Last Updated on July 4, 2021 by Naomi Nimu
A jointer is a woodworking tool that produces flat faces on boards and square edges. A handheld jointer will deliver the same.
If you have an important woodwork project, you need a machine that produce accuracy and consistency.
It will be perfect for home small projects. Handheld woodworking tools are also affordable and can be transported from one workbench to the other because they are portable.
If you are tired of your oversize jointer, I would recommend handheld one. Keep reading to learn more about this tool.
Jointer Plane uses
Jointing edges
Unfortunately, the wood that we buy from retailers and shops is never completely flat or straight. Most of the times it is twisted or warped.
This type of wood is not good for making furniture considering the many woodworking projects that require you to produce perfect looking wood finishes.
Handheld jointers like these ones will remedy warped or twisted wood. It will make it perfectly flat. Jointer works with precision hence perfect for projects that require perfection.
No tool is better for chamfering the corner of a board, shaving the edge of a door or straightening warped wood than a hand jointer. That is why these tools exists in tool boxes of many woodworkers.
I own a Taytools 469584 Jointer Bench Hand plane #7 that I bought from an online store. Mine was built to last because I have used it for long time in my workshop without it breaking down.
I have a small shop hence I small jointer. Most of my work is jointing short pieces of wood and sometimes longer ones.
Portability of a handheld jointer
A handheld jointer plane is portable. It is lightweight since it weighs only a couple of pounds.
If you want to perform woodworking tasks away from your shop, use a handheld one. It can be used anywhere in your home such as patio, in garage, repairing your doors, on roof, deck building, just anywhere you want to use.
This is very helpful if you are looking forward to work outside of your shop. Also, these handheld ones can handle larger boards and are safer compared to electrical powered ones.
Affordability
If you are a woodworker, it is better to have your own jointer. Therefore, you need to find the best tool that you can afford.
It is a well-known fact that portable jointers are affordable than electrical powered ones. The bigger the motor or tool, the more expensive it will be. Most of the portable jointers cost less than $50 or $100. Electrical powered ones can cost over a 300 dollars.
Occupy Small Space
If you do not have room for a full size jointer, then buy a portable one. It takes up a lot less room and you would get a much better edge. Portable jointers are suitable for small shops and for small jobs.
If it will suit your woodworking needs, then I would recommend a portable one. I like building small boxes and so it is ideal for me.
Different Types of handheld Jointer planes
It is worth noting that there are 2 different types of handheld jointer planes and they are:
- Hand powered
- Electrical powered handheld jointers
1. Hand powered Jointer
This is a manually operated jointer. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned woodworker, you will find that a hand powered jointer will perfectly square a single edge just like the bigger ones.
2. Electrical Powered Jointer
If you don’t have the patience to flatten or square with a manually operated jointer, then buy an electrical powered handheld jointer. You would get results quicker with an electrical powered one.
Here is an example- Best budget jointer
PORTER-CABLE PC160JT Variable Speed 6″ Jointer
Main Features
- It is very affordable
- It is a jointer by Porter Cable
- It has built-in cutter head lock for easy knife adjustment and replacement
- It has a powerful motor
- It is a high-quality machine-It is bestselling on online stores
- It features two knife cutter head to make it easy to adjust and replace knives
- It center mounted fence will ensure you have the needed support when working with it
- The structure is durable
- It weighs 35 portable
- It flatten surface
- It comes with variable speed, from 6,000 to 11,000 so you can choose the ideal speed for your wood
- It has a large surface area to accommodate large woods, up to 6” wide
Good Price
For good price, you will get this high-quality jointer.1 thing I like about this machine is its speed control feature. You are in complete control since you can adjust the speed to match the hardness of the wood being cut.
Has Variable Speed
This machine comes with variable speed, from 6,000 to 11,000. You will be able to choose the speed that you see fit depending on the hardness of the wood you are working on.
Great for woodworking Jobs
It is a well-known fact that jointers make any warped, cupped or twisted wood perfectly flat. It will remove all these weird shapes so your finished wood can look perfectly square, symmetrical and flat.
Tips for using a jointer
- Although electrical jointers don’t have any visible blades, be cautious when dealing with them.
- Ensure you have the correct cutting depth before turning your jointer on.
- Wear protective clothes. They include apron, gloves, googles and even protection for your ears and head.
- If it is possible, don’t use loose clothes when working in your workshop. Avoid long jewelry too.
- When the machine is on, never place your hand directly above the cutting head.
References
Joyce, Ernest (1987) [1970]. Peters, Alan (ed.).The Technique of Furniture Making(4th ed.). London: Batsford.
