Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Jan 30, 2003 02:22am | #1

   I think it sounds like a boat anchor, unless you really need a 3HP jointer with short tables and already have 575 volt 3 phase in your shop.

2. 
   TomMGTC | Jan 30, 2003 04:07am | #2

   Sounds great right up til the motor and the price. I have a 12" jointer and it sure is nice but I didn't pay anywhwere near that. As far as the head goes mine is a single head with two knives and I am very happy with it. The 1750 rpm speed sound like the motor speed, it doesn't really tell you much about the speed of the cutterhead which would be determined by the sheaves.

   Tom
1. 
   McMark | Jan 30, 2003 05:08am | #3

   You'll have to throw the motor away. 575v 3ph is a rather rare heavy industrial voltage. I doubt that you would be able to find anyone willing to buy the motor.

2. 
   MStehelin | Jan 30, 2003 06:22am | #4

   Yeah looks like a motor change would be definately in the books. Out of curiosity how much did you pay for your 12" jointer???

   Mitt

1. 
   TomMGTC | Jan 30, 2003 06:25am | #5

   I paid 950 for it and another 450 or so to ship it across the country. It is very old, all cast iron, and made by superior tool works. It's ugly as can be but it makes nice flat boards :)Tom

3. 
   DJK | Jan 30, 2003 09:16pm | #6

   Waaay toooo much to pay. Old three phase jointers are cheap. Hang onto your cash and keep looking. Picked up my 1940, 16" Sidney for $300. Ballbearing 4 1/2" dia. three knife head with 5hp motor.

   Dave Koury

   
1. 
   MStehelin | Jan 30, 2003 09:59pm | #8

   Nice deal! Looks like you did a little painting too.  I was thinking of offering $500 and seeing what happens. Its th typical situation that most wood workers have.

   Don't need it. Probably a pain to get working.

   Nice tool to have if you get it cheap.

   Cheers

1. 
   MStehelin | Jan 31, 2003 05:18am | #9

   I just emailed for further info. The machine weighs aproximately 1000 lbs and has 3 cutters mounted on one head.  You wouldn't see much vibration with that weight!!

4. 
   AlanTurner | Jan 30, 2003 09:52pm | #7

   I'm on the other end of the comments about price and value.  I think 2500 CDN, which I think is about 1650 US, is not a bad price at all.  The motor speed should be irrelevant as you will be replacing the motor.  Things to watch for are the following, I think.

   1.  Can you put in a new motor?  Yours is likely a direct motor drive, and you may have trouble finding a 1 ph motor that fits the socket.  You will likely decide to convert it to a belt drive, and use whatever motor you want.  3hp for a 12" is what I run, and it is plenty stout.

   2.  I pd. 2500 for mine, made in 1922-1925 I think.  It is heavy, vibration free, and has open ball bearings for the head which run in an oil bath.  I've never heated it up.  It is an American Woodworking Machinery one, with the US Navy for a while.  American merged with Yates in 1925, and became Yates American.  Before 1922 there were babitted bearings for the head; hence my dating.  But, perhpas it was converted later.

   3.  The new jointers in this size, save for a few, are lighter weight.  Mine is the old 3-legged style.  Never rocks.  Mine is a 7' bed.  Yours, a foot shorter.  This will confine you a bit.  It is my favorite tool.  Mine was already converted to a 1 ph belt drive. and I bought it from a used tool dealer.  It has a 3 knife cutterhead.  It has the same guard, a Surety I think, as is pictured above.  I was told this was an aftermarket item.  It is designed so that the wood, for face jointing, can go under the cover.  I don't use it this way.

   The equivalent of old iron is probably a Northfield, which will run aobut 9 - 10k new.

   If you decided to pull the trigger on this, let us know how it comes out for you.  I think a large powerful jointer is the most important tool in the shop on many days.  Flat stock to start makes the rest of the piece a whole lot easier.

   
   

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   Edited 1/30/2003 1:55:03 PM ET by s4s