New Grizzly G0868 Jointer

[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.

AE5014FC-B658-4762-940D-F38362B839A9.jpgCB19D926-1FBB-485C-A78B-4CBB52484A58.jpg

[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.

AE5014FC-B658-4762-940D-F38362B839A9.jpgCB19D926-1FBB-485C-A78B-4CBB52484A58.jpg

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!