Advice on purchasing a used 12" Grizzly Jointer

[Rob Fuller]

I have an opportunity to pick up a Grizzly G0609 (http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Parallelogram-Jointer-w-4-Knife-Cutterhead/G0609) jointer for $1300 or so. It is the 4-knife version. The condition of the knives are not a great concern as I intend to convert it to a Byrd head. Grizzly offers the H9291 12" Shelix Cutterhead (http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Shelix-Cutterhead/H9291) for that machine. So, other than that, what should I be checking for when I go to see the machine in person?

Also, comments from anyone with experience with this or similar Grizzly jointers would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Jeremy Greiner]

I'm no expert but I'd immagine you would want to bring a straight edge and make sure that the wings aren't warped.

-jeremy

[Matt Day]

Straight edge as Jeremy mentions, does the motor work and does it work for you (1PH or 3PH?), do the wings/fence move freely, rust, etc. These should all play a part for you to bargain with the buyer. I love my Shop Fox (aka Grizzly) 8" jointer, and most everyone else does too.

[Keith Hankins]

Well, I own that Jointer and its a good one. Not a whole lot to check. As someone else mentioned a long straitedge would be nice to check the flatness of the castings. It does not need to be perfect just no major issues. Remember your milling lumber not metal. I think the warantee spec is .003 oro .005 (I forget) per foot of cast. When I bought mine new 3 years ago for what you are paying Mine was great. The other thing is to take a nice wide board and run it across it and if its flat you are good. Finally check the belts are they worn or cracked. I love mine and have the 4HSS knives and planned on upgrading to the byrd head but never did nor did I have a reason to.