8" Jointer

[Brian Riley]

I'm looking at upgrading from my Jet 6" jointer to an 8" with fairly long beds. Any input, experiences, opinions, etc.? Again, I'm just a weekend woodworker but would like to have the larger capacity.


Thanks much,
Brian

[Jim Becker]

If you want to stay cost concious, I have a review of the G0500 on my site by Terry Nielson that might be useful to you. This is a 75" bed unit at an attractive price.

[larry merlau]

I'm looking at upgrading from my Jet 6" jointer to an 8" with fairly long beds. Any input, experiences, opinions, etc.? Again, I'm just a weekend woodworker but would like to have the larger capacity.


Thanks much,
Brian
from what i have read here, and gotten info on myself i would go with the dj-20 from delta, also the powermatic is also excellent but more cash involved. when i can swing it i am going with the dj-20. that is what norm uses.

[John Miliunas]

Brian, I just went through this research and decision-making recently. I settled on the Delta, DJ-20 (Non-X5 model). Got a great price on it through Amazon and couldn't be happier with the unit itself! Quieter than my former Griz 6" unit, loads more power and you just gotta' love that lo-o-o-o-ong infeed table! And no, I don't even mind the lever adjustment for the table. Once set, I hardly ever touch it, anyway! It's more $$ than the 8" Griz or the Sunhill, but it's also a proven and very "road-worthy" design. Not for everyone, but I'm glad I went with it. :) Good luck in your search! :cool:

[larry merlau]

And no, I don't even mind the lever adjustment for the table. Once set, I hardly ever touch it, anyway!

hey john. i noticed that they had the other model and was going to ask about the lever adjustment? that is how you set the depth of cut correct,rather than a wheel like the older models?

[markus shaffer]

Brian,

I had a Delta DJ-20 for a few years.. Was a very good machine. I never had any problems with it. I didn't enjoy changing the knives, but otherwise, I don't think you'd go wrong with that machine. Had fairly long beds and the fence was cast iron.. Very stable machine all around.. I'd have kept that machine if I had room for it.

-Markus

[John Miliunas]

And no, I don't even mind the lever adjustment for the table. Once set, I hardly ever touch it, anyway!

hey john. i noticed that they had the other model and was going to ask about the lever adjustment? that is how you set the depth of cut correct,rather than a wheel like the older models?

You got it, Larry! The only time I touch the outfeed side is when setting up the blades. The infeed on mine rarely gets set to take much more than between 1/16 and a 1/32nd off at a pass. It's actually faster than the wheel adjustment and, you can also set a limiter on it, so that you can't adjust it to take more off than the max by accident. The way the tables are mounted on the unit, it is my understanding that, at whatever depth of cut you do decide to take on it, the stock is always the same distance away from the cutterhead, thus helping to minimize tearout. Thus far, it's worked great for me, even when I ran some Birdseye across it! :D Like I said, more $$ than many out there, but in the longrun, I think worth it. :cool:

[Brian Riley]

Doing some online research right now but in the short of it, what is the big difference between the DJ-20 and DJ-20 X5 models? Figure it must be something to warrant a $320 difference (maybe).


Brian

[John Miliunas]

Brian, I was never able to do a direct A/B comparison, but from all I've heard/seen/read, they are virtually identical mechanically. The X5 carries a different logo scheme, as well as a 5-year warranty and then I believe it also qualifies for one or more of the Delta rebates. I didn't see that as worth it. Plus, when I got mine, they (Amazon) had some big "push" going and the online price was $1250.00. When I called to order it, there was an additional 5% discount for a Father's Day special, plus they still had the "spend $299.00 or more and get another $50.00 discount". I think my total, along with the specific Delta mobile base (puuuurfect for the unit, BTW!) was right about $1280-something, including S/H. :) :cool:

[Jim Becker]

John, aren't there some "country of origin" differences between the X5 and non-X5 versions? Not that it matters really to me, but it could help explain any cost difference that cannot be attributed to the extended warranty, alternative paint job and free tool offers...

The DJ-20 is really nice in that it has the parallelogram-design table adjustment that keeps the gap between the infeed table and knives small and consistant. This is different than most other jointers.

As to the lever vs wheel thing...non-issue IMHO. I had wheels with my Jet 6" I previously owned and have levers with the Mini Max FS350 that is in the shop now. Both are easy to use and as Larry stated, it's not common to change the setting anyway. Most folks put the infeed table at 1/32" or something that works for them and leave it there and the outfeed table stays put unless you change the knives.

Speaking of knives, that's the other thing to consider. For standard knives, I like jack screws. Tools that only have springs can be "fun" to adjust, IMHO.

[John Miliunas]

John, aren't there some "country of origin" differences between the X5 and non-X5 versions? Not that it matters really to me, but it could help explain any cost difference that cannot be attributed to the extended warranty, alternative paint job and free tool offers...

The DJ-20 is really nice in that it has the parallelogram-design table adjustment that keeps the gap between the infeed table and knives small and consistent. This is different than most other jointers.

As to the lever vs wheel thing...non-issue IMHO. I had wheels with my Jet 6" I previously owned and have levers with the Mini Max FS350 that is in the shop now. Both are easy to use and as Larry stated, it's not common to change the setting anyway. Most folks put the infeed table at 1/32" or something that works for them and leave it there and the outfeed table stays put unless you change the knives.

Speaking of knives, that's the other thing to consider. For standard knives, I like jack screws. Tools that only have springs can be "fun" to adjust, IMHO.

