I would say the planer. The planer in a pinch can also be used as a jointer with the help of a jig. There are multiple articles out there about different sled type jigs designed for planer. I have seen them on FWW, Wood, Woodcraft mag as well as others.

As for the model, I have a DeWalt 12" and like it for what it is. It has its limitations. I have used the 13" and I must say its LOUD! Be aware if you are in a residential area and want to keep good relations with the neighbors. I am going to be replacing my planer with a vintage Powermatic at some point, not because the DeWalt isnt a good planer, but because I prefer the old arn

 

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My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist

Sounds like old ducks now what there doing;)

 

It's not  one or the othere when it come to proplely dressed lumber. Old wisdom will say you need both. that's an old fact, as old as trees.

 

Its simple, a jointer flatens stock and planer thickness it.   If you are building picnic tables you will get buy with just a planer. if your gluing up panels with invisable joints than a jointer is a must. Now if you making piston fit dovetail drawers you need them both. 

 

jointers flaten 

planners thickness stock

the two used in proper order make flat thicknesses stock suited for precision work. You need both. If you can only afford one, get the jointer and start the good habits of preparing stock from the rough. Grade  has very little to do with it. one with skill can dress a burl as crocked as a dogs hind leg on a finely set of machine no jig required.

 

 The jointer first b/c the level of quilty of your work will improve.

 

I have 5 jointer that i can not do with out. there are all set for differant uses and sharpness's. The way i see it is it takes a bit of skill to use a jointer were as a monkey could run a planer. so if you are not looking to improve your skills get a planner, but we all know why your here:

 

jack

English machine

 

 

 

I am glad someone agrees with me. 5 jointers? I have one and its dusty. However, if I had space (and money) for 5 jointers, I would be a happy man. For now, 3 jointer planes will do just fine. 

tool613 said:

Sounds like old ducks now what there doing;)

 

It's not  one or the othere when it come to proplely dressed lumber. Old wisdom will say you need both. that's an old fact, as old as trees.

 

Its simple, a jointer flatens stock and planer thickness it.   If you are building picnic tables you will get buy with just a planer. if your gluing up panels with invisable joints than a jointer is a must. Now if you making piston fit dovetail drawers you need them both. 

 

jointers flaten 

planners thickness stock

the two used in proper order make flat thicknesses stock suited for precision work. You need both. If you can only afford one, get the jointer and start the good habits of preparing stock from the rough. Grade  has very little to do with it. one with skill can dress a burl as crocked as a dogs hind leg on a finely set of machine no jig required.

 

 The jointer first b/c the level of quilty of your work will improve.

 

I have 5 jointer that i can not do with out. there are all set for differant uses and sharpness's. The way i see it is it takes a bit of skill to use a jointer were as a monkey could run a planer. so if you are not looking to improve your skills get a planner, but we all know why your here:

 

jack

English machine

 

 

 

 

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Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking

   I haven't used my jointer in years.    Edges get a good dressing with a jointer handplane I have.    I do have a planer, but to get things FLAT, I use my handplanes.   I don't even have a sled for my 12-1/2" planer.   I do use my tablesaw to get the edges as straight as I can, I also have been known to gang a few boards up, and run them through on an edge.    Even if the set-up is off a smidgen, they are all the small "off", and glue up quite nicely.

 

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'and may the road raise up to meet ye'

Do you have a picture somewhere of this jig?? I don't have much room for new tools and have been following this post. If I can get by with just the planer I may just do it.

Thanks
Ron Dudelston said:

I'll dig it out and get it to you.  It looks like a short version of a tenoning jig. 

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Ron Dudelston
Above and Beyond WoodWorks