Hi all,
I’m looking at purchasing an 8″ jointer and would like some practical opinions please. I’m considering the 8″ Yorkcraft from Wilke and the 8″ G0586 from Grizzly. I’d be open to something else, if someone could make the case for the quality being that much better to offset the price difference. I’m leaning more to the Yorkie, I think it might be the better made machine, though I have never seen either one in person. I would appreciate any feedback anyone has on this especially if you own either one.
Thanks,
Eric
“When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die.” -Jim Elliot
Replies
I don't own either of these machines but I do own products from both of these companies: a 15" planer from Yorkcraft and 1023 TS and 0555 BS from Grizzly. Both companies have been very good to deal with and Grizzly's technical and services departments responded very well when I had occasion to call on them.
Regarding the jointer, both appear to to use dovetail ways so I would then give the preference to the number of cuts per minute. In this area, Grizzly seems to have the edge using a 4-blade cutter head producing 22,000 cuts per minute. I couldn't find the detail for the Yorkcraft but they use a 3-blade cutter head at 4,800 rpms so one would assume that the cuts per minute are in the 15,000 range. The greater the cuts per minute, the fewer noticable planer marks to clean up later.
The relative ease of installing and setting the blades on each machine is also something to consider as is the cost of any blade-settting jigs and micrometers. This can be a tediious and time-consuming task.
Doug
I only have a 6" Jet joiner. I was toying with the idea of an 8", but with my space constraints, I opted for a 16" 2 speed planer instead. I use sleds to flatten stock up to 16" with this.
Anyway, when I was looking at joiners, I pretty much had made up my mind on the Grizzly with the spiral cutterhead. I think it was selling for about $1100, but everything I could find out about the carbide spiral head told me it was worth it. From the long lasting carbide, to the rotating bits that provide a glass-smooth cut. I think if I ever turn toward a large jointer again, I'll consider a spiral once more.
I do not own these machines, but I have dealt with Grizzly.
My advice to you would be to avoid Grizzly if possible.
Yes, you might get a good machine from them, but what happens if the machine has problems?
Let me tell you from experience what a headache I have had with Grizzly!
I bought a Grizzly drill press last year. It was supposed to be their best model, but it arrived with a crushed hood and missing parts. After complaining, Grizzly sent me the parts, but I would have had to dismantle the entire machine to fix it -- a task that would take hours of frustration and would probably create new problems. I did not do the repairs, so to this day I have Grizzly's best drill press with a crushed hood and missing parts, as well as some other problems that have developed in recent months.
If I had bought this drill press from a retailer, it would have gone back immediately, along with some choice words for the seller, and I would not buy that brand again. As it is, I'm stuck.
Now, you're talking about an 8" jointer, which is much bigger and heavier than a drill press.
My advice -- stay away if you can.
Edited 7/13/2005 10:59 am ET by Matthew Schenker
I bought the Grizzly 15 inch planer and overall have been very happy with it. I did go to Grizzly's Springfield outlet when I was looking for a belt/disc sander combo and was very shocked at the accuracy/alignment of it. The tables were extremely out of square and alignment and it looked like it would take some major work to correct it. My suggestion is to if possible go to one of the Grizzly outlets to check it out. Grizzly has been good to deal with when I needed parts and have had issues so I would give them an A for after sale support. I bought the planer just by looking at it through the catalog and have been happy with it. I am glad I did not by the belt/disc sander as I would have been severely disappointed.
Travis,
This is what keeps me away from Grizzly. If I ordered one of those disc sanders, I would have a big headache.I'm not saying that Grizzly is not generally good quality. I'm only saying that it is uneven enough that one would be better off buying directly from a retail oulet. Of course, with more and more retail outlets offering fewer and fewer options, the future looks like it will be largely mail order. If you live near a Grizzly outlet, that changes everything.
