I’m looking for a good 8” jointer for my shop. I’ve been looking at the Grizzly G0495X 8” jointer and wanted to find out if anyone has any experience with it and what they like or dislike about it. A quick search here and didn’t turn anything on this new jointer. I realize that for a $100 more I could step up to the G0609 12" jointer. The extra 4” would be nice, but based on Steve Kohn’s review, I’m a little concerned about the way the fence can dig grooves in the table. I don’t know if the G0495X has the same problem, but from the pictures, the fence design on the G0495X is different. I’m also interested in getting something with a spiral head and the G0495X includes one. To add a Byrd head to the G0609 would run an additional $665 or I could get the G0609X with Grizzly’s spiral head for $2045.
The G0495 definitely looks like it's a better jointer than the G0490. The difference I can see between the G0490 and the G0495 are as follows:
G0490 vs G0495
Table Length - 76 5/16" vs 80"
Cutter Speed - 5350 vs 7000
Fence Length - 35" vs 38"
Weight - 597lbs vs 748lbs
Other things the G0495 has over the G0490 are:
Improved fence design?
Digital readout for infeed table height
Handwheel table movement