RE: joiner

[txwomyn (Guest)]

OK I have used my router table for sometime now but I think I am ready for a joiner. Any suggestions on the best model to purchase? Jet or Delta?

[Johanna]

If you can possibly afford it, get an 8" one. I cannot tell you how often I have wished I had gotten an 8" joiner and a 15" planer! I don't think there is a recent review of joiners in any magazines, so you might go to woodweb.com (http://woodweb.com) or woodworking.org (http://woodworking.org) and look for reviews. Amazon.com (http://Amazon.com) has reviews, too.

When you do get one, the very first thing to do is to check the tables for flatness and make sure the fence can be set to and will hold angles properly. The fence, too, should be milled flat.

Johanna

[JohnP]

LAST EDITED ON Oct-15-01 AT 05:26PM (CDT)

I use a Jet 6in. Like Johanna I wish I had gotten an 8in or larger. Your choise might be dicktated by the voltage that you have. If you have 220 go for it and get the largest one you can afford, but if you will only be doing small projects then go for the 6in. Keep in mind that a jointer is for more than just the edge of a board.
JohnP

[handi]

Actually, it doesn't matter how big it is, you'll want more :) I was with a client not long ago that has a 24" joiner and he was complaining! LOL

I recently aquired an antique Craftsman joiner. It is a 6" and weighs about 80 lbs without the motor. It took some cleaning and tuning, but gives amazing results for a 40 year old machine.

The advise above is solid, get the biggest and best you can justify, you'll never regret it.

Ralph

[Weez]

If you have the room go for the 8". It does cost more but it will be well worth it. I have a Grizzely 6", its old but its true. American Woodworker Mag has an article about how to by a joiner in the Nov issue.
Weez

[Raven]

I second Johanna's motion. First I have to make sure you are talking about a "jointer", right, not a biscuit or plate "joiner". Several years ago, after lots of study, I bought the Delta DJ20 8" jointer. I have never regretted it. The long tables on this model are fabulous. That, along with its dovetailed ways, was winning reviews hands down. Unfortunately, it will cost you more than three times the price of a 6", but if you are going to do any serious woodworking, I would save up for one, it will make your life a lot easier.
The Delta and Jet 6" are probably comparable to each other. Checking out the reviews are always a good idea....good luck.

Raven

[David Yoho]

I agree with the previous remarks. I, too, have been looking at jointers lately as I've been using a 6 inch Craftsman since I started and feel it's time to move up. I've decided to go with an 8 inch model but haven't come to a definite decision yet. I looked seriously at the Delta DJ20 but soon decided it was really more money and machine than was needed. The Powermatic is way up there in price too, although a nice machine. I looked at the offerings from Grizzly but decided against them. My choices have been narrowed down to the Jet model JJ-8CS and the Delta model 37-380 Professional. Both have features I like and the prices are in my range.

I think either one of these jointers would do a fine job. There are small favorable points that each have that is making my decsion hard. It really comes down to the type of work I do and how I use it. You may experience the same thing after doing some research on the brands out there. The bottom line is I don't think you can go wrong if you stick with any of the brands I've mentioned here. In the end what may drive your decision may be the way you work, what type of wooodworking you do, your budget, and any good reviews you may find.

Good luck with your purchase,

David