On 27 Dec 2005 19:48:17 -0800, "JustME"
wrote:

Hi all,

I'm fairly new to the woodworking world so I need some help with this
one. I'm wanting to purchase a planer or a jointer, but not sure which
one I should buy FIRST? I would like to purchase both at the same time,
but I can only afford one at the moment. I would like to build small to
medium furniture, so each of these tools is a neccessity, but we can't
always have what we want. As far as the value of each tool is concerned
which would offer me the most starting out? Which models would be good
for a beginner as well? Thanks for all your help.

Matt in Benton, AR

I find that the jointer is used 10x more often than the surface planer
in my shop. It is possible to hand joint the edge of a board with
some skill, but to surface plan a board by hand can be a daunting
task. I have the Delta DJ20 and a Makita surface planer and I'm very
happy with these. There are "combo" machines that will do both
jointing and planing, although individual machines usually perform
better.

For a beginner I usually recommend the highest quality hand
tools--these will continue to be useful even after power tools are
purchased. Buy a couple how-to sharpening books too.