What are Finger Jointers?
As its name suggests, a finger jointer is a woodworking machine that allows woodworkers to cut finger joints. A finger joint is accomplished by making a set of complimentary rectangular cuts between two pieces of wood, after which the wood pieces are glued together. Finger jointed wood products are popular for two reasons: their aesthetic appeal and their durability, which is significantly more than is offered by a butt joint or a lap joint. In the past, finger joints were cut by hand, and some small woodshops still cut them manually today. But for larger woodworking operations, operating a finger jointing machine is essential to ensuring that output meets demand. In addition, using a finger jointing machine eliminates the common problems of attempting finger joints with a table saw or a simple jig, such as: tear out on the back side of finger joints, the top of the joints not being totally flat and spacing problems. From large models that require a warehouse style workspace to more contained models, finger jointers come in a variety of capacities, with the main purchase factor being whether an operation has enough space to accommodate a finger-jointer that meets its current or projected production demand.
Is it Sensible to Buy Finger Jointers Used?
Because high capacity finger-jointers can be expensive-easily costing six figures-many growing woodworking companies consider shopping for used finger-jointers, and even large companies purchase used finger-jointers to increase their bottom line. Nevertheless, some woodworkers (most of them beginners at the commercial level) remain convinced that purchasing used woodworking machines is a bad idea when starting out new at commercial woodworking. But, while not all industrial grade used woodworking machinery offers quality, it's important to remember that industrial grade woodworking machinery is designed to stand up to commercial level use for decades. As a result, the main of issue of buying an industrial finger jointer used is not whether its used state decreases its dependability and efficiency, but the dependability and efficiency offered by a particular used finger-jointer.
How Do You Assess the Quality of a Used Finger Jointer?
Assessing the quality of used finger jointers follows the same four-part process of assessing other used industrial woodworking machines. First, you should only shop for a used finger jointer with a professional seller of used wood working machines; otherwise, the jointer's state of wear may not be properly assessed. Second, always investigate a seller's reputation at the Better Business Bureau, avoiding seller's that have unresolved customer complaints on their record. Third, always be sure to ask for a copy of a jointer's official maintenance record to assess whether or not it has been properly maintained. Fourth, conduct a firsthand inspection of the jointer before you buy it, or have a trustworthy third party conduct the inspection on your behalf.
