I have the opportunity to purchase a Delta 6-inch jointer X5, used, for $325. It’s not quite a year old. The owner bought it in a large bulk sale of items thinking he would use it on smaller pieces in his woodworking business. But economic times have taken their toll and he needs to raise cash. He says it runs great and the bed is true. It has just been sitting for the past few months. I’m just starting to build up my woodworking shop and figure if I outgrow it, I can sell it for about what I paid and upgrade to an 8 inch. The grizzly is about the same price new. Is it worth the money to spend on this delta product? Any opinions?
I would like to buy a planer also. What is a reasonable price for an “almost new” dewalt planer model 733. The guy is asking $300 because he claims he paid $450. A new one is about $379 at Amazon. Is it worth even making an offer on this planer? Say $250.
Edited 10/2/2008 11:39 pm ET by stillfigurinitout
Replies
The easy answer is "it depends on the condition". If the jointer looks new, I'd grab it if you're happy with a 6"er for now. Bring your feeler gauges and best & longest straight-edge when you go to see it and check that the beds are flat. If they are not flat, walk away. Nothing short of surface grinding the tables or building an auxillary table will cure that. If they are in the same plane, even better, but that is correctable with a little shimming. The parallelogram bed would be my personal preference, but you won't find many 6" parallelograms. I can't comment on Delta vs Grizzly, but the Delta (same model) we have at work seems to be good quality.
I wouldn't consider a DW733. The DW735 with 2 speeds is the way to go unless you really can't afford one. If you can't afford one now, wait until you can.
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- 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
Hey thanks for the advice. I have a date to look at the jointer Sunday. The guy now has a powermatic 20" planer for sale. Poor guy, looks like he is liquidating. I haven't heard back from the planer owner, so I think I'll pass. My heart really wasn't in the planer, but in a weak moment and a really good price... I'll be strong!
Now I'd certainly consider the 20" Powermatic, provided you have room for it and 220V.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- 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
I have the 220V, but a little short on the $1500 asking price...
The DeWalt #735 .. I have one. I bought it early this year because of a special sale one of the local big boxes had. I already had a 13" of questionable origin that was about 1/3 the price of the 735. I'd say the old one served me well for the price I paid for it. It is now in the local schools wood-shop. Donated of course.
I can get some snipe on the 735 in certain conditions but much less that the older one. I always use a roller stand on the output for both machines.
I almost always use some tough old woods that are hard to work. The 735 is, without question, a much higher quality machine AND I have NO regrets purchasing it.
However, my old 'junker' worked for me also.. Do it over, which to buy? The 735 if I had the money. The old 'junker' if not... I was trying to think of the brand name but I forgot! Gee, gettin old is a bummer!
It is a tool I only use about once a week. But when used. It may run a good part of the day. Used more than my Jointer.
Now if somebody could invent a quiet one!
I'll let you in a little industry secret. This is cutting edge technology (see attached).Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- 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
I would suppose that is in response to..
Now if somebody could invent a quiet one!
Great reply!
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