(Google "table saw jointer jig" for more info than you could possibly care to read on that topic :D )If you're going to be working with slab wood a lot, though, you should consider a wider jointer that will let you flatten the slab in preparation for the planer.After I finish my bench I'm going the Matthias Wandel route and turning a 12" planer into a jointer. For now ill just have to settle with my Millers Falls no.15, and my pre-milled lumber bought at the wood store. Does the 3 in difference on the planer make that much difference because either way the cost of purchase [new] is about the same.I would actually vote for the combo. So although we talk about width all the time, length is also a crucial factor.I had a 6″, went to an 8″, and honestly I find it limiting at times. It doesn’t have to be pretty before going into the planer – just flat. Your a talented craftsman.
Like a lot of people I don’t have tons of space and thought it would be nice to have a quality 2 in 1 type machine. Is your shop in the basement like mine is?? With the 6 inch you can go 110. I tried putting in planer vs. jointer on the woodwhisperer but ran into just a bunch of ads that really started confusing more more than anything when I was reading the replies. Good luck.I hope I am not too late to this discussion but for those who are starting out – skip the 6 inch vs. 8 inch debate and think about buying a jointer/planer combo – Grizzly makes a 12 inch jointer and planer. Just can’t beat them for low maintenance.Helical cutter heads solves all the problems, have it on my 20″Powematic Planer and on my 8″ Jet Jointer, actually went 4 years on the planer before I even had to rotate the cutters and have yet to touch the cutters on the 3 year old jointer; I have a band saw mill and I’m constantly processing the lumber through each with flawless results especially on figured wood. All that extra weight on the outfeed side makes it difficult and somewhat dangerous. Find places like Rosewood, take a course from a fantastic teacher who knows hand tools thoroughly, and buy some good ones – you’ll be amazed at the things you can do and how beautiful they en up being.
This method is too slow unless you’re doing just a couple of boards.– I have not tried this, but you might hot-glue the board onto a rider board, with wedges to keep it from rocking. Now keep in mind there are certain tricks of the trade that will allow you to flatten wider boards with a 6″ jointer. If you’re getting the planer first anyway, these jigs will help you get decent jointed edges without the jointer, so it’s all good. However, there are millions of products and services on the web, and I only promote those products or services that I would use personally. Your opinion is no more right than his is. I have a decent table saw and 15 inch planer that I have been able to get straight edges with so far. I know many people who get along quite nicely with small benchtop jointers and even some crazy individuals who would rather use their #7 jointer plane to get the job done! So no angst over which comes first, I just got both at the same time and only bought the 1 machine. And mostly use it for a table.as long as you don't mind making a jig and swapping the blade in your table saw.For me, I'd rather pay the premium at the lumber store I frequent to have the piece "pretty much flat" than buy something rough cut and use a jointer and planer to flatten it. I am very happy with this machine. Those that do create unbelievable work but they are far and few between. Unfortunately it’s a whole new minefield to cross and a whole new (fast disappearing) skill set to learn which is why I’m sure Marc is planning some more hand tool friendly episodes soon.Whereas I agree on the value of good hand tools (and really undrestanding how to use them), I’d disagree with you on the good + cheap part.