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Consider Getting a Jointer Planer Combo for Your Tool Collection

The post Consider Getting a Jointer Planer Combo for Your Tool Collection appeared first on Homedit.
If you’ve been woodworking for any amount of time, you’ll be aware that jointers and planers are two of the most essential tools to have at the ready—and that they’re expensive as…fudge. But did you know you can save money (and a coin flip) by purchasing a jointer planer combo? Indeed, you can. Keep reading…

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Best For: Affordability – CRAFTSMAN 10-Amp Benchtop Jointer
The post Consider Getting a Jointer Planer Combo for Your Tool Collection appeared first on Homedit.
Aside from your budget, you’re probably looking into jointer planers because you want to save space. To make sure your efforts are not counterintuitive, make sure you purchase a jointer planer with a small footprint.
Pros

Top Picks

Of course, jointer planers are not without their drawbacks. For example, most models are notoriously difficult to set up and many users struggle to swap functions. In addition, because jointer planers are a two-in-one deal, they don’t offer the same level of specialization that two separate machines would.
Pros:
Cons:
There are additional differences, but these are the most crucial for you to keep in mind.
The second solo jointer on our list, this model from CRAFTSMAN possesses many of the same features as the PORTER-CABLE version: a 10-amp motor, variable speed (6000 to 11000 RPM), a lightweight construction, a good amount of workspace, and replaceable/adjustable knives. In addition, it has variable speed for cuts per minute (12000 to 22000) and is available at an even more affordable price! If you’re just getting started with your woodworking space and need a quality machine that won’t break the bank, look no further!
A 3 HP motor, helical cutterhead, quiet operation, and more are waiting for you when you purchase this beast from JET—everything a professional could need, and then some!
Best For: Most Powerful Motor – Grizzly Spiral-Polar Bear Series 12-Inch Planer/Jointer
 
Jointer Planer Combo
The stand may seem insignificant, but the type of stand your jointer planer has will make a huge difference in its overall quality and functionality. Jointer planers can be found with one of three stand types:
Cons:
Pros:

What is a Jointer Planer?

Pros:
When you see the words “Grizzly” and “Polar Bear” in the same product line, you know you’re looking at a powerful machine. This 12-Inch Planer/Jointer boasts a 5 HP motor—the most powerful on our list—as well as a practical spiral cutterhead and 4” dust port. If raw horsepower isn’t enough to impress you, maybe its ease of conversion and thermal overload protection feature will! This bad boy may look intimidating, but it’s both easy and safe to use! If you’re looking for a real beast to grace your woodworking shop and make light work of any project, you’ve just found it.
Depending on the model you opt for, you’re looking at anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for a quality jointer planer.

Do You Need One?

Ideal for the casual DIYer, the 6-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Jointer from PORTER-CABLE features a capable 10-amp motor, variable speed capabilities (6000 to 11000 RPM), and a large enough work surface for basic day-to-day woodworking tasks. This may be only a jointer, but it has a lot to offer in terms of convenience and user-friendliness: easy setup, replaceable and adjustable knives, and more! It’s also lightweight at 35 pounds and features a strong sheet metal construction, making it perfect for frequent transport. For a basic tabletop jointer that will get the job done, we highly recommend you look into this top contender!  
Cons:
The most affordable JET model on our list, the 10” Jointer/Planer with Stand provides incredible quality considering the price. Serious DIYers and amateur woodworkers will appreciate its 13-amp motor (just under 2 HP), its large knobs for greater user control, and its aluminum-extruded fence for a more stable joining experience. This model also features a big dust port and an overall compact, semi-lightweight design for easy transport. Depending on your preferences, you’ll also appreciate its stand design, which allows you to use the machine standing or on the benchtop. If you need an affordable machine that means business, you need look no further!

  • take up less space than two separate machines would.
  • may cost less than two individual machines would, depending on the model(s).
  • give you the luxury of having two machines in one, so you don’t need to choose between the two.

