I understand that a jointer is best to have so you can do both of these feats but would a person be able to build a decent coffee table top, for example without jointing the board faces. I can joint the edges with a router but without a jointer the faces will have to work as is so is it possible to make a decent top without jointing the board faces? I know there's been a lot of discussion on this matter but there are so many difference opinions and ideas it gets rather confusing so I am flat out asking for your best advice. Has anyone actually built a table top without a jointer and would you recommend it or do you just have to have a jointer. I don't mean to put anybody on the spot but I need to know if I absolutely have to buy a jointer.
-
May you die and go to heaven before the Devil knows you're dead. My Best, Mac -
1) Find a local BT3er who will joint them for you.
2) Call cabinet or millwork shop. They will do it for a few bucks.
3) Take wood to Austin Hardwoods or any other local hardwood dealer and have them do it. -
A lot of great tables now selling for thousands of dollars were built long before there were jointers.
If you're going to use expensive wood and this is your first "furniture grade" project and, you are not good with a plane, follow Jeff's advice and get some one to do the job right.
And, if you decide to buy a jointer practice, practice, practice! New users often make some graceful, expensive tapered pieces of wood as they learn the set up and proper feeding of a machine that appears to be very simple.A man without a shillelagh, is a man without an expidient.Comment
-
I have done it with a belt sander followed with a finishing sander. A lot more work and not as accurate, but it can be done.Don, aka Pappy,
Wise men talk because they have something to say,
Fools because they have to say something.
PlatoComment
-
It can be done, and it has been done many, many times. There are alternate methods of flattening a face other than the jointer...handplanes, planer sled, router sled. Some don't even bother to flatten a face and they still make nice furniture.
The problem is that in order for the jointed edge to be uniform, it has to reference to something. Without a flat face, the squared edge references 90 degrees to whatever prominent peaks that the router, router table, or table saw encounters. This still doesn't mean you can't be successful. It's still possible that those slightly skewed 90 degrees edges can be fairly uniform compared to each other...but they are slightly, or possibly very skewed. Probably the most important consideration is that you're not forcing the boards with large deviations to mate together with alot of clamping pressure, then expecting glue to hold those forces for decades under use. Get boards that are as straight and flat as possible, work down obvious deviations, let the boards "wander" a bit if they want, then sand the peaks after gluing as opposed to forcing large deviations with clamps. It's alot more work....I'd go the route of taking them somewhere to be flattened if possible. If the boards are badly bowed or twisted, you're pretty much sunk without flattening them.Last edited by Knottscott; 12-10-2006, 05:26 AM.Happiness is sort of like wetting your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.
Comment
-
'If' the stock has no bow, cup or twist, a jointer is not necessary. I have made several tops, etc. without using the jointer.Comment
-
Ok, so it sounds like if I am going to produce decent furniture and I don't want to rely on chance using methods other then the jointer and don't want to pay extra for someone or somebody to joint boards for me then I really need a jointer. Ok, fine I guess I need a jointer. I really appreciate the answers gentlemen. Your answers leave no question in my mind that the jointer while if not absolutely necessary sure will make it worthwhile to have one. So OK you don't have to spell things out for me.
No really thanks I appreciate it. It's not exactly what I wanted to hear but hey - a spade is a spade.
Last edited by lcm1947; 12-10-2006, 07:47 AM.May you die and go to heaven before the Devil knows you're dead. My Best, MacComment
-
I'll just add that I found everything a lot less frustrating once I added the capabilities of having a jointer, thickness planer, and bandsaw to my setup.
We supposedly do this because it's enjoyable. (We're certainly not saving money.) So I'll suggest getting the jointer from that perspective.--Rob
sigpicComment
-
Keep an eye on Craigslist. They come up on there from time to time. Theree was a HF 6" for $100 recently. While not the best machine, they can be tuned to get the job done.Don, aka Pappy,
Wise men talk because they have something to say,
Fools because they have to say something.
PlatoComment
-
Yeah Rob I'm sure once I get one I'll wonder why I resisted so long. Looks like a planer will be next after that.
May you die and go to heaven before the Devil knows you're dead. My Best, MacComment
-
Here are two articles on using routers to prepare joints. American Woodworker, Jan, 2007, pg. 51 and Woodworker' Journal, Dec. 2006, pg. 54. I am interested in these techniques because the lack of space makes a new machine problematic. They look like they might be useful for someone who only occasionally needs jointing.
I just got the mags in the mail and haven't tried to use either technique. Maybe some of the more experienced folks can comment.
Regards and good luck, SteveComment
Comment