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Do you have some big boards to flatten or edge?
You’re gonna want to add a Jointer Plane to your tool collection. This fella is the longest of the hand planes, and it’s what you’ll be reaching for when you need to get those long boards nice and straight.
But before you go jumpin’ in headfirst, let’s chat about what to look for when buying your first Jointer Plane.
Trust me, pickin’ the right one now will save you time (and frustration) down the road!
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Size: Longer is Better
Jointer planes are long, and that’s exactly what makes ‘em so darn good at straightening out longboards.
The most common size is the No. 7 Jointer Plane, which runs about 22 inches long.
If you’re workin’ with longboards for things like tabletops, doors, or big ol’ shelves, this is the size you’ll want.
You might also see No. 8 Jointer Planes out there (a little harder to find), which are even longer, but for most beginners, the No. 7 strikes a good balance.
The length helps bridge high spots and flatten edges over a long distance, which is exactly what you need for jointing boards for gluing or getting ‘em straight as an arrow.
Weight: Heavier for Smoother Results
With a jointer plane, a little extra heft is your friend. A heavier plane helps you cut through the wood without havin’ to push down too hard.
The weight allows the plane to glide over the surface, smoothing out the wood like butter.
Now, you don’t want it so heavy that it feels like you’re dragging a sack of flour across the wood, but it should have enough weight to handle the task at hand.
A good solid jointer plane can weigh anywhere from 8 to 10 pounds, so make sure it feels sturdy without wearin’ you out too fast.
If you wanna learn even more about the other types of hand planes, why not check this out?
Blade Quality: Sharp and Strong
Just like with any plane, the blade (or iron) is key to getting a clean, smooth cut.
With a jointer plane, you’ll want a high-quality steel blade that holds an edge well.
Remember, you’ll be working with long pieces of wood, and a dull blade will leave you with rough surfaces and tear-out faster than a dog chasin’ a rabbit.
Look for A2 or O1 steel blades… both of these hold an edge nicely and are easier to sharpen when they eventually dull.
Keep that blade sharp, and your jointer plane will be hummin’ along like a dream.
Flat Sole: The Backbone of Accuracy
Now, this one’s important, the sole of your jointer plane needs to be dead flat.
Why?
Because a flat sole is what ensures you’re actually flattening and straightening the wood. If the sole is curved or out of whack, you’ll end up with wavy boards, and that defeats the whole purpose!
Most jointer planes come flat from the factory, but always double-check before you get to work.
You can flatten the sole yourself if need be, but starting with a flat one is always easier. Trust me on this, you’ll thank yourself later!
Adjustable Frog: Versatility is Key
The frog on your jointer plane is where the blade sits, and an adjustable frog gives you more control over how aggressive or fine your cuts are.
You can move the frog forward to tighten the mouth for finer cuts or pull it back when you’re takin’ bigger shavings.
This adjustability is handy when you’re working with different woods or going from rough stock to finish work.
Having control over the frog makes your jointer plane a more versatile tool, so look for one with a solid, adjustable frog.
Blade Width: The Wider the Better
With a jointer plane, you’ll want a blade that’s wide enough to handle those long cuts efficiently.
A 2 to 2 3/8 inch-wide blade is what you’ll typically find on No. 7 planes.
This gives you a good width to tackle wide boards without making the plane too bulky or tough to control.
A wider blade means fewer passes when you’re straightening an edge, and that saves you time and effort in the long run.
Just make sure your blade width matches the size of the plane you’re buyin’.
Comfort and Grip: A Good Fit Matters
As always, comfort is key when it comes to hand planes.
You’ll be pushing that jointer plane along some long boards, so make sure the handles (or totes) fit your hands comfortably.
Check that they’re smooth and well-shaped so you don’t end up with sore hands after a few hours of work.
Cast iron bodies are common in jointer planes, and they provide the weight you need, but make sure the handles are comfortable and sturdy.
If the plane doesn’t feel right in your hands, you won’t want to use it, and that defeats the whole purpose of buying one!
So there you have it!
When you’re out lookin’ for your first Jointer Plane, keep an eye on the size (No. 7 is your best bet), the weight, blade quality, a flat sole, an adjustable frog, a wide blade, and comfort in the grip.
Get yourself a good one, and you’ll be flattenin’ and straightenin’ boards like a pro in no time.
That’s all I’ve got to say about Jointer Planes for today! If you’ve got any more questions, just holler, and I’ll get back to you quicker than a rooster on a fence post. Happy planin’, y’all!