Granite or Cast Iron Jointer Top?

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Does anyone have experience with a granite jointer top? I can figure the pros and cons, pretty much. What would your preference be, and why? Thanks.

 

[greg mann]

I guess my first question would be "Why bother?" Granite would need to be attached to something else to be adjustable, unless dovetails were cut right into it, and I think that would make the cost extremely high. Unless. of course, it is being done in China where labor is still relatively cheap. I think jointer quality is mostly dependent on the cutter head and the ease of adjustability of the infeed and outfeed tables. Are the planes parallel and can they be adjusted over time if need be? it is easy to get the outfeed adjusted to the cutter head, etc.? Cast iron is pretty stable and it may be dented but it isn't likely to chip.

 

[leer]

That would be all I'd need -- have my wife ask why I got granite on a tool before she got the new kitchen with granite countertops.    [big grin]

Seriously though, I'd really worry about chipping.  I bump into my jointer enough that I'd surely have chips if it had granite tables.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Didn't think of chipping. Cast iron it is! Thanks, guys. Enjoy your day.