Thanks to everyone for responding so far. I live in WI so I'm not close enough to go to Grizzly or Wilke. I prefer buying after I've seen something, but my understanding is that the Yorkcraft is built at the same place as the Delta so in essence I have seen it. I just don't see the justification of paying the extra dollars for the same machine just because of a different paint job and a name plate. My concerns with the Grizzly are the quality control, especially with a new machine. The only reason I'm considering it is because of the extra cuts per minute. I can't afford to be purchasing something and then not have it run, it will be for my business. Thanks again for the input, if there is more, I'd appreciate it.
Eric"When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die." -Jim Elliot
Always liked Delta and think the DJ-20 is a good choice.
If you want feedback on Grizzly jointers, I'd strongly suggest looking specifically for that and not be swayed by experiences with other tools such as drill presses, air compressors or whatever. I've seen the best experiences reported with their cabinet saws, jointers and bandsaws. I have found Grizzly's customer service to be excellent and most anecdotes seem to back that up.
Understandable is any concern about a new machine. Seems like most companies release new models before thoroughly testing them. The new DeWalt planer is a prime example, but other companies are guilty of this oversight.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Edited 7/14/2005 1:46 pm ET by forestgirl
"If you want feedback on Grizzly jointers, I'd strongly suggest looking specifically for that and not be swayed by experiences with other tools such as drill presses, air compressors or whatever. "
I agree with your recommendation above however, I would also recommend to look for experiences on the specific model you are interested in. I have had to fix 3 grizzly machines (none of them jointers) right out of the box to make them work. They can be made functional you just have to work at it. I don't believe that anyone should have to fix a new machine right out of the box. I for one won't buy another Grizzly machine due to these personal experiences but, am glad to hear that some do have good experiences.
I purchased an 8" Bridgewood jointer from Wilke in 1985 and just sold it last year due to an upgrade. It performed well during the entire time I owned it. Wilke installed an American made motor and tested the machine before shipment. I don't know if they do that for the Yorkcraft brand.
What did you upgrade to?
Thanks-
Paul
Bunyan - I upgraded to a Felder combo with 16" jointer/planer. Steve
My understanding is that Wilke test the machine but they do not have an American motor on the Yorkcraft."When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die." -Jim Elliot
I am glad to hear they test the Yorkcraft. Please don't underestimate the value of this service. I had purchase a Bridgewood planer and jointer at the same time. I happened to be living in York, PA at the time and was able to see the machines first hand. By the time I got them shipped, I was in Georgia. Both machines required no setup (other than the jointer where I had to put the base on) and worked perfectly - absolutely zero snipe.
Although the only Wilke machinery I currently have is a grinder, my experiences with them have been 100% positive and they are top notch.
Steve
Forestgirl,
You wrote this:
"Understandable is any concern about a new machine. Seems like most companies release new models before thoroughly testing them. The new DeWalt planer is a prime example, but other companies are guilty of this oversight."I agree, but oh how much more of a pain in the a s s it is when the company is mail order!That's what makes my drill press story relevant here!!!!!PS: Not all companies do this to their customers. I think it's dangerous for us to accept this as business as usual.
Edited 7/15/2005 8:44 am ET by Matthew Schenker
I agree Matthew; that more of a mail order vs. brick and mortar issue, not (IMHO) a Grizzly vs. Brand X.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
forestgirl,
Yes, it's not just about Grizzly. But not all mail order is created equal.For example, you mentioned the DeWalt planer, which was released with defects. Well, I had a bad experience receiving a defective one of those from Amazon. But Amazon took the machine back for free, refunding everything and paying for the return shipping charges. In the end, it just cost me time and inconvenience.With the Grizzly drill press, my only option was to fix its numerous defects. Grizzly offered to take it back, but I woud have had to pay for return shipping, and I would not have been refunded the original shipping costs. So to return the piece of junk (I'm being kind here) would have cost me about $100.So here we have two mail order experiences: one is an inconvenience (Amazon), the other is infuriating (Grizzly).It upsets me every time I go into my wood shop and see that Grizzly drill press with its crushed hood and missing parts and other defects. I can't even sell the thing to someone who loves Grizzly. One day, when I get a chance, I will just dump it.
