Hey everyone! I'm slowly growing my collection of power tools and just scored a table saw. I want to build a mobile workbench and later tackle projects like a walnut nightstand and a cutting board. Since these will involve glued pieces (think multiple 2x4-sized walnut bits), I know I need a planer and a jointer, but both tools would set me back about $2000 CAD. I'm definitely getting a planer since it's versatile and lets me mill wood to the right thickness; I'm eyeing the DW735. However, I realized I'll need a jointer to flatten warped glued pieces before using the planer to square them up. My question is: can I use a cordless compact/trim/palm router in a router sled instead of a jointer? I want to create a flat side like a jointer would and then plane it for squaring. Is this a practical approach? I'm trying to avoid shelling out for a benchtop jointer given the planer expense. Thanks!
2 Answers
Definitely doable! I don't have a jointer in my shop either, and I manage fine. I usually flatten with a hand plane, then joint with my table saw, and use a thickness planer afterward. It can take a bit longer, but since I don't work with wood in massive quantities, it works out for me!
Yes, a cordless compact router can be used in a sled, but keep in mind these tools are light-duty. You'll need to take shallower passes and work a bit slower, plus the batteries might drain quickly. However, using a sled with your thicknesser seems like a better plan overall since you're investing in a thicknesser anyway!
Interesting, I didn't know about planer sleds! I thought a router was my only option. I'll definitely look into getting a larger fixed base/plunge router for deeper cuts when I can afford it.