are prize finds, and about what should we expect to pay in good condition? Also how old is too old and would you stay away from one that has had a lot of mileage on it? I personally wouldn’t care to go older than 10 – 12 years.

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Rodney Bell June 13, 2012 1:09 pm

I have a question for you. Since watching your channel and reading your articles I have decided to buy a twelve inch jointer I think. My question is would you recommend that I buy an 8 inch powermatic jointer or a twelve inch grizzly jointer. I’m looking at the GO609 or 609X. Any thoughts, comments, criticisms? It is june 13 2012 and I am thinking of pulling the trigger by the 20th of this month. HELP!!!

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- thewoodwhisperer June 13, 2012 2:12 pm
  
  That’s a tough call and not one I’m necessarily prepared to make for you. :) I think Grizzly is one of the best bargains going. They might have more “lemons” coming off the line but I know many folks who are extremely happy with their Grizzly equipment. Powermatic is very high quality, but it also costs about twice as much (depending on the model). Is there twice as much quality in there to match the price? Well, that’s debatable. The extra width in the Grizzly is nice, but if the machine can’t hold settings and stay calibrated, it isn’t going to be all that fun to work with. I’m not saying that it won’t hold its settings, I’m just saying that a cheaper machine MIGHT have such a problem.
  
  So bottom line is, I can’t really decide for you. But hopefully I gave you a little food for thought.
  
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Rodney June 13, 2012 4:32 pm

That’s it as soon as I truly learn how to navigate through your site I’m purchasing some merchandise or something with the Wood Whisperer on it. I can’t believe you got back to me so fast. It might not seem like a big thing to you but it is too me. Thanks for the advise bro. If you were a girl I’d kiss ya.

I think I’m going to go with the Powermatic 8″ but not sure now if I’m getting the helical head or knives.

I have an 8/4 -20 inch wide / 14 feet long piece of curly cherry. It is beautiful. I’m going to resaw it as soon as I decide on the jointer. Thanks again.

Stay well,

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- thewoodwhisperer June 13, 2012 8:25 pm
  
  Hey no problem Rodney! Glad to help. I have a straight knife powermatic myself, but I really wish I had the helical heads. Just can’t beat them for low maintenance.
  
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Mike Kratky October 28, 2012 10:09 am

Helical cutter heads solves all the problems, have it on my 20″Powematic Planer and on my 8″ Jet Jointer, actually went 4 years on the planer before I even had to rotate the cutters and have yet to touch the cutters on the 3 year old jointer; I have a band saw mill and I’m constantly processing the lumber through each with flawless results especially on figured wood. No they are not cheap, but the results and nearly no maintenance is priceless.

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Alison Jones December 31, 2012 11:44 am

8″ definitely unless you know for sure you’ll never need it for something bigger. It really sucks to have tools that are just barely large enough for your projects. Only if you are absolutely starved for space in your woodshop would I go with a smaller model. Sadly the 8″ models seem to be rarer & more expensive than the 6″, so going with a used jointer might help to even out the cost difference. We lucked out and found a 10″ used Inca jointer-planer combo on Craigslist.

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Steven Daniels May 31, 2014 9:47 pm

Hey wood whisper do you play the guitar in a bluegrass band ?

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- Marc Spagnuolo June 1, 2014 7:18 am
  
  Nope, but I do play the drums . :)
  
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Dennis December 27, 2015 6:53 pm

I purchased my first Powermatic machine, 6″ jointer and the out feed end of the fence is warped. When I called them I got Billy-Bob who was still on the turnip truck and told me to put a 2×4 under it and stand on it to straighten it! They refused to replace it and made it sound like I was being too picky cause it’s wood working not machining. I don’t ever think I will ever buy anything from them again. But with all the different brands other people seem to have similar problems. Is there anything that you know of that can be added to the fence to level it or where would you send it for regrinding?

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Nick November 25, 2016 6:36 am

I’m in the market for a jointer and just wanted to get some thoughts on a parallelogram bed vs regular bed. I’m looking at the PJ-882HH and 60HH. There’s about a $750 difference and just can’t seem to justify the price difference. Are the parallelogram beds really that much better?

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- Marc Spagnuolo November 25, 2016 7:40 am
  
  In my opinion, after adjusting and calibrating a non-parallelogram jointer several times, it’s totally worth it.
  
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Danny May 8, 2018 7:23 am

I want to thank you Marc, as you helped me confirm a purchase I made. I shopped jointers and at first placed an order for a 6″ Jet Helix, then with second thoughts I recalled one of my first purchases being a 10″ miter saw that later I regretted not getting a 12″, therefore, I decided to go with the 8″ jointer. At first I was going with the Grizzly based soley on the cash outlay deciding it was cheaper than the 8″ Jet. However, you said something in the comments that stuck with me when you said “The extra width in the Grizzly is nice, but if the machine can’t hold settings and stay calibrated, it isn’t going to be all that fun to work with. I’m not saying that it won’t hold its settings, I’m just saying that a cheaper machine MIGHT have such a problem.” I cause enough problems with my own level of skill I don’t need the machine doing that mistake for me. Also, I am not one that wants to take a lot of set up time, my time is worth money in my real job, and I saw that Grizzly people put up with some imperfections they could fix for the cheaper price. I guess each person has to FEEL the purchase, but you helped by giving another perspective. Saving some dollars on a product that should last at least 20 years isn’t worth shorting yourself over.

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Sam Clarke August 14, 2019 4:28 pm

I am also in need of advice. I have a 6″ powermatic jointer with the helical cutter head that is 3 or 4 yrs old. I just came across a 1980’s/90’s jet 8″ jointer with straight knives. I love the quality and ease of my current jointer but like everyone else, hate sacrificing boards to fit the tool. Does it make sense to potentially downgrade the tool quality for the extra capacity?

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Jack December 3, 2020 1:08 pm

Greetings all,

I have perused several forums and many videos about and involving woodworking regarding the tools used with love hate relationship some have with their tools. I am in the process of once again setting up a woodworking shop. technology has sure changed and I myself have sure changed from 20 years ago. Plus the expense has skyrocketed for quality power tools. I came across this site during research I have a small 6 in jointer and was considering a new 6 or 8 inch an I am conflicted with the price of the units. I want the best bang for the buck and as a disabled veteran I want easy of use. I have a difficult time moving around, but I still manage. These will be the last tools I ever buy and hopefully one day one of my 2 daughters or son will get into woodworking so that I can pass them along. Thank You for the article and thank you to all that have posted comments about the article.

A personal note to Mark aka The Wood Whisperer, Keep up the humor, always be you. I will tell you this, I was an instructor in a life not so long ago. I taught technical training ( construction/ mechanical) trades along with combat techniques and tactics whilst in the U.S. Navy Seabees. The hardest thing to teach was to teach a man or woman how to kill another man or woman and humor sometimes broke the ice for the young men and women that would funnel through my classes and field exercises. Humor can be a great teaching tool as it breaks the tensions and apprehensions a person maybe feeling , fear of the unknown is a real thing,
I saw men deadly afraid of the both table saw an handheld power saws during some of the BU Training , but then again that could have been because of the horrendous safety training videos where the aftermath of an accident was included and having no fingers, severed foot, cut legs and death could have been a weighting factor. I enjoy your videos and they occasionally teach this old dog new tricks. Again Thank you as I apologize for the darkness on my post I saw that someone was criticizing you for the humor and I wanted to share with you and other that humor can be a training aid and tool.

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Should You Buy a 6″ or 8″ Jointer?

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