Originally Posted by
John Sincerbeaux
Hmmmmmm?
I don’t know how a ANY professional woodworker could survive without a jointer. At least 50% of the wood I buy is purchased sight unseen. Try buying Koa, Gaboon Ebony, highly figured Maple or Claro Walnut from your local hardwood supplier. Most lumber in this class will need need to be milled after purchase.
Let’s face it, Woodworking is an expensive hobby or occupation. Like most things in life, you have to pay to play.
My advice to ANY woodworker, don’t “cheap” the essentials.
I was a professional woodworker for a long time. I made mostly office furniture, store fixtures and some cabinets. My shop was in a big city and my lumber wholesalers offered S3S lumber for a slight up charge. It was way cheaper to pay them to do it than use my jointer.
When you have to guarantee your work, kiln dried graded hardwood from a supplier that delivers was a better choice. It was for me. I never used my jointer and rarely the planer after I got into S3S lumber. Time is money and S3S lumber was a more efficient choice. It was "sight unseen" but if it wasn't straight and flat or within grade it got sent back to the yard for credit. I rarely if ever sent any back.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right."
- Henry Ford