What is the best first power jointer for woodworking?
What is the best first power jointer for woodworking? I first learned to use a power jointer in my grandfather’s shop more than 60 years ago. I bought my first new jointer in 1972. I have owned a number of them and operated them for decades. And, as an officer in a woodworking guild, I have helped woodworkers choose among the various models on the market and listened to the horror stories of those who bought a bad one. In buying one there are a number if things one must consider. What is the best first power jointer for woodworking? The first of these is WIDTH. For almost all woodworking needs a 6-inch jointer is more than adequate. An 8-inch jointer is nice. And, if you have the space for it and can afford it, there is no reason not to buy one. But you could go your entire lifetime without making use of the extra 2-inches of width it offers over a 6-inch model. In my entire 60-plus years doing fine woodworking I have needed an 8-inch jointer exactly once to flatten a wide cupped bo