Tools & Materials
Craftsman - 8-in. Jointer 21703
The Craftsman has the longest fence of those tested, with the locking mechansim on top rather than in back where it could slip.
Dec 01, 2005
The author selected 11 commonly available 8-in. jointers ranging in price from $650 to $1,350, all with either a 1-1/2-hp or 2-hp motor, and evaluated the beds, tables, fences, knives, and ease of making adjustments for each. The Craftsman has the longest fence of those tested, with the locking mechansim on top rather than in back where it could slip. It has a fairly small table-lock lever, and table adjustments are made with a handwheel. The knives arrived knicked and had to be honed before using.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Ridgid R4331 Planer
Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.
DeWalt 735X Planer
At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.
Shop Fox W1826
The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.
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