Jointer and molder question

[Ron Bontz]

Hi. I am new so please excuse my ignorance. I have been looking at replacing my 6" delta jointer with something that has a longer bed. I mainly have Delta tools (most of them made in USA) so I have been thinking of the DJ20X5, but am considering a powermatic 54a, steel city etc. I also have not seen alot of comments on the wedge bed vs the parallelogram type. Any thoughts? Also does anyone know much about the jet planer molder? Thanks, Ron

[Paul Johnstone]

I have the Jet planer molder and the DJ20.

Both are great tools, although I have only run a little bit of molding on the Jet, it works well. IMO, the planer/molder is nice for a hobbyist. I thought about it, and realized that it was unlikely that I'd ever plane a board wider than 13". It's a huge step up from a portable planer (you can take much more off with each pass).

The parallellogram Jointers are supposed to be easier to adjust the beds.
My DJ20 seemed tuned up well enough "out of the box" that I didn't actually have to adjust it, but I'm not as anal retentive as some people :)