The Poor Man's Jointer (a DIY tale)

I'm new to this whole DIY guitar thing. I have a couple of builds in process and they're coming along slowly but surely. I need to invest in some better tools, but right now it just isn't an option. Of the items my workshop is missing, a nice benchtop jointer is at the top of the list. Every day I go out to work on my new found hobby, I curse the man that decided jointers should be so expensive. But, necessity is the mother of invention, and today I decided to get creative. Here's what I came up with:

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/9950/sjointer.jpg

As crazy as it sounds, it actually worked. Has anyone else here had to "invent" a tool they couldn't otherwise acquire?

You should read the build threads in the last contest if you don't have lots of tools yet. Lots of creative ideas there. Your jointer idea is used to plane bodies down in about half the threads. :-)

Thanks for the tip :)

Check yard sales and Craig's List - I picked up my jointer, a 1950s vintage Craftsman that works fine, for $20 at a yard sale. There's a whole generation of woodworkers dying off out there, and people who are just trying to clean out the house selling off equipment.

Before I got the jointer, I used my table saw, and attached a piece of angle iron to the far (fence) side of the board with double sided tape. It actually worked pretty well, although the joint is not as invisible as what I can do with the jointer, it's plenty good enough for a painted body.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/244234-diy-tools-jigs.html

I just use my trusty handplanes! I can work anytime of the night and nobody ever cares! Then again, I have enough invested in handplanes to buy a jointer!?!?! lol.

Good handplanes are expensive too. Plus you need several different ones to complete a job.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/244234-diy-tools-jigs.html

Dude. The drum sanders are genius! Thanks for the link!

Hand planes have their place. But it isn't very often that I find myself reaching for hand plane to joint something, especially since I can flip a switch and joint something with this guy before I can even clear off a place on my bench to hand plane something.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/coltwknight/Uncle%20Toms%20Guitars/100_2049.jpg

I get the most use from my Bailey low angle plane. Its great for trimming, repairs, and cleaning up dried glue.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/coltwknight/Uncle%20Toms%20Guitars/100_2109.jpg

Watch Craigslist. I picked up my jointer for $75 it's and older model JET but it's been a great jointer. I found a Rigid for my dad for $125 and it's been going strong for a couple of years. Just have to be patient and keep an eye out. I got an old Delta Planer the same way for $75.

I am fortunate to have 20 foot wide by 30" deep by 2" thick worksurface. Several dozen benchdog locations and benchhooks, never a problem to handplane in my shop! I would eventually like to give in and get a good jointer though! Colt- yours looks like a good size!

I am fortunate to have 20 foot wide by 30" deep by 2" thick worksurface. Several dozen benchdog locations and benchhooks, never a problem to handplane in my shop! I would eventually like to give in and get a good jointer though! Colt- yours looks like a good size!

8"x76" - I wouldn't want anything smaller.

Watch Craigslist. I picked up my jointer for $75 it's and older model JET but it's been a great jointer. I found a Rigid for my dad for $125 and it's been going strong for a couple of years. Just have to be patient and keep an eye out. I got an old Delta Planer the same way for $75.

I'm waiting for a Ridgid to pop up on craigslist myself. That's a phenomenal price though! The only problem is I'm not sure I have enough space in my shop to put it.