Thanks to everyone who logged in on the preliminary jointer comparison, regarding the Delta DJ20s, and the Powermatics. The customer service on the Deltas sounds a bit lacking, though the DJ20 is apparently a good machine. Powermatics, I only know what I read, but I liked their service department when I dealt with it, as have a Jet 10″ tablesaw.
What I’m considering now, is a Grizzly GO593 Jointer. Weighs in at around 560 lbs, that’s a heavy piece of machinery, so less vibration. It seems to be getting good customer reviews, and the spiral cutterhead model sells at around $1100 + freight.
So, I’m wondering about the quality of the cut on this GO593 spiral cutterhead jointer. Does anyone have any experience with this machine?
Moo
Edited 1/27/2008 4:55 pm ET by Mooshaba
Replies
I wouldn't write off Delta service. When my DJ 20 arrived (4 yrs ago) a small part was damaged in shipping... I had one less than 24 hrs after I called.
I had the same experience when I needed a replacement handwheel for my Delta lathe (about 10 yrs ago).
HTC also has pretty amazing customer service. I got a replacement part for a mobile base in about two days and the damaged base was about 8 yrs old - in continuous use.
Jeff
I have one and love it. The spiral cut gives very smooth cuts. Click on the buy button, you will be happy and the envy of your friends.
Bob
I understand that they are more quiet. Have you noticed any difference?...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it. -Mark Twain...Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home....aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!
Quiet is a fuzzy set number. It may be quieter but you still need to wear hearing protection. I really don't have much of a point of reference since I don't have the ability to hear them run side by side. The real reason to get the spiral cut is it just gives you a smoother shave with very little tear out even in difficult grain.
Bob
I understand. I have a hearing defiency that goes back many years and am well aware of dangers involved. I was just curious as to the reports/opinions I have read stating the noise reduction.
...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it. -Mark Twain...Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home....aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!
Edited 1/29/2008 1:17 pm by oldbeachbum
I have had one for ~ 2 years. Other than upgrading (and aligning) the stock belts, it's a very good machine. The SC does a great job, even on figured woods, and the tables have stayed in alignment without adjustment since setup.
Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
I am curious about these spiral cutter heads. From looking at the pictures in magazines there appears to be two sub-types. Almost all of them seem to have small, square, "indexable" cutters. They are all laid out in a spiral pattern around the cylindrical head. But some have the edge of the square cutter parallel to the cylinder axis, I believe Grizzley's are like this. Some, like the Byrd I believe, have the edge of the cutter at an angle to the axis. It seems to me that only the latter type would actually make a shearing cut. The former would seem to have the same cutting mechanics as a regular, straight blade.But the feedback on the forum seems to be that both types of spiral cutters generate less tear out than a straight (conventional) blade. I only have experience with a straight blade so I don't claim to be an expert and don't mean to imply that anyone's views are wrong. Just asking.
Chris
The nomenclature is in flux, but the ones where the cutting edge is perpendicular to the direction of cut are usually called "spiral," whereas the ones where the cutting edge is at an angle are usually called "helical."
Both types reduce noise, since the cutting action is spread out around the whole of the circumference of the cutterhead, rather than concentrated in just two or three places. The helical people claim a better cut (because of the shearing action that you mention), but I don't know of any head-to-head test results.
-Steve
My experience is limited to the spiral cut on the Grizzly, haven't used the Byrd. What I like about it is the fact that the carbide lasts a very long time, that it is easy to change the cutting elements when needed, and the minimal tearout on figured woods. When I used HHS cutters, I would inevitably hit a knot shortly after changing the blades, notching the cutting element, which is a bummer. It is also easy to maintain the alignment of the head to the stock, a critical (and sometimes vexing) issue in jointer setup.Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
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