Replies

1. 
   Lar55 | Feb 13, 2003 07:00am | #1

   Chris,

   Read "review of new tools" a little further down the list from this one.  Northfield is the best made also most expensive and heaviest.  As Don C. said :

   BTW--a mobile base for these machines is called a hi-lo! 8^)

   Lar

2. 
   AlanTurner | Feb 13, 2003 04:26pm | #2

   I can't comment on a new one, but last summer I acquired a 1925 or so 12" from a used machinery dealer. It was probably about the cost of a new Delta, maybe a bit less. I love it. It compares with a newer Northfield, which I think is about 10K or so. I say this because I have used the 12" Northfield at my hardwood supplier. Rock solid, dead on flat, very heavy, etc. In a jointer, weight is an advantage. The dealer converted it from a 3ph DMD to a 1ph belt drive, and prepared the cutterhead properly. Unless you can afford a new Northfield, you might want to see if you can find an older, American, heavy jointer. I love tools like the next guy, but am no metalwroker or mechanic. I would rather use my spare time to build furniture, not to repair machinery. So, I bought from a dealer who does enjoy that sort of work, and is quite good at it. I am sure that I paid for this service, but then we all pay for many services.  GEtting it to teh basement was the biggest prpoblem.  Took it all apart, and when we reassembled, it went together with zero shimming.  The three legged style was pretty common for many years.  The guard is an aftermarket Surety, which came with it.  It can be used where on face jointing, the board goes under the guard, but I don't use it that way.  To me it is not comfortable.

   A pix is below. No, that was not my color choice. Sorry about the size. I am not sure how to reduce the size of a jpeg once it is on the C drive.

   Good luck on your search.

   
3. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Feb 13, 2003 09:20pm | #3

   How big a machine are you looking for?   There are compact machines from companies like Felder, Rojek,  and Robland which are good for a small shop.  The bed length is around 5 feet.  They convert to a thickness planer, and can run from single-phase power.   If you have a big shop and three-phase power, you can handle the big industrial stuff from SCMI, Oliver, and many others.

1. 
   chrisindiana | Feb 14, 2003 03:13am | #4

   I am looking for a large jointer. A long bed. Possibly a spiral, insert head. 

1. 
   Lar55 | Feb 14, 2003 04:00am | #5

   Chris,

   If Northfield is not what you want, take a look at Wilke tools.  They sell the Bridgewood line which has a 12" jointer.

   http://www.bridgewood.com/

   Lar

4. 
   riverr1 | Feb 14, 2003 05:28am | #6

   http://www.general.ca/product/general/780an.html

5. 
   blindau | Feb 14, 2003 05:45am | #7

   After having used an 8" Delta for a number of years, I was ready to move up to a larger jointer. I ended up getting a MiniMax 16" with a Tersa cutter head.  I have been totally content with this machine.

   Bill

1. 
   chrisindiana | Feb 14, 2003 06:20am | #8

   Thanks for all the replies.

   I have looked at Powermatic, Grizzly, Bridgewood, Invicta & Delta. Grizzly & Bridgewood have the spiral insert cutter head. I have not seen any of these machines under power. The Invicta is out because it is shorter than my Delta 8". The others look nice, but looks does not mean they are going to do a good job. The Northfield is a very nice machine, it is just out of my price range.

1. 
   riverr1 | Feb 14, 2003 06:22am | #9

   The General has the spiral head as an option. It's a couple of k less then the northfield.

   Don

2. 
   kensshop | Dec 03, 2003 05:30am | #10

   Chris, what did you end up with?

1. 
   chrisindiana | Dec 03, 2003 04:40pm | #11

   I have not decided yet. I am wanting to get one before the end of the year. I am going to get a spiral head. I like the Grizzly & Bridgewood & leaning towards the Bridgewood at this time.    

1. 
   kensshop | Dec 03, 2003 05:33pm | #12

   The spiral head is good, just remember that it does not provide a true "Shearing" action.  There is a company, Byrd Tool http://www.byrdtool.com/ that manufactures the Shelix cutterhead, a spiral carbide cutterheat that provides a shearing cut.  I think Bridgewood will equip your jointer with this head new if you specify it.  Good luck.

2. 
   AlanTurner | Dec 03, 2003 05:56pm | #13

   I am about to order one from Byrd, specially made, for my 12" old cast iron beast.  Can't wait.  About $1200 I am told, and I think it will make my 1500 lb. monster about as good as it can get for a 12".  No more setting knives.  Can't wait.

   Alan

3. 
   chrisindiana | Dec 04, 2003 03:52am | #14

   Thanks for the information on Byrd Tool. After checking  there web site I think I am going to change my plans. The new plan is to replace the standard cutter heads in my Delta DJ20 8" jointer & Powermatic 180 18" planer with  the Byrd spiral heads. I can upgrade both machines for about $800.00 less than a new 12" spiral head jointer.  I call them tomarrow to check there prices.  Thanks again.

4. 
   kensshop | Dec 04, 2003 05:05am | #15

   Keep us informed of your progress and results. 

6. 
   kensshop | Dec 12, 2003 03:48am | #16

   Chris, I spoke to the Invicta importer in North Carolina today.  The 13" jointer is being upgraded and available in Feb., '04.  The upgrade is 16" added to the outfeed table.  The price will be around $2,950.00.  This will be a very good choice for someone in the market for a quality 12" jointer.  I was giving very serious consideration to Delta, Powermatic, and General (Taiwanese).  At 86" in length and about 100 lbs heavier I think this machine is worth waiting to see.  

1. 
   BOBABEUI | Dec 12, 2003 04:32pm | #17

   Out of curiosity, is the Invicta importer J & G Machinery? I have been eyeing up a wider jointer for a while, the DI-32 was a contender as is the Minimax FS-350 (combo).

1. 
   kensshop | Dec 12, 2003 04:43pm | #18

   Yes they are.  Their number is 919-776-8341, talk to Jerry Johnson.  They are in Sanford, NC.  If you're really interested in an FS-350 I know where a deal can be had on a brand new one for around $3,700.00.  If you are interested call me at 1-800-342-0911.

2. 
   chrisindiana | Dec 13, 2003 03:26am | #20

   Thanks for the information. I will be looking for it.

7. 
   AlanTurner | Dec 12, 2003 04:46pm | #19

   I have a 1925 or so 12" jointer, American Woodworking Machinery, which has a belt drive, round, 3 knife cutterhead.  Within 2 mos. I will receive a spiral carbide insert cutterhead, specially made for my machine by Byrd, which means that I will have this cutterhead available for sale.  Should you run into an older machine of good quality, but perhpas with a square, or 2 knife cutterhead, and want single phase, with a good cutterhead, which the belt drive permits, then mine might be an option.  Email me if there is any interest.

   Alan