Thread: Planer combo vs jointer?

In a nutshell, combos will always have some compromises over 2 dedicated machines and you will get what you pay for.

Having said that, for a hobbyist with a limited budget and space, a combo should be just fine.

Thanks for the reply.

The ones I am now comparing are the Sherwood 8" jointer vs the 10" combo as I said.

Even if not brand specific, what sort of compromises are we talking about?

I am a hobbyist, and space rather than money would be the thing I guess. Although justifying the money can be tough...until you have spent it and can play with the toy!

I have a 600 mm drum sander that does a fair pass as thicknesser / finisher. I like the extra planer width on the combo vs the jointer. So the thicknesser would be a try it and see basis. Also the sander is a bit quieter than any planer and in suburbia....

But knowing what compromises I would see would help the decision.

Nick

For me this is easy. Yes I have both so it doesnt come from no experience.
The jointer is used to give you a true edge and a true square but it can be a very greedy machine in buckled timber, For me, I built an open topped box where I can clamp wood in and use the thicknesser to trim down to where I wish the first edge to be. So If I were to choose between the two, its easy, the thicknesser.

Found a reasonable 2ndhand deal on a 10' Sherwood combo and went with that. I figure I can get my money back if I don;t like it.

Thanks for the input folks. Sorry I have asked then jumped a day later.

Originally Posted by rrobor

For me this is easy. Yes I have both so it doesnt come from no experience.
The jointer is used to give you a true edge and a true square but it can be a very greedy machine in buckled timber, For me, I built an open topped box where I can clamp wood in and use the thicknesser to trim down to where I wish the first edge to be. So If I were to choose between the two, its easy, the thicknesser.

Thanks for the input. My choice was between a planer/thicknesser and simply a thicknesser, though.

I bought a 10" combo, and at least I have a wider planer/jointer. I have gone the amateur/cheaper path. Wish me luck.