New Grizzly G0868 Jointer

[Matt Przybylski]

I'm in the market for an 8" jointer and just saw this pop up (available in November) on the Grizzly site. I'm wanting an 8" parallelogram with spiral cutterhead.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-8-x-76-Parallelogram-Jointer-with-Spiral-Cutterhead-Mobile-Base/G0858

I had the G0490X on order since April and they just kept delaying it (plus it has tariffs on it now) so when I saw this my ears (eyes?) perked up. I imagine this is one of the new jointers coming out of their new factories that I've heard about (and not made in China) but information on it is very sparse since it just came out.

Anyone know anything about this machine?

[Ryan Liegel]

Looks interesting and pretty similar to the G0490X. They're basically the same price, slight differences in number of cutterheads, speed, dimensions and such. What I wonder is where they cut 200lbs weight to make the G0868, and if it leaves the new machine with any difference in build-quality.

My G0490X was ordered on 1/14/18 and finally delivered on 8/31/18...I'd guess you're getting fairly close to getting yours but then again who knows.

[Chris Hachet]

For all of my lust for old ARN in the other thread...the G0490 still seems like a heck of a jointer.

[Cary Falk]

I also wonder where they shaved off 200. I think for that reason I would stick with the G0490. I would definitely call Grizzly and see if they know how far out your G0490 is. I have a Shop Fox 1741(retail version of the G0490) and I am very happy with it.

[David Kumm]

It might be just the picture but the tables and fence look light to me and the most likely place to reduce weight. That would concern me. Dave

[Aaron Conway]

It will be delayed just like your G0490...no matter what they tell you.

[Matt Przybylski]

I cancelled the 0490 order a long time ago because I got tired of waiting on it. they told me one thing and then continually delayed it so it didnt really matter. I finally just bit the bullet and placed an order for the in stock G0495X. I've been waiting on a jointer for the better part of half a year, delaying projects, and now is prime time in Arizona to do work so I need to get out to the garage and start building.

[glenn bradley]

The G0490X is based on an old and proven Delta design. Other makers have cloned this as well. The base is not much more than some steel and sheet metal so that weight is in motor, mag switch maybe and machine mass. It may be easier to just keep casting clones with the heavy bodies that are similar to what the originals had as a guess(???). I notice they've done away with the vents in the base so maybe a more efficient motor. The 4 less inserts make sense as the geometry of the cutter head is different.

[Shiraz Balolia]

It will be delayed just like your G0490...no matter what they tell you.

No, this one is more accurate and Made in Taiwan by a ISO 9001 factory that we have dealt with since inception (35 years ago).

Build quality is very high and our office and inspectors are in the same city so we go there every day. Same factory that makes some other famous brands like Sawstop, Dewalt, PM etc. Owner is a personal friend of mine. Delivery dates from this factory are generally very accurate, and we get daily reports on progress as we are there. Our cost is higher than the China made machines, but we try to eat some of that to give a better selection and delivery to customers.

[Matt Przybylski]

No, this one is more accurate and Made in Taiwan by a ISO 9001 factory that we have dealt with since inception (35 years ago).

Build quality is very high and our office and inspectors are in the same city so we go there every day. Same factory that makes some other famous brands like Sawstop, Dewalt, PM etc. Owner is a personal friend of mine. Delivery dates from this factory are generally very accurate, and we get daily reports on progress as we are there. Our cost is higher than the China made machines, but we try to eat some of that to give a better selection and delivery to customers.

Shiraz, thank you for chiming in. I'd appreciate your honest opinion please. Should I cancel my order for the 0495X and order this new jointer instead? I'm ok with waiting until early December to get it if I can save some money and have a superior machine. I originally wanted the 0490X but the wait time killed me and it doesn't seem to be an end in sight on the China made machines.

Also, what makes up the weight difference that everyone has referenced?

I think I'd still have time to cancel and order this jointer if I do it Monday morning as I just ordered yesterday evening. Any input would be appreciated.

[Shiraz Balolia]

Matt - the G0495X is a much heavier duty machine than the new G0858 with a longer table. Almost 800 lbs. If you can afford it, keep the machine on order as it is really very nice. Made in the same factory I was referring to above in Taiwan. It has features very few jointers have, like a digital readout for the table up and down that I designed.

