Replies

1. 
   RickL | Jun 09, 2006 04:51pm | #1

   The real advantage to the parallelogram isn't so much keeping the table close to the blades but long term adjustability. You can tweak the four corners of each table independently and you could also replace a warped table and adjust it in. On a dovetailed type ways jointer the tables are ground in place mounted to the base. You could not replace a table without having alignment issues.  The parallelogram system is used on the most expensive European jointers. The fact that it keeps the table close to the blades is the least of the advantages and the difference in the distance the table is away from the blades on a dovetailed ways jointer isn't really signifigantly major or even worth thinking about in my 25 years of working on industrial machinery.

   Woodworking Machinery Technician

   
   

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   Edited 6/9/2006 9:53 am ET by RickL

1. 
   erich | Jun 09, 2006 05:12pm | #2

   Rick, Thanks for the info. I'm really leaning towards that design, it seems like there are a lot of advantages I didn't even consider. Essentially the parallelogram design (G0490) is only $35 more than the G0586 when you consider that I would have had to buy the mobile base for the G0586 and the G0490 includes one. For only 35 clams it seems a good value. I just hope somebody is willing to chime in about the quality. Thanks again...Eerich

2. 
   frenchy | Jun 09, 2006 05:26pm | #3

   erich,

     I own an older version and I can honestly say it's darn near indestructable!

     Mine has had nearly 30,000 bd.ft. run across it and other than sharpening/ replacing ther blades I've never had to look at it!

     It arrived in a shattered shipping crate and several of the castings were broken or even smashed!

     I called up Grizzly fearing the worst and the next day all the needed parts arrived!  Next day!  Free!   no paperwork!  no real questions other than what parts do you need..

      I assembeled it and it worked flawlessly.   It took me less than 20 minutes to assemble.  I think my teenage daughter could have figured it out  (fool her by telling her its a new style of hair dryer) 

    I've since  purchased 10 major pieces from Grizzly and have been pleased as punch with all of them ..

     I like it when I find good value and low prices together.. but if you add quaility that to me is a darn near unbeatable choice!

       

3. 
   frenchy | Jun 09, 2006 05:30pm | #4

   Eric, 

       Oh and power?  it's got plenty with the standard motor.  That's how I ordered mine and never felt any more power would have ever helped.  (you're not hogging off a whole bunch of wood per pass on a jointer).

    I got the more powerfull table saw and the more powerfull 20 inch planer but a jointer?  The thing never even breaks a sweat! 

4. 
   Buzzsaw | Jun 10, 2006 05:54pm | #5

   Erich,

     I am also in the market for a jointer and the G0490 looks nice.  My only concern is the 600lb shipping weight.  I would have to get it into my basement which is the tough part.  I ordered a Grizzley bandsaw a while back and love it.  That was only about 200lbs though. Is your shop easily accessible?  I ended up using my truck and picking up the bandsaw at the freight forwarder and brought it home myself. GOod luck and it looks like you can't go wrong with the purchase from Grizzley.

   Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 10, 2006 11:18pm | #7

   Here are some links re: the basement situation....

   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=1191.1

   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=18463.3forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Jun 11, 2006 04:07pm | #9

   Thanks Jamie for the links. I may just take the plunge in the near future.Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

2. 
   Moksha | Jun 11, 2006 04:45am | #8

   Bought the G0490 about four months ago and it is an excellent machine. Perhaps this might help a little bit on handling... it comes in two crates and the top is very heavy and almost seven feet long. My shop is in the basement and I have a 4 x 5 foot shaft from the Garage to the basement with a 3 ton hoist over the shaft; which helps a great deal.
   In addition I purchased a large 2 ton engine hoist from Harbor freight. It breaks down and can be stored in a very small space; however, when you move machinery about it assembles quickly, picks up the machine and you can roll it anywhere on the hoist and put it down again. That $149 has paid for itself many many times. Over the last year I have put 7 pieces of machinery down that shaft and moved them with the engine hoist, weight ranged from about 400 pounds up to 700 pounds. No problems, no injuries, and considerable control when moving things.
   Moksha

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Jun 12, 2006 02:31pm | #11

   It sounds like you are "set up" to move heavy items into your basement. I will have to look into the 2 ton hoist from Harbor Freight.Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

3. 
   frenchy | Jun 11, 2006 06:04pm | #10

   Buzzsaw

     The jointer comes apart easily so you can haul the heavy pieces downstairs  by yourself.  it reassembles quickly and if you should get confused, the manual is great and worse come to worse they will talk you through it over the phone..

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Jun 12, 2006 02:48pm | #12

   Thanks Frenchy.  At least I have a slider that goes into my basement from the outside even though there are a few steps down to the slider.  That should make things a little bit easier.Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

4. 
   philip | Jul 13, 2006 11:11am | #14

   Buzz-just chiming in here- I would be worrying about the weight-the heavier the better!Hellbells, if it is too much to handle partially dis-assemble. Weight is good, man.Philip Marcou

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Jul 13, 2006 02:35pm | #15

   Thanks Philip.  Makes sense...Regards,

   Buzzsaw

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

5. 
   workswood | Jun 10, 2006 10:35pm | #6

   I just purchased the 3hp Grizzley jointer. Went through the same thought process you did. Have had the machine for a month and I am very pleased with it. I was impressed with the fit and finish of this machine. Tables and fence are dead flat and it required very little tuning to get started. It arrived with with a broken OFF switch. Grizzley had my replacement in hand within three days. I did order an extra set of knives and they are still back ordered. To me the purchase of this machine would be a no-brainer.

6. 
   ekgolf | Jul 13, 2006 10:05am | #13

   I bought the G0586 after having discussing the parallelogram unit with a tool machinist.  I think the unit I bought is an excellent machine and cuts everything without a problem.  I can even land navy jets on it.

   The parallelogram unit is great if you are good at tuning machinery.

1. 
   erich | Jul 26, 2006 05:54pm | #16

   Hi Everybody,I just wanted to say thanks for all the input! I'm going to place an order for the 3hp parallelogram unit here in a couple of days, I'll write back with a report when I can. Erich

1. 
   John_D | Jul 27, 2006 08:19am | #17

   I have one of those, and like it... but there were a few quirks at installation.

   If the belt doesn't fit right (the motor will only mount too loose, or impossible to stretch the belt that far) contact Grizzly and they'll send you a link belt right away.  That'll solve that issue.

   Also, check that belt guard.  Mine rubbed on the thicker link belt, and the only solution was bending crap out of it with pliers and a hammer.

   I'll be very interested to see if they've worked out those kinks and look forward to your post.

   Hope this helps!My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

1. 
   sansmnd | Jul 27, 2006 12:42pm | #18

   AHH!  The old hammer and pliers solution.  Finally something I can understand!  LOL

   Edited 7/27/2006 6:21 am ET by sansmnd