What is the history of a wood jointer?

The history of the wood jointer, also known as a jointer plane or surface planer, can be traced back to the early days of woodworking. The jointer is a specialized woodworking tool used to flatten and straighten the edges and faces of boards, creating a smooth, even surface that is square to the adjacent edges. This allows for the production of tight-fitting joints in furniture making and cabinetry.
Early Jointers:
The origins of the jointer go back to the use of hand planes in woodworking. Early jointers were long, wooden-bodied hand planes with a sharp, fixed blade or iron. The length of the plane allowed woodworkers to take long, even passes over a board, ensuring a flat surface. In the 18th century, wooden jointer planes were commonly used by woodworkers alongside other hand planes like smoothing planes and jack planes.
The Transition to Metal and Stationary Jointers:
In the mid-19th century, Leonard Bailey, an American inventor, introduced metal-bodied hand planes that featured adjustable blades and other innovations, improving the functionality and ease of use of hand planes. Bailey's designs became the basis for the popular Stanley hand planes, including the metal jointer plane.
With the advent of power tools in the early 20th century, stationary jointers began to appear in woodworking shops. These machines featured a flat infeed and outfeed table with a rotating cutter head between them. The cutter head typically consisted of multiple sharp knives that would remove material from the wood as it passed over the machine. The tables could be adjusted to control the depth of cut and ensure the desired level of flatness.
Modern Jointers:
Today's jointers have evolved from their early counterparts, with improvements in materials, motor technology, and design. They are available in various sizes and configurations, from benchtop models for small workshops to large, floor-standing models for professional use. Some jointers also include a helical cutter head, which features rows of small, carbide inserts that produce a smoother cut and are quieter than traditional knives.
In summary, the history of the wood jointer dates back to early wooden hand planes used to flatten and square the edges of boards. With the development of metal-bodied planes in the 19th century and the introduction of stationary jointers in the 20th century, jointers have become an essential tool in woodworking shops for producing precise, flat surfaces and tight-fitting joints.