Planer/Which tool(s) next???

[ufg8r85]

Looking at different tools and their uses as I'm new in the hobby. If a planer will allow a 6" thickness could I put a board 6" or less wide on it's edge and get a straight edge? I have a bt3100 TS, and a router. LOML has a honey do list which includes a hope chest, curio cabinet, adirondack chairs, and bunk beds. Which is the next major tool purchase I should consider. Oh yes, she has crown molding planned too, I've got a recon Dewalt DW716 on order., which tool(s) next?
Thanks,
Steve

[Pappy]

short answer...No, and it could be unsafe.

A planer simple removes soe of the material from one sidce to change the thickness or, in your scenario, width. It will not correct defects such as a warp or bow. The side being cut will have the same profile as the side riding on the table.

There are jigs you can make that will make a planer do what you want, but the tool for the job is a jointer. With a little practice you can do one side with a # 6 or longer hand plane, then cut the opposite edge on a TS.

[John Hunter]

Ditto what Pappy said! One other solution that is a lot cheaper is the Joint'R Clamp Kit http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product....cfm?page=6415