Shopsmith Forums

Ed in Tampa wrote:Dusty
All crafts have to start somewhere. Yes I guess you can start with something that isn't flat and level but whatever you build will reflect that.

Look into a old piece of furniture. I have seen dressers that were built with not one piece of wood that same thickness as the next. The outside was perfectly smooth (jointed) but the inside revealed panels made up of different thicknesses of wood. The drawer fronts were perfectly matched to the front of the dresser but if you examined them each was slightly thicker or thinner than the other.

The craftsman jointed the wood (edge and surface) and built upon it. Because he was starting with flat and level he was able to build the rest of the dresser to be very pleasing to the eye.

Yes, you are so correct but sometimes that look of a perfect fit is not what is wanted. I am just saying that it is not imperative that the edges be jointed UNLESS the expectation is for nice clean and perfect glue joints or edges.

I nearly always start with the jointer followed by the surface planer.

The first project I desired to build after purchasing my first Mark V 520 was two part and screw holders, for use when servicing my equipment. I was unable to purchase wood in the dimensions I desired and none of the big box wood seemed flat. I had purchased the jointer with my second order which came just after the traveling academy. My first planer was not a Shopsmith brand as my budget for tools was shot at that point. Never in my life had I built anything which turned out as nicely as that project. I also got a huge thrill from creating a project to the exact tolerances desired in spite of not being able to buy wood within those tolerances. I truly believe both tools are a must. As to standards; I prefer setting my own level of acceptability. I for one don't give a fig what anyone else thinks of the items I create. Which is why I seldom post pictures of my creations. I intend no ill will in expressing my limited opinions yet doggedly stand by them as I am well known to be an opinionated ole cuss. fjimp

Like Ed I built decent things for 20 years without a planer. I've got to tell you though, once I got one 10 years or so ago, I was spoiled. It would be hard to do without one now. I don't think it is a must, but it sure is nice.