I don't know where you are located, but the machine is in stock at the WA facility. It is not in stock at the MO facility, and I cannot look up the due date from home.

[Matt Przybylski]

Matt - the G0495X is a much heavier duty machine than the new G0858 with a longer table. Almost 800 lbs. If you can afford it, keep the machine on order as it is really very nice. Made in the same factory I was referring to above in Taiwan. It has features very few jointers have, like a digital readout for the table up and down that I designed.

I don't know where you are located, but the machine is in stock at the WA facility. It is not in stock at the MO facility, and I cannot look up the due date from home.

Thank you Shiraz, I kind of figured this. I'm in AZ so I should get it probably within a week or so from WA. I do like the rack and pinion fence and other things on the 0495X. I have read about the digital readout and while its a nice touch, I don't know how much I'll actually use it since I don't typically move my bed height once set (but maybe I will now that I have that at my disposal?). I also read that it runs on battery and there is no way to turn it off thus draining the batteries relatively quickly. Is this correct? Is there any way to hardwire it to turn it on with the machine power when the machine is on?

[Tony Dye]

I have a G0490x on backorder and inquired about a ship date today and was informed 11/15. I was fully expecting it to be much longer and was ready to cancel my order and get a Steelex from a local supplier, but decided to wait until the 15th and see what happens. Today I noticed this G0858 with limited info. It sounds like it might be a better move to cancel the G04090x and change it to this machine? Since they are similar in cost, it sounds like the lead time, build quality and rack and pinion table are all benefits of the new machine, is that correct? It sounds like the lead time I was quoted, historically has not been very accurate and the lead time of the G0858 should actually be the end of November?

Thanks in advance.

[David Kumm]

Why would you want a lighter build, shorter table jointer? Having the wrong machine a month earlier doesn't seem like a great trade off. Dave

[Matt Przybylski]

Tony, I was informed multiple times about dates and each time it got extended again and again. I would not count on getting yours on 11/15, to be honest.

[Ed Pollock]

Last year I was on the list for a G0490X jointer and the backorder date kept getting pushed back. I canceled the order when something came up on craigslist locally. Recently, in September, I ordered a newly (re)released planer G1021x2 (which was made in Taiwan as well) with an estimated ship date 10/1. The ship date was accurate, and the planer arrived on 10/5.

YMMV, but in my experience their availability date on a new product, not an existing backordered product, was accurate.

[Tony Dye]

Just to update on the g04090x. I got notice that it shipped Friday so 13 days before the expected ship date., much to my surprise. It was probably just good timing, but wanted to update since there was a lot of talk to them extending the ship dates.

[Phil Sprang]

I had a G0490 on backorder for a while. I called last month to check on the status and was informed of the G0858/G0857. I changed my order on the spot. Yesterday, my G0857 arrived in one large crate. It was well packed and arrived with no damage. My intent is to install a Byrd Shelix head on it once they are available but I’m told it will be another few weeks.

The two reasons I changed my order:
it was available quickly
made in Taiwan (no tariff)

i haven’t even plugged this machine in yet but I’m impressed with it.

396753396754

[Chris Hachet]

I had a G0490 on backorder for a while. I called last month to check on the status and was informed of the G0858/G0857. I changed my order on the spot. Yesterday, my G0857 arrived in one large crate. It was well packed and arrived with no damage. My intent is to install a Byrd Shelix head on it once they are available but I’m told it will be another few weeks.

The two reasons I changed my order:
it was available quickly
made in Taiwan (no tariff)

i haven’t even plugged this machine in yet but I’m impressed with it.

396753396754

How has this performed in use?

[glenn bradley]

I'd also like a review after some use.

[jay czaja]

I've had an G0858 (spiral cutter head) for a few months now and am very impressed overall with the machine. Very accurate and the fence doesn't come out of alignment when moved which seemed to be an issue on the G0490x. I've milled quite a bit of 8/4 hard maple on it and it has been doing a really great job so far. Certainly enough for my small workshop.

I did have to remove, clean and reinstall the cutter head inserts with a torque wrench as the jointer was initially leaving lines on the work piece. Works like a champ after that!