I am nearing the end of my jointer research and getting to the point I have to just go with something. I have received so much guidance and shared experience from the forum I thought I would share the status.
1) I could get by with a 6″ or 8″ jointer and all would be well. I decided to go larger for future uses (now unknown) and to follow a lot of your advice to move larger if possible.
2) I have been chking craigslist for all areas close to me for a used jointer — good condition or a great restored US made classic — nothing feasible so far but I will continue up to placing an order.
3) Recent free shipping offers and price reductions have been timely on some models of interest — so I will buy something very soon.
4) Three front runners (+1), the price for these are in my budget and I have room for any of them (two dovetail, one parallelagram, accding to you guys this is not a big deal):
Oliver 4240 10″, they import this from Taiwan and QC it in Washington and add a Baldor US motor, also comes with US Byrd Shelix heads (which many of you liked) — looks cool (I know this shouldn’t matter), $2600 delivered
Griz G0480 10″ with Griz spiral heads, very similar in looks and specs to Oliver, ISO9001 factory, $1800 delivered, price just reduced
Griz G0609X 12″, spiral hds, parallelagram, larger of course, popular with many at this time, $2300. delivered
Griz G0634, 12″ combo with planer, spiral hds, haven’t completely ruled this out, but leaning twds exlusive jointer $2400. delivered
Unless the used market and I converge on something, I will order one of these soon — anyone want to help me throw the dart? thks for all the help so far, Ed
Replies
Before you buy anything check out http://www.exfactory.com they sell all kinds of used equipment. Hubby and I bought a 16 inch Moak from them a couple years back. We spent a few dollars getting it trucked from Denver to our happy spot here in the mountains and we keep saying we need to take some time to refurbish the thing but it runs like the day it was made. Doesn't have the spiral cutterhead but it weighs about a ton and there is absolutely no vibration anywhere!
I probably should have kept my mouth shut because you sound like you're so close to pulling the trigger on one of the machines you listed. I'm just a cheap girl who likes big machines and thought you might find their site to be helpful.
Whichever way you go enjoy!
Madison
edsea:
I would go for the 12" if it fits your budget. The combo isn't a bad idea if you need the space.
I have a 16" jointer/planer as part of my combination machine and I've never said, "Gosh!, I wish this was just a tad smaller".
I have used the full 16" once but I frequently deal with boards in the 11" to 13" width.
I'm sure you will be pleased with either choice.
Hastings
Have you looked at any of the combo units? Jet just came out with one (JJP-12) and I am interested to know if anyone has any experience with it.
Good luck in your decision.
-t
fellow knots member Tom Hintz did a video review of it. Go to You Tube and search thintz12 or woodworking jointer.
T -I just got the JJP-12 last weekend. I had a Jet 6" jointer and Dewalt 735 planer before this. I haven't had a chance to use it much, but so far it is the cat's pajamas. I absolutely love it. The changeover is very quick. Jet has done a great job in the design of this machine to accommodate such a quick changeover. The European guard takes a little getting used to, but seems much safer in the long run.FWW did a review of this machine and claimed that the dust collection didn't work very well. I totally disagree with that. I have an average size DC (Jet 1100) and the dust collection is flawless.For the OP, I would strongly suggest taking a very close look at the combo machines.Josh
Just recently got one and I love it all around. It cuts cleanly and saves me space too. If I had the room I would spend the extra and get separate machines just for convenience but I have to say that the change over is painless.
If you want to step up to a much better American made beauty, I am probably going to be selling my Northfield 12" HD 4 knife head jointer, completely restored. It has been great, and I am about to get a 16" version of the same jointer, as most of my lumber is 12" to 15" wide. If interested, let me know. Here's a pic.
Jeff
I could be interested -- I like the concept of old US iron but am not motivated to get into any restoration tasks at this time -- so one that is in good usable condition, bearings, knives, motor, etc. would be good. I had not considered 3 ph power, is that a phase converter I see on the floor? Not sure of the implications of that. I also notice you are not right down the road :). Should we discuss on the phone? Also my email is [email protected] Ed
Ed,
I sent you an email with info on the Northfield. Just let me know you received it, as I've been having gremlins with my email service lately.
Jeff
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