Planers and jointers establish flat, straight and dimensionally consistent stock before downstream machining. Used machines should be evaluated for table geometry, cutterhead condition, feed quality and the capacity required for your material.
Choose the right process
A jointer creates a flat reference face or edge; a thickness planer brings the opposite face to a consistent thickness. Some production environments use separate heavy-duty machines, while smaller shops may use combination equipment.
What to verify
- Maximum cutting width and thickness range
- Table or bed length, flatness and adjustment
- Cutterhead type, diameter and knife/insert condition
- Feed rollers, bed rollers and pressure components on planers
- Fence condition and alignment on jointers
- Motor horsepower, belts and bearings
- Depth adjustment and digital positioning when equipped
- Guarding, dust extraction and electrical requirements
Make representative cuts
Check surface quality, dimensional consistency, snipe, chatter and feed performance. Verify that adjustments hold and that replacement knives or inserts are readily available.
Research iBiD machinery
Browse current inventory and sold planer/jointer history. Submit a Machinery Wanted request if you need a specific machine.
Budget beyond the purchase price
Compare machines on total installed cost, not asking price alone. Budget for loading, rigging, freight, unloading, electrical or compressed-air work, dust or vacuum connections, tooling, software or controls support, commissioning and any repairs identified during inspection. A lower purchase price can become more expensive if removal or installation is unusually complex.
Questions to ask the seller
- Is the machine currently connected and available for a powered demonstration?
- What is included with the sale, and what tooling, accessories or support equipment is excluded?
- Are manuals, backups, software licenses or service records available?
- Who is responsible for disconnecting, loading and rigging?
- When must the machine be removed, and are there site-access constraints?
If you own similar equipment, submit it to iBiD for review. If you are still searching, use the Machinery Wanted form to describe the machine and timing you need.