Grizzly Jointer and Planer

[phmade]

I've been saving up for a Hammer A3-31 but I found a good deal on a used Grizzly 8" Jointer and 15" Planer.  I purchased the pair - which are in perfect condition and I'm really pleased with both.  I'm sure the build quality isn't as good as the Hammer but I paid less than half of the price!  So far I've surfaced about 500 BF of Ash without any problems.  I'm also really glad that I purchased a dedicated jointer and planer - I think I would've been disappointed changing back/forth.  I can understand the combo machine if you have limited space but I'm fortunate enough to have some space.

 

[tvgordon]

I've been considering buying a Grizzly 15" planer to replace my Delta lunchbox planer. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the machines. Did you get the standard or segmented cutterhead?

Tom

 

[TomGadwa1]

You got a great deal on those machines! If I had room in my shop (2 car garage) I might have gone the separates route. But since I have so little space available (Have to go outside to change my mind) I settled for the HAMMER A3-31 combo unit. This is a tank! Well built and quite the accurate beast too! Recommend the segmented cutter as it will save your hearing. Much much MUCH quieter that the straight knife cutter. An old fashioned siren uses straight vanes running rapidly next to a very close fixed edge to produce a LOUD sound! This is why straight knife cutters tend to be very loud. My HAMMER makes far less noise than my 1.5 horse dust collector unit!
I will measure this in a forthcoming review of my unit.

 

[phmade]

Mine have the standard cutterheads - and they work perfect for 99% of what I do.  I'm sure it would tear out on a real curly piece but I just don't do that very often.  If I start working with curly stuff then I can always upgrade to segmented cutterheads later.

The noise is loud but I always wear ear muffs while using any of my equipment so that wasn't a big deal for me.  I really like the Hammer machines but I'd buy separates if I had the room.

 

[Houston Green]

I have the combo w/ 12" segmented cutter head. Random thoughts: Conversion process promotes good work flow to prevent extra flipping. Raising/lowering planner bed 4" for each conversion worst part. I would enjoy seperate machines if space allowed, but 12 jointer is out of reach. Lower db significant w/out knives. 600 lbs and 3hp is serious grunt for home shop. Seg head leaves slight grooves to remove. Height gauge on planner isn't easy to dial in exactly. About 2 3/8 inches of snipe. Customer service is fair to poor. Backing off cutter screws took an impact driver (per grizzly CS). After the first time small ratchet works. Torque wrench needed for replacing.