So I need to upgrade and here are the models that I am looking at and I would like your opinions on what you think of these, what jointer you have, pros/cons, etc.
Powermatic 2 hp helical $3500
Jet 2 hp helical $2500
Grizzly parallelogram helical 2 hp $2900 (in the past their quality was in question, seems maybe now it has improved?)
I appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks
Replies
I have the Grizzly helical (4 years now),,, love it.
Faced with the exact same decision a few years ago I waited and saved a bit longer to land a 12" combo jointer/planer... the 3HP scorpion / stinger helical from CWW.
Having jointer capacity that matches your planer capacity has huge advantages. My only regret is not having enough space to have gone with the 16".
The Gryzzly parallelogram with spiral cutterhead is $2500 and has a 3 hp motor, that’s what I have branded under the Craftex name and it’s been flawless for over 5 years now. Powermatic used to make legendary tools but their jointer and planer are the same Taiwan or China made machines with a Powermatic paint job. I strongly recommend 3 hp for an 8 inch jointer with carbide cutters, it does a fantastic job but it requires much more hp,than a jointer with knives.
Of the machines listed what isnt made in China or Taiwan? Beyond that , considering all woodworking machines what isn't made in China or Taiwan? Northfield is maybe the last American made jointer. Your right though ---Powermatic and Jet are owned by the same people and a Powermatic is a deluxe Jet or a Jet is a bargain Powermatic, take your pick. I have a Grizzly combo machine that was still being marketed by them in 2010 ( still new, at least in my head!) it's completely unsupported by Grizzly and has been for sometime. By that I mean, there are no parts of any kind available from Grizzly for my machine and very little available after market. I'd think twice before going to a Grizzly machine.
I have the Jet 8" helical head jointer and love it. Would buy it again. Can't comment on the Grizzly or Powermatic.
As a replacement for a 6" 1.75hp jointer, I got a Grizzly G0495X - helical head 83" tables (Huge selling point for me), 3hp... Only had it about a year but absolutely love it for the length of the indeed table and the power. Silky smooth cuts. Cannot comment on durability but so far love it.
(By the way, it came in the worst packaging imaginable and some of the crating and the pallet under was pretty messed up, BUT after uncrating there was not a scratch on it and, surprisingly, needed no adjusting of either table... So hard to then complain about the crate...)
I have the Hammer A3 41. 16" jointer/planer combo. It's a superb beast. The 31 (12") is also excellent.
They are a fair bit more expensive than your suggestions but a massive upgrade in overall capability and not unaffordable I think if you are thinking of the machines you list.
The planer give reproducible cuts to within 0.1mm every time with a mechanical dial on the handle.
Having the super-wide jointer is not necessary, but there is a huge difference jointing an 8" board on an 8" vs a 16" jointer - way easier.
I purchased the Grizzly G0858 a few years back and love it.
I have a Powermatic parallelogram 8" helical cutter head, 2 HP, model PJ-882HH. It's easy to adjust and a pleasure to use. I bought it after reading a review in Fine Woodworking. Don't know why you'd need more horsepower for a jointer. I used to have a Robland 12" jointer/planer to which I added a Byrd Shelix head. It worked fine too, but the bed was only 55" and I never liked having to transition between jointing and planing. And, I rarely needed the 12" jointer width, as most wood I purchase is narrower than 8". For longer boards the 55" bed was a little awkward. I like the 83" long bed on the Powermatic.