Replies

1. 
   THintz | Jan 01, 2009 10:08pm | #1

   I have a review of the JET combo with lots of photos and a video at the link below. We did use it for a while in the shop and it did a good job. I would rather have my dedicated machines but certainly understand the space deal. The comments I have been getting from current users have all been positive also.

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/jetjjp12rvu.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   kayaks | Jan 01, 2009 10:42pm | #2

   Tom, thanks for the input. I'll probably go ahead and let you know how it turns out.

   John Wagner

2. 
   trackersoft | Jan 02, 2009 08:47pm | #4

   I was about to buy the 12" Grizzly Jointer and Jet came out with the combo and I bought it. With a 2 car garage shop, I just needed the room. I have had it about 8 months and love it. I thought the change between modes was going to be a hassle but it is a non-issue (make sure you have a LONG dust collection hose as the hose will have to ride up and over the jointer tables when in planing mode)! The thing worked GREAT right out of the box and I am VERY pleased with the purchase.
   The European guard takes some getting used to but I have found I actually like it better than the 'pork chop' style. The only time I do not like the guard is when you are jointing stock over 8/4 it must be moved out of the way. That is not an experience I like!!
   Grizzly has a similar combo machine that I came close to getting but they did not have any of the combo machines with the spiral cutters and did not know when they would get them. I would REALLY like the spiral head but I think the Jet is an easier machine to change from Jointer to Planer and back -- I would look at both. In short I highly recommend the machine!
   Scott

1. 
   kayaks | Jan 03, 2009 12:50am | #5

   Scott and All,

   Thnaks for all the info. I'll let you know how I make out after I get the Jet and have some time on it.

   John Wagner

2. 
   Napie | Jan 01, 2009 11:38pm | #3

   I had a Robland jointer/planer/mortiser combo that I sold when I moved to a larger shop.  I have regretted it ever since.  I think the combo is a better machine overall especially with the horizontal mortiser.  I have been waiting for Jet or Grizzly to add that as an option for their machines then I’m selling my separate machines and going back to the combo.  Laguna has a 12” with a mortiser but I don’t like what I hear about their service. IMHO the combo is the way to go space or not.

1. 
   Cincinnati | Jan 03, 2009 03:15am | #6

   Napie,Are you still hearing negative comments on Laguna? Back a few years, I heard a lot of negative comments. But I have not been hearing that any more. I had a good experience a year ago. GregGreg

   <!---->•••••••

   Exo 35:30-35<!---->

3. 
   UnclePablo | Jan 03, 2009 03:36pm | #7

   Jet is coming out with lighter-duty bench top jointer/planers in 8" and 10" sizes this month. I'm waiting on these to see if they are a real option. I believe the 10" is going to retail at around $420.

   -Paul

1. 
   user-87215 | Jan 03, 2009 10:33pm | #8

   I have had the Jet for a while and like it, though I have a few quibbles.  The manual does a poor job of explaining how to align the tables so that they are coplanar, and I don't understand why they made the planer table so short and didn't at least add rollers or other extensions, not necessarily to cut down on snipe,  as much as to keep the planed lumber from falling to the floor.  On the positive side, the change over is much easier than putting the lunch box planer in position to use, and it takes up much less space than 2 full sized machines, especially when you consider the infeed and out feed space.  You might also want to look at the Grizzly combo, since you can get that with the helix head for about $2,600 - though the Grizzly has a different changeover - you need to take off the fence.  Barry

1. 
   kayaks | Jan 04, 2009 04:39am | #9

   Barry,

   Thanks for the comments. I am going with the Jet,even though I would really like the helical cutter of the Grizzly. But I don't like the changeover method as much as the Jet and it is too heavy for me to manhandle into my house. And it looks like all the combo machines have small planer tables so that doesn't seem to be much of a differentiator.

   John Wagner

1. 
   user-87215 | Jan 04, 2009 05:25am | #10

   John, I am sure you will like the Jet. The changeover is as easy as it looks - the only difficulty is how to handle the dust collection , I use 2 different ducts because the exhaust changes direction going from jointer to planer ( I think that is true on all the machines ) You can make the changeover go even quicker by putting a bolt in the center of the wheel used to lower the planer table and using a nut driver in a cordless drill.

4. 
   BMan7418 | Jan 04, 2009 08:06am | #11

   I have one and it's great. quick to setup in either mode perfect for my 1 stall garage shop. getting it coplaner took some time, but once done works great. I highly recommend for a small shop. All the need to do now is have a helix head option.

    

   Bman

5. 
   Jfrostjr | Oct 03, 2009 11:57pm | #12

   I have had a MiniMax FS30 combo jointer/planer for over a year now. This 12" machine is solid as a rock: the bed castings are heavy.

   I have not one bit of trouble with it since the get-go. It takes less than 60 seconds to change one way or the other. I also purchased the slot mortiser attachment.

   If you are interested, I will send more info to you - 'back-channel' because I've made several postings with others and don't want to 'burden' the site with repeated info. Or you could do a search for all postings by me and select the appropriate items.

   Frosty

   “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert,
   in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.”

   Milton Friedman

1. 
   kayaks | Oct 04, 2009 02:26pm | #13

   Frosty,
   Thanks for the info. I bought the jet and have had great success with it. It is a great machine that was in my price range and has worked well except for one problem with the starter switch. Sometimes it won't start and I have to swat it with my hand to get it to make contact. I have changed switches 3 times and they are all the same. Jet can't help me, but hey have been very good about sending new switches to try. I think they have a problem with this new switch but apparently I am the only one who has complained. Anyway, it's a great machine which would be perfect if not for the switch problem. Again, thanks for responding.
   John

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Oct 04, 2009 04:32pm | #14

   You're welcome.Next time try a hammer on the switch. You may intimidate it and encourage better behavior.Frosty“If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert,
   in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.” Milton Friedman

6. 
   nuwD6Hz6Fj | Apr 04, 2010 11:18pm | #15

   hi

   i have serious problems to set up my jet 10"

   how can i fix the coplanar problem?

7. 
   BruceS | Apr 06, 2010 09:20am | #16

   I have played with display models,   and IMHO.   The unit is a good stock prep machine.    Basically it's a jointer to flatten rough stock and then a planer to make the surfaces parallel.   Beyond that,  not a great.    The jointer fence is poor.

8. 
   user-87215 | Apr 09, 2010 10:05pm | #17

   What problem are you having getting the tables coplanar.   I have the 12 inch and spent several nights working on it, but eventually got it straightened out.  Tips include - 1 the steel on the nuts is pretty soft so don't tighten too much ( I stripped 3 of the 4 adjusters ).  Place tape marks on top of the table directly above the adjusters - it should give you a better of idea of what happens as you raise ( or lower ) each adjuster -  since there is a fair amount of cantilever effect.  You also might want to check the Grizzly site and download the manual for their combo -  I think there description of the alignment process is better.  Third, it helps to start with a larger size feeler gauge, then when you get it close, go thinner, and make smaller adjustments -  Try starting with a .006  and then drop down to a .003 ( which is what they spec as the final spec - though once t tried going to .002).  Keep at it and you will get it conquered.