Replies

1. 
   davidbrum | Jul 23, 2009 05:44pm | #1

   Hi Bill

   I believe that Yorkcraft was imported by Wilke Machinery until a couple of years ago. They threw in the towel on importing Yorkcraft because of cost/hassle issues. If you search the forums here, you'll find all the details.

   David B
1. 
   BillGray | Jul 24, 2009 03:01pm | #2

   Hi David,
   Many thanks for the prompt reply.
   Bill

1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jul 24, 2009 04:38pm | #3

   David is absolutely correct, Bill. York-craft was imported by Wilke Machinery which also imported Bridgewood. Wilke closed shop and opened back up under the name C H Wilke, Inc. which no longer does direct importing but carries Jet.. Powermatic.. Delta.. etc.

   I purchased the last York-craft 20" planer Curt Wilke had which is idenical to the Grizzly 20" planer and an excellent machine. I also got the last Industrial floor mortiser Curt had that is idenical to the Grizzly Ind. at $2195 except it had a 1 HP in lieu of 3 HP three phase.

   Good luck finding a machine..

    Sarge..

   Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia

1. 
   BillGray | Jul 25, 2009 03:50pm | #4

   Thanks for the info Sarge,My problem is that my shop which I am just finishing the construction of is pretty small. At the same time the minimum width I want to joint is 8 inches, (and thickness plane)Ideally I need a combination machine, however the price range seems to be $650 for what looks like very cheap construction, then jumps to $2500 which is a little heavy for my budget (and space) does anyone know of a machine somewhere in the middle of that range???Thanks for your help.
   Bill

1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jul 25, 2009 04:13pm | #5

   Bill... if you are referring to the combo for $650 that I think you are.. I would pass if I were you. I looked at one out of curiosity and I personally believe it is what it is.. a $400 machine being sold for $650. I have a feeling it would not be long down the road before you wished you hadn't and would up-grade to a more powerful and solid machine.

   And of course those are just my thoughts which derive from replacing about every machine in my shop over 3 sets in 38 years with what I should have saved to purchase in the first place. Keep your eye's on Craigs-list etc. as the minimum does put you in a different category than most of us hobby guys who can get by nicely with an 8" jointer.

   I can run a double pass and hone the ridge with a hand plane on my 8" to cover 16" (I also have a 20" planer) but... unless you are somewhat experienced using a jointer I would not tell you how. I will show someone personally to make sure they are following the proper procedure but I feel it is dangerous to do it if written explanation is even slightly mis-interrupted and simply don't want anyone to get hurt.

   Good luck...

   Sarge..

   Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia

   Edited 7/25/2009 9:15 am ET by SARGEgrinder47

2. 
   BillGray | Jul 26, 2009 02:44pm | #6

   Thanks Sarge,
   Good to have my opinion on the $650 machine verified by someone who has seen it.
   Bill

2. 
   forestgirl | Jul 28, 2009 05:37pm | #7

   One thing to know about those seemingly great deals on Yorkcraft jointers is that, while the machine itself carried a good price, the shipping was astronomical.  If you happened to live close to the origination point, not too bad, but if not it was a deal-killer for most people. 

    

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)