Replies

1. 
   ctsjr | Dec 28, 2006 06:43am | #1

   Of those two, I'd go with the Ridgid.  It's gotten good reviews from FWW and some of the the Knots readers.  For another option, I'd recomend the Grizzly G0452.  It has a rack and pinon fence adjustment and a built in mobil base.  Shipping will bring it to the same neighborhood as the Ridgid.  I've had mine for 8 months and I'm very satisfied with it.  Tom

   "Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"
2. 
   fussy | Dec 28, 2006 10:12am | #2

   If you're rich, what are you worried about?  Of the two choices, I'd take the used Jet for $250.  $150 is $150.  Look at it first, of course.  My choice was a Harbor Freight 6" jointer that was on sale for $189, had a 20% off coupon from their internet web site, so I got it for about $150.  Some may hoot in derision, but it's a darn good tool.  Set up was easy, worked perfectly the first time, just finished milling 250 board feet of rough poplar and never had a problem.  To date I've run cherry, red and white oak, maple, ash, red heart, bloodwood, yellow heart, and padauk.  Get what makes you happy, but I'd get the Jet unless you have a Harbor Fright store nearby.

    

3. 
   Troy | Dec 28, 2006 09:43pm | #3

   Ask your local HD about floor samples I just got the Ridge you are looking at for 200 bucks. It was missing a few screws but I downloaded the manual and called there support people and they were very helpful and mailed the parts out to me at no charge. The machine runs smoothly and the beds and fence seem to be flat and square. Anyway a good machine for the price.

   Troy

4. 
   bww_maryland | Dec 29, 2006 01:14am | #4

   i have the rigid and I'm not overly impressed w/ it.  I can't get a good edge joint.  I'm sure it's my weakness in tuning machines, but it didn't work out of the box.  I have a friend w/ the jet who loves it.  And, for that price, it'd be tough to beat.  Another option is the Yorkcraft 6" which i believe is a "relabeled" delta (link).  $319 + shipping.

   - Brad

5. 
   JasonWhite | Dec 29, 2006 01:17am | #5

   I have the RIDGID and recommend it.  However, I wish it had a longer table.

    

   TF

   Toolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
6. 
   Knotscott | Dec 29, 2006 06:19pm | #6

   The Jet is not only a great deal, but is a fine machine with the advantage of an enclosed base, which should offer some advantages in DC and is easier to put on a mobile base. The jointer portions are extremely similar and should yield similar results.

7. 
   forestgirl | Jan 04, 2007 08:02pm | #7

   Isn't the Rigid an open stand?  I'd go with the Jet (assuming there's nothing wrong with it).  I have the Jet 6" and it's been a fine machine.

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

1. 
   Mumda | Jan 04, 2007 09:07pm | #8

   Ridgid isn't truly open, it just looks that way. It has the same chip catcher as a cabinet stand but it's actually more stable because of it's wider than cabinet stance.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 04, 2007 09:36pm | #9

   If it has good chip collection, that's a good thing.  Gotta say, I've never worried about my jointer being tippy, LOL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

8. 
   frenchy | Jan 05, 2007 12:02am | #10

   imrich,

    I went with Grizzly for mine.. go to Grizzly .com for an online catalog with prices..

9. 
   alan23 | Jan 05, 2007 06:52am | #11

   I like the new powermatic 6" jointer with the new longer bed but this is a far cry from a ridged they should have stuck to pipe wrenches.

1. 
   imrich | Jan 05, 2007 09:01am | #12

   Thanks to everyone for your input. I went with the Rigid. I'm a beginner and am getting into woodworking as a hobby. My choice was based on the FWW review of 6" jointers and your input. I'll let you know how I make out once I get it set up and tuned. Now, need a planer. Have my eye on the Dewalt 734. Got a good review and the price is reasonable. Any thoughts??

1. 
   DJK | Jan 05, 2007 02:55pm | #13

   About the planer, I have a like new Makita 15" 2040 you can have for $800. Pick it up in Warren,MI.DJK

1. 
   imrich | Jan 05, 2007 06:44pm | #14

   I live in NY and my truck gets 11 miles a gallon. That planer would end up costing me over $1200.00 when all is said and done. Thanks for the offer though.

2. 
   alan23 | Jan 06, 2007 04:31am | #15

   the dewalt is a good choice for price point and quality. you can scew a piece of curly maple in it because of the speed setting and the three knives in the column.also it is designed to create very little snipe.I think for about on sale now at woodcraft digital planer height gage 44.99 #146096 this is a great add on for the dw735,check it out.