Keep reading for more information on how to choose the best jointer planer combo for you and to comb through our personal top picks!
Its 5 HP motor is only a fraction of the practical and user-friendly features you can expect from this 12-Inch Planer/Jointer from Grizzly—it’s a beast that can be tamed!

How to Choose a Jointer Planer

That said, you’re going to need both functions available to you for day-to-day woodworking tasks. While you could begin by purchasing one over the other, or simply buy both machines at the same time, there’s a much more economical option: buying a jointer planer combo.

Budget

Cons:
This tabletop jointer from CRAFTSMAN is perfect for new woodworkers or DIYers who need an affordable yet high-quality jointer for their workspace.

Intended Use

JET JJP 12 12 inch Planer Jointer
 

Size & Weight

Another factor to consider here is how heavy the machine is. As a rule of thumb, you should opt for jointer planers that are relatively lightweight (unless you know the machine will be staying in one place).
A jointer planer is a machine that combines the features of a jointer and a planer, so that woodworkers (or DIYers) can utilize the functions of both machines without making two separate purchases.

Power

Like any power tool—especially the kind with blades—jointer planers can be dangerous if used incorrectly or if they’re lacking in safety features. Essential features include:

Stand Type

This jointer planer from JET is perfect the DIYer or amateur woodworker who needs plenty of power and convenience from their machine—without breaking the bank.

  • Though more expensive than the other two options, the closed stand type has the most durable design and construction. Some may also have included storage space—always a bonus!
  • The open stand type is less expensive than its closed variant, and this is reflected in its level of durability. Its design is similar to that of table legs, where there’s empty space beneath the machine rather than a solid base.
  • Fold-Down. The fold-down variety tends to make the machine more portable and versatile, though there’s not much to be said about the quality.

Cutting Depth

Best For: Professionalism – JET 12” Planer/Jointer with Helical Head

Number of Blades

Indeed, you can.

Bed Width

Best For: User-Friendly Solo Jointer – PORTER-CABLE 6-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Jointer

Dust Collection

Pros:

Ease of Use

As mentioned, a jointer planer combo gives you both machine functionalities. Many woodworkers—especially those just starting out—find this very convenient for a number of reasons. To give you an idea, jointer planer combos…
Of course, there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on a jointer planer if you don’t need all of the features a machine in that price range offers. If you only plan to use the machine for small DIY projects or other light, occasional use, you can get by with a less expensive model.

Safety Features

 

  • Magnetic control switch
  • Automatic restart prevention
  • Secure cutterhead design
  • Kickback protection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What’s the difference between a planer and a jointer?

Cons
JET JJP 12HH 12 Planer Jointer with Helical Head
Best For: Professional Features at a Great Price – JET 12” Planer/Jointer

Planers… Jointers…
…work on the face and back of the board. …work on the edges of the board.
…cut the wood board from above. …cut the wood board from below.
…ensure equal thickness among the boards. …prepare the edges of the boards to be joined.
…cannot fix twisting or warping problems …can fix any twisting or warping problems.

The Best Joiner Planer Combos

A jointer planer combo can be an incredibly useful tool, but it’s ultimately up to you whether you need one or not.

JET JJP-10BTOS 10″ Jointer/Planer

Like cutting depth, the number of knives or blades on the machine will vary from one model to another. Many machines will have either two or three blades.
Choosing which jointer planer combo you need (or deciding if you even need one!) is a weighty decision not to be made lightly. We hope our buying guide and product picks helped give you a better idea of what to look for and what to expect. Who knows? Maybe you’ve already found your ideal jointer planer! Until next time, good luck and stay safe.
Choosing which jointer planer combo you need (or deciding if you even need one!) is a weighty decision not to be made lightly. We hope our buying guide and product picks helped give you a better idea of what to look for and what to expect. Who knows? Maybe you’ve already found your ideal jointer planer! Until next time, good luck and stay safe.
Choosing which jointer planer combo you need (or deciding if you even need one!) is a weighty decision not to be made lightly. We hope our buying guide and product picks helped give you a better idea of what to look for and what to expect. Who knows? Maybe you’ve already found your ideal jointer planer! Until next time, good luck and stay safe.
Now that you know a little more about what you’re dealing with, it’s time to have a look at our top jointer planer picks. We’ve included models to satisfy a range of budgets, purposes, and preferences, so you’re sure to find one that just “clicks.” Keep in mind that we’ve also included a couple of solo jointers, just in case you’re looking for something a bit more affordable and straightforward.

