Hi Roger,

I consider myself an amateur woodworker with
almost 20 years shop (hobby-type) time.

I convinced myself that I needed a jointer about 10
years ago while watching Norm. Set out to get the
best deal I could and eventually bought a Delta 6-incher.

I swear that next to the table saw, I use it more than almost
any other tool (ok, maybe the router is second!).

Anytime I want to shave off a 64th or 32th, guess what I
plug in? Sure, you can do it with a hand plane or
a TS (maybe), but for fast, accurate truing (sp?), I would
not trade the jointer for anything.

Certainly, you can do without it, but it is a great
piece of iron to have around when you need it.

After 20 years of working without one tho, I would
say just keep on doing what you're doing if you're happy
with the time & process you use. On the other hand, if you
have to ask, maybe you do need one!

Happy woodworking!

Lou




In article , Roger M.
wrote:

Seriously........Why does one need a jointer??

I have made a beautiful desk, and other furniture that have stood up to over
20 years of my abuse. I always buy my rough lumber with one side cut
straight, and I take it home to plane, and then rip on my "General"
contractors table saw. I use old fashioned pipe clamps to hold my boards in
place while gluing. When I take the boards to a local saw shop for sanding
even,. they always comment on how straight and even they are ( and i don't
use any type of biscuits or doweling). I will purchase a jointer if u can
tell me what benefits there are in having one. I have wondered this for
quite some years, and am hoping someone can help me. Thanks in advance.