The author selected 11 commonly available 8-in. jointers ranging in price from $650 to $1,350, all with either a 1-1/2-hp or 2-hp motor, and evaluated the beds, tables, fences, knives, and ease of making adjustments for each. The Delta 37-680 jointer has the longest bed of those tested and an extra long infeed table. Table adjustments are made with a lever, and the table-lock lever is sturdy and comfortable. This was the only model tested that incorporates a parallelogram design to minimize splintering. When you lower the table, it follows the radius of the cutterhead, so the gaps never changes. Finally, the fence-locking mechanism is on top of the machine rather than in back where it could slip.

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