  • Variable speed
  • Knives are replaceable and adjustable
  • Portable design
  • Easy to set up
  • Good dust collection unit
Now that you know a little more about what you’re dealing with, it’s time to have a look at our top jointer planer picks. We’ve included models to satisfy a range of budgets, purposes, and preferences, so you’re sure to find one that just “clicks.” Keep in mind that we’ve also included a couple of solo jointers, just in case you’re looking for something a bit more affordable and straightforward.

  • 3 HP motor
  • 3-knife operation
  • Easy to switch function
  • Large knobs
  • 4” dust port
  • Steel/cast iron construction
  • Built-in limiter
  • Height-adjustable tables
  • 5-year warranty
Now that you know a little more about what you’re dealing with, it’s time to have a look at our top jointer planer picks. We’ve included models to satisfy a range of budgets, purposes, and preferences, so you’re sure to find one that just “clicks.” Keep in mind that we’ve also included a couple of solo jointers, just in case you’re looking for something a bit more affordable and straightforward.

  • 3 HP motor
  • Steel/cast iron construction
  • Helical cutterhead
  • Indexable carbide inserts
  • Easy-to-operate handwheel
  • Easy to switch function
  • 4” dust port
  • Several safety features
  • 5-year limited warranty
Before we get ahead of ourselves, what exactly is a jointer planer?

  • Some reports of manufacturing defects
  • Difficult setup and adjustments
  • Cheap table surface

Grizzly G0634XP Spiral-Polar Bear Series Planer/Jointer

If you’ve been woodworking for any amount of time, you’ll be aware that jointers and planers are two of the most essential tools to have at the ready—and that they’re expensive as…fudge. But did you know you can save money (and a coin flip) by purchasing a jointer planer combo?
Major investment or no, you need to consider your budget before getting trigger-happy with your credit card. The good news is that purchasing a jointer planer combo tends to be less expensive than purchasing two individual machines. The bad news? “Less expensive” does not translate to “easily affordable.”

Grizzly G0634XP Spiral Polar Bear Series Planer Jointer

  • 5 HP motor
  • End-mounted fence
  • Spiral cutterhead
  • Easy to switch function
  • 4” dust port
  • Thermal overload protection
Jointer planers are pretty sophisticated, complex tools. As such, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind while searching for your ideal jointer planer combo. Following is a brief outline of what things to look for and consider before making your purchase—remember, this is a major investment that you don’t want to screw up!

  • Complex tuning process
  • Blade guard isn’t the best

Conclusion

Now we’re getting to the serious stuff, beginning with this 12” Planer/Joiner from JET. This is one rave-worthy machine, featuring a whopping 3 HP motor, 3-knife operation, steel and cast-iron construction, and a host of user-friendly features. From its large knobs to height-adjustable tables, there is so much built into this bad boy that any serious woodworker is going to love. Oh, and have we mentioned its 12 inches of workspace? Best of all is its 5-year warranty and relatively low price tag (when compared to similar models in its league). You’ll be hard-pressed to find a machine of equal capabilities at such a great price!
What do you get when you take the previous JET model and throw in a few extra goodies? You get a jointer planer right out of every professional woodworker’s dreams. While this is the most expensive model on our list, it’s not hard to see why—its helical cutterhead, numerous indexable carbide inserts, plethora of safety features, and easy-to-use design set it way above the rest of the competition. In addition, it boasts a much quieter operation than most other jointer planers do…because you know what they say: Silence is golden. If you’re still on the fence, keep in mind that this model comes with a 5-year warranty—more than enough reassurance to know that this will be money well-spent!

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