Edited 7/15/2005 3:40 pm ET by Matthew Schenker
Not to get off the jointers but what dewalt planer model ? I have a dw735 3 knife cutter since it came out and have had no problems other than the cheep exhuast hose I bought getting holes punched in it from the flying chips
Yes, this is the one we're talking about.
Hi there Forestgirl,
I was just wondering what the defects are on the dw735 planer that was mentioned. I just bought one and so far have been pleased with the performance but your comments are worrying because of the high cost of this machine. The reviews that I read from FWW and other sources were very positive and for this reason I bought the unit. Sorry to be off topic.
Can't take the forest out of the boys either.
Thanks,
Brian
Hi Brian (forestguy? :-) Here's a link to Tool Guy's explanation about the DeWalt problem. Note though! It's an old problem and chances are you got a re-designed version of the machine if you've not had any problems:http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=18281.1
If you want the worst-case scenario, check out this thread:http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=22157.1
If you have any problems with it, I'm sure you'll find some help here, but supposedly they've fixed it.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Thanks to everyone that replied. Right before I was going to buy, I picked up a used 8" Powermatic that was surplus from a school. I was looking for used the whole time and when I finally gave up on it, I found one.
Thanks again,
Eric"When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die." -Jim Elliot
I bought a used Delta DJ-20 jointer listed here on Taunton's website in Spring 2004.
Dave, thanks for your reply. I have been doing a lot of what you suggested. I have been looking for about 6 months, there just isn't enough 8" jointers in my area that are making it to the market. I really want a 12" but anything that goes for a reasonable price is to far away or to expensive, so I'm settling for an 8" until I find my 12"-16" jointer at an auction nearby. All that said, last night I did find a listing for an 7 year old 8" model 60 Powermatic. I haven't seen it but the seller states it is in decent condition and that the drum has just been rebalanced and the bearings replaced. I'm wondering why that would have to be done on a unit that is only 7 years old? It was in a school district.
Eric"When it comes time to die, make sure all you have to do is die." -Jim Elliot
Lots of reviews of the G0586 on this thread:
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=1697850&page=40&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=
I would not purchase Grizzly/Delta or the Jet. If you can swing a few extra dollars, the Powermatic 60B(not the 60A, same unit, it's good but cost more money because some of it is made here) is an excellent 8" jointer for about ~1100.00. I love the super long bed and the infeed adjustment. There is a course adjustment on the infeed but you mainly use the micro adjust and it works well. Now, all these jointers have standard blades and are time consuming to set in place when replacing, but you get use to it. At least the powermatic has jack screws to make it a bit easier(not sure about the other units).
HTH,
-tony
I own the Grizzly jointer you are considering. It's been wonderful for me and I have certainly used it to the extreme. Over 30,000 bd.ft. so far mostly hard woods like white oak and black walnut.. and still flawless! I love it's basic simplisity and the helpful people at Grizzly.
To those with unhappy experiances with Grizzly it's too easy to get things resolved there for there to be any excuse. But to be fair, I've owned things I bought and been unhappy with and found myself complaining rather than seeking real correction too, it's simple human nature..
A case in point is my unhappy experiance with Delta.. I should have just taken them back to the store I bought them from and told them to shove it.. In the end I listened to the promises that everything would be taken care of and spent 45 days waiting for the handles for my planner. I used the table saw too long to just take it back and in the end I gave it away. That's right, gave a way a nearly new table saw!
(If my nephew hadn't had taken it I was going to haul it into the scrap metal place).
About a year ago I took a trip which allowed me to vist both Wilke and Grizzly at the same time. As others have said you probably should evaluate each machine on it own but based on my trip I would pick a Wilk product over a Grizzly one sight unseen. The Yorkcraft has a spiral cutterhead available at an extra cost. I believe Grizzly has something similar available.
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