Replies

1. 
   RW | Jan 23, 2008 04:26am | #1

   I've used one of each. I know thats far from a statistical sampling, but I'd own either of them. The Delta has been awhile, so I'm fuzzy on all the details there, but I know I came away from that saying "thats a nice machine." The powermatic, much more recent. At first the "wand" as you call it bugged me because I started on jointers with a wheel but I get it. For light changes in depth, turn the handle. For heavy, move it up or down. Works fine.

   Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Jan 23, 2008 09:51am | #2

   I own the Delta DJ20 and therefore am familair with it.  No complaints.  It's easy and quick and painless to change the depth.  If you set the depth stop as recommended, you can quickly and accurately set the jointer to take a fine cut.  I've only read about the Powermatic.  Sounds like a good idea.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

3. 
   blewcrowe | Jan 23, 2008 09:53pm | #3

   I have this unit. I find it easy to use. The wand is fairly long and moves smoothly. I looked at the crank types before I bought and found the cranks to be jerky and awkward. To each his own.

1. 
   Mooshaba | Jan 24, 2008 03:01am | #6

   Yeah, blewcrowe that's cool.  Like the machine?

1. 
   blewcrowe | Jan 24, 2008 03:35pm | #8

   Like it? Well, it's Delta stuff which means it's like a lunk in all respects. Nice and heavy, but crude and a PITA to make adjustments, and their manuals and customer service suck big time.

   Would I buy it again? I dunno. If you're after heft and stability, can't be beat. But I'll never buy a joiner or a planer again unless it comes with those pre-set knife sets or the indexable cutterhead. The boolsheet we put up with in adjusting those dinosaur technology blades is ridiculous. I'd look at competitors: Powermatic, Woodtec, Grizzly.

4. 
   ChipTam | Jan 23, 2008 10:21pm | #4

   I have the DJ-20 and the depth adjustment works fine.  But, to tell you the truth, I almost never change the depth.  It's set for about 1/32" and that's where it stays.

   Chip

1. 
   Mooshaba | Jan 24, 2008 02:58am | #5

   Thanks Chip.  How's the cut and blade life on that DJ20?

5. 
   woodshaver | Jan 24, 2008 03:13am | #7

   Hi Mooshaba

   I'ved used the delta dj20 for years, hard every day without any problems ,I only wish it was 12'' wide instead of 8''. the levers can be adjusted to eliminate any slap ,like in a hand wheel adjustment,you cant go wrong with this machine.

                                                                 good luck  mark.

6. 
   TonyCz | Jan 24, 2008 08:32pm | #9

   Do a search for this subject it was covered by me and other extencively. It requires some basic tools and you may need a spanner wrench.  I think if you look up my handle you will find it.

   It was Nov and Dec. of this last year.

   Its a great jointer and soon you all will know why.

   
   

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   Edited 1/24/2008 12:34 pm ET by TonyCz