My first jointer. New or used?

[Jason Buresh]

Hello. I am looking to purchase my first jointer, but could use some advice. I have used a jointer in high school and at my uncle's woodshop, but have never owned one. I went to school to fix industrial machinery, so working on a used machine doesn't intimidate me, as I used to work on machines that were similar to jointers, except the blades were 8ft long and the material went under the cutters. It was almost like a giant thickness planer, except it didn't cut wood.

I am wondering if I am better off buying a used jointer and fixing it up or if I should just buy a new one. I do not have a thickness planer yet and would like to buy one shortly after a jointer and would like to buy a decent machine.. Is it worth the time buying a cheap jointer on Craigslist and getting it all set up or am I better off buying an entry level unit and avoiding the headaches? I am looking at a Craftsman 113.20650 on Craigslist right now for under $100, and it looks to be in decent shape. Otherwise I was looking at the Ridgid floor model for a new jointer. I don't have room for and 8in or bigger right now, so looking for a 6" until I can hopefully move to a larger space in the distant future.

What are your opinions? Should I spend time trying to make something out of nothing or money on a decent unit and be done with it?

[Andrew Hughes]

Stay away from the craftsman jointers with a fixed outfeed.
Look for a something in the 8inch range it’s a good starter jointer.
Bring a reliable straight edge to check the tables for humps or hollows.
If you post your general location we might be able to help with any good choices.
Good Luck

[Jason Buresh]

I am in the Northeast Wisconsin area, near Green Bay.

I would love to get an 8" jointer but I just don't have the room in my workshop right now.

And I respect you saying to avoid the fixed outfeed table jointers, but may I ask why? I only ask to learn as I have used jointers, but have never really worked on one.

[Matt Day]

A fixed outfeed table jointer has no adjustment in it, therefore adjustments to make the cutterhead parallel to it are done with shims, which can be a pain.

If you like woodworking you’ll want to upgrade on the sooner side, so getting an 8” jointer makes more sense. They really don’t take up that much more room, so make sure you really consider it.

Definitely buy used whatever you do.

[Mike Kees]

I agree with both Matt and Andrew on this one,look for an 8 inch machine and buy used. One thing that seems to trip up people looking for their first jointer is not understanding completely what this machine should accomplish. The jointers job is to flatten one face of a piece of lumber and then to make a square edge. Some people miss the flatten part. This is why you will outgrow a 6 inch jointer very quickly.

[John TenEyck]

Used. And a fixed outfeed table makes it a little harder but not that much, so I wouldn't shy away if you get a good deal. Especially on a 6" which you will like upgrade from anyway. If the tables are flat and parallel and it runs smoothly it will serve your needs.
If space is a real issue you might want to look for a used combo J/P instead if two separate machines. I've been using one for 30 years.

[Matt Day]

Sometimes you have to drive a bit, but there are some good options out there around you.

Get this one:
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls...939625350.html
Or this:
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls...923774747.html

And get this to help set it up:
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls...952977880.html

Or this one if you really want a jointer:
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls...6939625350.htm

[michael langman]

Jason, Buying a used jointer is a good way to save yourself some money that you could use for other things.
I think differently then others in that I think a 6" jointer makes a good first choice. There are plenty out there and they don't cost that much considering the labor saved in having one. Take your time and buy a good one.

[Matt Day]

I know you won’t get the 12”, just fun machines to look at. I started with a 6”, then 8”, now I have a 12” Northfield. By the way, my shop is in the basement with a turn in the stairs.

The vintage cast iron base one is worth the money if it’s all there. It’s a sought after style and those bases are rare. The open stand one is an easier project.

[David Kumm]

There are lots of used jointers in Wis. If you need cheap and want to learn before spending a lot, find a 6" but don't spend over $250 as you will shortly want more. An 8" is more like 450-850 range. Lots of choices too. Don't be afraid of old names like Yates, Boice Crane, Rockwell, etc. The old cast iron is usually good and you can bring a long straight edge to check the tables. Jointers are all about flat tables and used are as likely to be flat ( or more so ) than new. Dave

[Jason Buresh]

Matt, I appreciate the suggestions, but there isn't a snowballs chance down under that the 12" jointer will fit down my stairs and I'm not afraid to drive, but is that delta really worth over $200? I'm not afraid of a project, but that's over a 6 hour round trip from where I live and it looks like it's in pieces.

[Marc Jeske]

Matt, I appreciate the suggestions, but there isn't a snowballs chance down under that the 12" jointer will fit down my stairs and I'm not afraid to drive, but is that delta really worth over $200? I'm not afraid of a project, but that's over a 6 hour round trip from where I live and it looks like it's in pieces.

There are enough Delta / Rockwell 6" on the market that are not basket cases.

Marc

[Marc Jeske]

Delta 6" Jointer - $400

Probably too far to drive, but an example of what can be found.

Marc

https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/t...946218997.html


https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls...949263496.html

[Marc Jeske]

I have had WAY more luck selling on Facebook marketplace than C list this year.

Be aware of it Guys... it IS taking over.

Here's search results for Jointer Green bay ws within 100 miles.

Marc

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ort=BEST_MATCH

[Myk Rian]

I have had WAY more luck selling on Facebook marketplace than C list this year.

Same here. Sold my 8" Rockwell on FB Marketplace. CL is getting to be a pain.