I'm currently milling around 50 to 100 board feet each week and I have a DeWalt 13" planer and a 3hp cabinet saw. My setup involves using an MDF sled to joint 8' boards, along with a few techniques for edge jointing. Most of my projects require at least 6' of material, and sometimes I need full 8' pieces. I'm looking to mill longer boards, ideally 10-12' in length. Additionally, I work a lot with veneered plywood for various projects, with hardwood primarily used for drawer faces, edges, and trim. I'm considering whether to get a jointer or a bandsaw as my next big tool, especially since I already have dust collection ports available. What would be the best machine to help speed up my milling process?
3 Answers
Instead of a jointer, think about using a straight edge jig on your saw. It's more efficient and keeps everything stable. Jointers can be a bit tricky to dial in right!
For those long boards, you'll want a jointer with a long bed, at least 8" wide to handle 10-12' boards. However, those jointers can get pricey and take up space. A bandsaw might be more practical since you can also make your own veneer with it. If you frequently use rough lumber though, a jointer could save you some time in the long run once it's set up.
Definitely grab a jointer! It makes flattening boards way easier, which is crucial for ensuring they sit flat.
What type of jointer would you recommend for handling those 10-12' boards effectively?