jointer advice

[Steve Flatt]

Looking for advice before I purchase a jointer. I'm thinking of at least an 8 inch machine or possibly a combo jointer/planer. I like Powermatic equipment along with my Festools Thanks.

 

[Dan Clermont]

I am really happy with my Hammer A3 31 Combination Planer / Jointer. Built several projects with it and am amazed at the power. It is actually quite a bit quieter then my old Delta 22-580 planer

Dan Clermont

 

[sw1211]

I've heard some good reviews about the Grizzly jointers with the spiral cutters.  Might be worth a look to compare.

 

[Steve Flatt]

I've been looking at the Grizzly 490 model with the spiral head. It's currently 1195 with free shipping, which sounds great if it's a quality machine. The powermatic is around 2600 plus a couple hundred for the mobile base. I guess over 20 years the cost won't matter very much if you don't like the machine. Thanks.

 

[sw1211]

That's a nice looking machine.  For the price of the Powermatic you could get a 12" with sprial cutterhead, http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/products/12-Jointer-w-Spiral-Cutterhead/G0609X  I personally would be inclined to go with the Grizzly.  Good luck with your decision.

 

[JayStPeter]

I have an old '80s model Grizzly 8" and it is a nice enough machine (especially with Byrd cutterhead upgrade).  The jointer is one machine I recommend not overspending on.  They are simple machines with a simple purpose.  I do, however, recommend a spiral cutterhead. 
For the same money, I would rather have a green machine 1 size wider than a gold machine.

 

[Steve Flatt]

Great advice. Thanks to everyone. I think I may buy the Grizzly and use the extra money to also get the 15 inch spiral planer as an upgrade from my Dewalt lunchbox planer.

 

[sw1211]

Have you looked at their planer/jointer combo units?

http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/products/12-Jointer-Planer-w-Spiral-Cutterhead/G0634