Matt,
Have a problem, (a good one) and I need your advise. I have wife approval to buy an 8″ or 12″ jointer. For price, the purchase will probably be Shop Fox, which I have been pleased with their other tools. Question being, should I get the 8″ or the 12″? I keep going back a forth in my mind about what to get. I have my own Woodmizer and kilns, so large stock I do have. On the other hand, the pricing between the two could lead to some LN purchases. If you had a choice, what would you do?
Jeff
Replies
Get the bigger jointer. Personally I'd buy a used jointer as I rebuild machines for a living and still have money left over. Take the wife out to dinner. 8" is a toy.
I'm in the same boat at the moment, woodman. I have an opportunity to purchase a 12" at an excellent price, but personally know I can handle all my traffic with an 8" as I have done it for many years with a 6" using a double pass with an over-head guard.
In your case, with the kiln and the fact that you do come across larger than 10" stock often, I would lean to the 12" provided you have the space and capability of getting it on the ground on delivery. I have the space if I make it mobile, but to get if off my truck I will have to sink two 6" x 6" post in the ground and place one across the top of those vertical post. Then back my truck between and hoist the jointer up and remove the truck. Lower the jointer onto a already built mobile base.
Quite a hassle considering I can get away with an 8" I can handle alone. I don't literally agree with Rick that an 8" is a toy even though I believe he stated that to en-rich the parallels between the two. I wouldn't consider a machine that turns at over 4000 rpm and has produced billions of feet of excellent results for those of us not in a commercial environment a toy.
But.. in your situation with that extra wide stuff you get your hands on, I would probably lean to the 12" and not take the compromise of how you have to approach it with less.
Good luck with your decision...
Sarge.. jt
Sarge,
I agree with you that it does take a lot of space. Getting it off loaded is not problem (skid steer and forks). But I am trying to be honest with myself. I woodwork occasionally during the week and most on weekends. Definately not a production shop. I think it's more the intrigue of having a 12" jointer more than anything. If I go with the 8", I could always hand joint larger boards.
I can get a good deal on an 8" and a 12" right now, but I am kinda leaning toward the 8" just trying to be honest with myself. With the price difference, I could buy some other things needed for the shop.
I'm just trying to figure out if anyone has a 12" and do they actually need that capacity or if it's an ego thing?
Jeff
If you have a highly figured piece of 8" wide wood, with a 12" jointer you'll be able to skew the board as you joint it, which will help with tearout. You won't be able to do that with an 8" board on a 8" jointer.
Consider a spiral cutterhead if you go with the 8" jointer. I have been very happy with mine.
Paul
ps Plus, it does a wonderful job on highly figured woods
Edited 2/6/2007 2:17 pm ET by colebearanimals
12 inch jointer, no question about it...
Jeff,
Two years ago, I was in the same shoes... There was $400 difference between a Powermatic, 2hp, long bed 8" and the Oliver 84" with a 10" cutter and a 3 hp. Baldor motor. I went with the Oliver from Sunhill Machinery. Prices for machines AND shipping have NOT come down since then, and most likely won't...
Seeing the new Grizzly catalogue, I do like their new 12" jointer for about $1800 inc. shipping, but there's not much info about how it's working out.
I always grin when I hear the quote: "Buy the best the one you can't afford." In your woodworking future, there will come the day when a big hardwood tree will fall into your lap and having that big of jointer will help you will all that semi-free lumber when it dries.
Bill
Edited 2/7/2007 12:26 am ET by BilljustBill
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