Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Mar 15, 2007 12:27pm | #1

   You will find posts from dozens and dozens of wwers who started with a 6" then moved on to the 8" and wish they had done it in the first place.  Very few step back in size.  If you're at all considering the 8", just do it.  The 8" will do everything the 6" will do but will do it more easily and safely....plus there are alot of boards between 6 and 8" wide.

1. 
   bones | Mar 16, 2007 02:05am | #8

   Ditto for sure! I would save a little longer and save harder to move up to the 8". It just gives you more options. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

2. 
   DJK | Mar 17, 2007 04:47am | #11

   Bigger is always better. Just sold the 30" Oliver and still have the 16" Sidney. Today I needed to face some 22" walnut. What's a guy to do!DJK

2. 
   Buster2000 | Mar 15, 2007 10:09pm | #2

   Allison,

   I own a 6" and I get by with it.  You're always going to have a board that's too wide for your jointer regardles sof if it 6", 8" or 12"!

   I think it depends on what type of stock you usually get.  I get to pick through the pile a bit, so I pick good boards that will fit the jointer.  In the event the board is too wide then you can flatten it by hand, rip it in half, or take it to a friends place.  All this said I do find lots of great boards in the 6"-8" range.

   Every once in awhile a project comes along that needs a long 6" wide part.  Like the stretchers on a workbench or a bed.  These are the days I curse the 6" jointer.

   If you have the money for it, go for the 8" and don't look back.

   Buster

3. 
   GW52 | Mar 15, 2007 10:32pm | #3

   Allison,

   I have the X5 6 inch jointer and very happy with it but at times I could have used wider boards if the 8 inch were available. When I was looking, there was not a whole lot of difference in the price and wish I went with the 8 inch. To get a four square board at least 2 adjacent sides have to be flat and at 90 degrees to each other and a 6 inch jointer kind of limits the size of the board. Just my $.02 worth. I also have the X5 14 inch bandsaw and have had no problems with it.

   Greg

1. 
   ACV | Mar 15, 2007 11:27pm | #5

   Hi Greg,

   Glad to hear someone also has the bandsaw...I was considering the Delta 28-206 but by the time I add the fence, mobile base and light that all comes with the X5 Delta 28-475XS I come to about $250 difference...and figure for the extra 1/2hp and 5 year warranty it is $$$ worth spent

   AllisonAllison Vince

   Oakville, Manitoba, Canada

4. 
   Railyn | Mar 15, 2007 11:09pm | #4

   You will use the extra 2". I have the X5 Delta 8" (JD20). I do not regret spending the few extra $$$.

   Ray

5. 
   ACV | Mar 15, 2007 11:29pm | #6

   Thank you everyone for your two bits on jointer advice...I greatly appreciate the it.

   Allison

   Allison Vince

   Oakville, Manitoba, Canada

1. 
   ctsjr | Mar 17, 2007 03:41am | #10

   AllisonI have a 6" Grizzly jointer and one year later wish I'd bought the 8". I'm saving up to do just that. Get the 8". Tom"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"

6. 
   BruceS | Mar 16, 2007 01:56am | #7

   Check out http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com   Jet/Powermatic.  Through April 30th they are having some really good sale prices.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

7. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Mar 16, 2007 04:28pm | #9

   Morning ACV..

   As had been said, the extra 2" give you more options at the lumber yard as a good portion of stock ranges from 6" - 8". Saves having to either reject over 6" or.. rip the stock and re-glue latter.. or make 2 passes by taking off the guard and clamping an over-head fence on. That method usually leaves a thin ridge that will have to be taken down with a hand plane.

   I just (as many) sold a 6" and purchased a 8" and life is simpler. I almost got a 12" but the price difference was great enough that it hindered other up-grades that I was going to make. But I have already had one occasion that I muttered, " I wish I had got the 12"". I made the double pass. ha.. ha...

   BTW.. for what you would pay for the Delta 8" X5 even with sale and rebate.. Grizzly has their straight 8" on sale for $595. 2 HP as opposed to 1 1/2 HP and 4 cutter-heads that give you over 21,000 cpm as opposed to 16,500 by adding that extra cutter-head. The Griz 8" is a very solid machine. I don't know if it is available or they will ship to you "leafs" thought?

   Good luck...

   Sarge.. jt