I've recently dived into woodworking and purchased a few tools: a table saw I really needed, and a thickness planer and router that I thought I'd use for making jigs. While I have some success with an edge jointer jig, I'm still figuring things out. I'm debating whether to invest in a jointer, specifically a 12-inch model from Cuttech for $850, but I'm unsure how committed I am to woodworking just yet. If I decide to sell my tools later, how tough do you think that would be? Considering their condition and depreciation, what price could I realistically expect for these tools? Would I need to sell locally? Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
I'd steer clear of a benchtop jointer unless you're just working with short pieces. My advice? Keep your eyes peeled for used machinery; I've scored some great deals that way! Last year, I grabbed an 8" Grizzly jointer for $750, and I know I could get that back if I sold it now. Just be cautious about the type of cutter head; I found that some don’t perform any better than straight blades. If you're really considering buying new, make sure you want to commit to woodworking first!
Since you already have a thickness planer, you might want to check out some techniques for jointing wider boards with it. Just a heads-up, though, benchtop jointers can limit the size of your boards, and a 12" model is a bit overkill for shorter ones. Regarding selling, I saw an 8" Cuttech listed for $350 on my local FB marketplace recently, although I’m not sure if it sold. Definitely do some research on your local market because prices can vary a lot!
If you buy tools new and then sell them later, you'll likely take a hit—like a huge one. I usually start listing used tools at about 50% of retail if they're in good condition. If you take care of them, you could potentially resell for around $400. After tax, though, you're still out a lot from the original $900. A better approach might be finding used tools at a good price, using them, and then cleaning them up before selling at a profit!