Agreed on all counts, Jim! Not sure about the X5. On mine, the "business" end of the machine is made in Taiwan. The base and motor are from China. We'll see if the motor makes any difference down the road or not. It came wired for 220v, though it will go down to 110v; I left it at 220 and works super. If I didn't see the origin tag on the base, I would not have been able to tell where it originated, as it's well done. Knives are adjusted via jack screws...No springs. :cool:

[Rob Russell]

Brian,

My old jointer is a DJ-20. It did everything I ever needed, but I've got a combo J/P and won't be needing it. Oh well - one of these days I'll get incented to find it a new home.

Anywy - the long tables are really nice when you're jointing long stock. The lever type adjustment worked fine for me, I never seriously wished that it had wheels. Get a mobile base for it. You will want to be able to move it around and the MB makes that easier and better for the jointer. Otherwise you'd be tempted to grab a table and push/pull it around, which isn't good for the jointer. I never replaced the knives, so can't say how much work that is.

Rob

[Ken Garlock]

Brian, before you kneel at the alter of Delta, :rolleyes: take a look at the 8" jointer offered by Sunhill. It has a 2 hp motor vs DJ20 1.5. It has 4 cutter blades vs 3 on the DJ20. It has a total table length of 72" vs 76" on the DJ20.

The best part is that it sells for under $800 vs $1600 list for the DJ20.

Just another option :)

[Terry Hatfield]

Brian,

I have the G0500 Griz and I could not be happier!!! It is very well made, super heavy duty and I certianly would buy it again but I doubt I will ever have to replace the one I have. I have a review of it on my site if you would like to check it out.

<IMG SRC="http://www.terryhatfield.com/jointer5.jpg">

Terry

[John Miliunas]

Brian, before you kneel at the alter of Delta, :rolleyes: take a look at the 8" jointer offered by Sunhill. It has a 2 hp motor vs DJ20 1.5. It has 4 cutter blades vs 3 on the DJ20. It has a total table length of 72" vs 76" on the DJ20.

The best part is that it sells for under $800 vs $1600 list for the DJ20.

Just another option :)

Ken, I guess Sunhill is an option and, as a matter of fact, *was* one of the units on my "short" list, as was the Bridgewood and the Grizz 4 knife units. As for the Sunhill, I went to their site back in June to check it out and there was no pricing information. (Just checked now and this is still true.) I also noted that the 72" bed is by way of actual 66" bed with two 3 inch "add-on" extensions. I think the Grizz is like that, as well. At any rate, I emailed Sunhill inquiring about the pricing, availability and shipping costs. A week went by with zero response, so I never knew for sure how much it was, whether it was available, nor how much over whatever the cost was to ship it to my home. :( Guess I'm kind of anal about vendors having Web presence, but then not responding via the requested avenue (email) they provide on their site. In the final analysis, it may very well be a formidable unit. I know a number of folks run Sunhill and they're happy with them. I simply found that the DJ20 provided me with an excellent track record and a superior design, while Amazon provided me with a great price and free S/H. The "regular" DJ20 is currently selling at 1261.00, which is still a good price for that caliber of product, IMHO. BTW Ken, you've been around here long enough to know I have a hodge-podge of brands in my shop. I don't,... never have and never will, "kneel" at *any* vendor's alter, regardless of brand! :rolleyes: I will, however, make as great an effort as I can to try and squeak the highest quality out of my tool-buying buck and, in this case, Delta won the round! No regrets. :cool:

[Ken Garlock]

Now John, don't take it personal ;)

I am also very disappointed in the removal of pricing with the advent of the new Sunhill website. I also sent an Email to them and got a response the same afternoon. The salesman who responded said that they removed the pricing so that "they could get closer to the customer."

No way am I trying to discount the quality of the DJ-20, Also believe that Delta makes fine tools, however the way this thread was going, I was beginning to think it was a Delta testimonial :rolleyes: :) So, I thought I would try to show an alternative.

I was thinking strongly of buying the Sunhill jointer as I have heard good words about them and without a complaint. But in view of the website changes and their pricing attitude, the jury is out again, I just may become an all Bridgewood shop :confused: BTW, I have asked for a Sunhill catalog twice and have yet to receive one. May be they only want to deal with people who have deep pockets. :)

[Paul Downes]

Ditto to Terry Hatfields post. I have the same grizz jointer and am completely happy with it.

[John Miliunas]

Now John, don't take it personal ;)

But in view of the website changes and their pricing attitude, the jury is out again, I just may become an all Bridgewood shop :confused: BTW, I have asked for a Sunhill catalog twice and have yet to receive one. May be they only want to deal with people who have deep pockets. :)

LOL! There are very, VERY few things in this World I take personally, Ken! A debate over the better brand tool is NOT one of them! :) FWIW, after the "no response" from Sunhill and yet another "delay" on the 4-knife unit from the Grizz camp, Bridgewood was my next choice. I've been very pleased with any Bridgewood equipment I've purchased and Wilke is SUPER in terms of support! :) The BW is also a bit more pricey than Grizz or Sunhill, but they slap a US-made motor in their unit and it's pre-tested before shipping. Wilke runs a pretty class act over there! :cool:

[Steven Wilson]

I had a Powermatic 60, 8" jointer for a few years and would highly recommend it or the newer 60A and 60B (Asian) models. Used PM60's are generally available and they will run forever. There's something about a Baldor motor spinning a cutterhead at 7000 rpm in a nice, large, and heavy jointer that is quietly comforting. Of course an 8" or larger Northfield would be an excellent addition to anyones shop. But alas the 8" jointer was too small so I had to step up to a 350mm (14") jointer that's part of a larger combo machine.

[Mark Singer]

I am very happy with the DJ 20 and the levers seem better and faster than handwheels which I had before.