How to turn a planer into a jointer
If you have a planer and want to save money and space by not buying a separate jointer, you’re in luck! With a few modifications and some careful setup, you can turn your planer into a jointer. This DIY project allows you to achieve flat and smooth surfaces on your woodworking projects without the need for an additional tool.
Why would you want to turn your planer into a jointer?
Jointers are used to flatten one face of a piece of wood and create a 90-degree edge to that face. They are commonly used in woodworking shops to prepare boards for planing or to create flat edges for joinery. However, jointers can be expensive and take up a significant amount of space in a workshop. By converting your planer into a jointer, you can save both money and valuable shop space.
What modifications are needed?
The key modification involves creating a sled that attaches to your planer’s existing infeed and outfeed tables. The sled is made from a flat, straight piece of plywood or MDF and acts as a reference surface for the board you are jointing. The sled is attached to the planer tables using clamps or screws, ensuring it remains stable during use.
Note: Modifying your planer may void its warranty, so proceed with caution and at your own risk.
How to set up your planer as a jointer?
Once you have the sled attached to your planer, you’ll need to adjust the planer’s cutting depth. This is typically done using the adjustment knob on the side of the machine. Start by setting the depth to zero and gradually increasing it until the blades are making light contact with the board’s surface. Run the board through the planer multiple times, flipping it after each pass, until you achieve a flat reference face.
Remember to always wear safety equipment, such as goggles and ear protection, when operating power tools.
With your modified planer acting as a jointer, you can now achieve flat and straight boards for your woodworking projects. This DIY solution allows you to save money and space while still achieving professional results.
Why Use a Planer as a Jointer?
Turning a planer into a jointer can be a practical solution for many woodworkers. While a jointer is a specific tool designed to create a flat and smooth surface on the edge of a board, a planer primarily focuses on thickness, ensuring all boards have an even thickness throughout.
However, some woodworkers may not have the budget or space to invest in both a planer and a jointer. In such cases, using a planer as a jointer can provide a cost-effective way to achieve similar results.
1. Saving Costs
By utilizing a planer as a jointer, woodworkers can save money by avoiding the need to purchase an additional jointer. Planers tend to be more affordable compared to jointers, making them a practical choice for those on a tight budget.
2. Space-Saving
In smaller workshops or limited space situations, combining the functions of a planer and jointer into one machine can help save valuable space. A single tool performing multiple tasks can be a convenient solution for those with limited room for equipment.
While using a planer as a jointer may not provide the same level of precision as a dedicated jointer, it can still be effective in achieving flat and smooth board edges.
Essential Tools and Materials
Turning a planer into a jointer requires some specific tools and materials to ensure a successful conversion. Here are the essential items you will need:
1. Planer: You will need a planer with a flat and sturdy surface for your project. Make sure it is in good working condition and properly adjusted before starting the conversion process.
2. Straightedge: A straightedge is necessary to check the flatness of your planer’s surface. It should be longer than the width of your planer to cover the entire surface area.
3. Level: A level is used to determine if your planer is parallel to the jointer’s reference surface. This ensures that the planer will accurately joint wood at the desired angle.
4. Jointer knives: You will need jointer knives that are compatible with your specific planer model. These knives are essential for effectively removing material and creating a smooth jointed surface.
5. Safety equipment: Safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask are essential to protect yourself from any potential hazards or airborne particles while operating the planer or jointer.
6. Clamps: Clamps are necessary to secure your planer in place during the conversion process. They help ensure stability and prevent any unwanted movement while you work.
7. Adhesive: Depending on your specific planer model, you may need adhesive to attach the jointer knives to the planer’s cutterhead. Make sure to use a strong and durable adhesive suitable for metal and wood surfaces.
8. Measuring tools: Measuring tools such as a ruler, tape measure, and calipers are necessary for precise measurements and alignment during the conversion process.
9. Workbench or sturdy surface: A workbench or sturdy surface is important for stability and support while working on the planer conversion. It should be able to withstand the weight and pressure of the planer and jointer setup.
10. Lubricant: Lubricant, such as oil or grease, may be needed to ensure smooth movement of the planer’s parts during the conversion process. It helps reduce friction and prolong the lifespan of your tools.
With these essential tools and materials, you will be well-equipped to turn your planer into a functional jointer. Remember to follow proper safety precautions and carefully read any manufacturer guidelines or instructions before starting the conversion process.
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
To turn a planer into a jointer, you will need to follow these steps:
- Gather the necessary tools and materials: You will need a planer, a jointer jig or sled, a table saw, screws, and a straight piece of wood.
- Prepare the planer: Remove any dust or debris from the planer and ensure it is in good working condition.
- Build the jointer jig: Use the table saw to cut a piece of plywood or another suitable material to the desired size of the jointer sled. Attach the straight piece of wood to the sled, ensuring it is parallel to the cutting blades of the planer.
- Attach the jointer jig to the planer: Secure the jointer sled to the planer using screws or other suitable fasteners, making sure it is firmly attached and level with the planer bed.
- Adjust the jointer jig: Use a straight edge or ruler to check that the straight piece of wood is perfectly aligned with the cutting blades of the planer. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure accuracy.
- Test the jointer conversion: Place a piece of wood on the jointer sled and run it through the planer, applying even pressure. Check the result to see if the wood has been properly jointed.
- Make further adjustments: If the jointing is not satisfactory, make additional adjustments to the jointer jig until the desired result is achieved.
- Use caution during operation: Always exercise caution when working with power tools. Wear appropriate safety gear and follow all instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
By following these steps, you can successfully convert a planer into a functioning jointer, allowing you to achieve flat and smooth surfaces on your woodworking projects.
FAQ
Can I turn a planer into a jointer?
Yes, you can turn a planer into a jointer by using a simple method called “planer sled”. This involves attaching a straight piece of plywood or MDF to the planer’s bed, which acts as an extension to the planer’s table and creates a flat reference surface for jointing.
What materials do I need to turn a planer into a jointer?
To turn a planer into a jointer, you will need a planer sled, a straight piece of plywood or MDF, screws or clamps to attach the sled to the planer bed, and some basic tools like a drill and screwdriver. You may also need some sandpaper to smoothen the jointing surface.
Is it difficult to turn a planer into a jointer?
Turning a planer into a jointer is not too difficult if you have basic woodworking skills. The process mainly involves building and attaching a planer sled, which can be done with some measurements and simple tools. However, it is important to be cautious and follow safety guidelines when working with power tools.
Are there any limitations to using a planer as a jointer?
Using a planer as a jointer has some limitations. Firstly, the jointing width will be limited to the width of your planer, which may not be suitable for wider boards. Additionally, a planer may not be able to handle as much material removal as a dedicated jointer, so it may take longer to achieve the desired flatness and smoothness of the board.
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