I’m shopping for a new jointer. It’ll be an 8 or 12 inch. In reading old posts, I keep coming across references that there are really few differences amoung Grizzly, Bridgewood, Powermatic, General Intl., Delta, York, etc. But I havent found any elaboration on that. There must be some differences besides the paint because there can be quite a bit if price variation.
Can any of you shed some light on this for me?
Also, quite some years ago the name Grizzly and Jet were not well thought of in terms of quality. But now I keep reading users statements that they are fine machines. Even FWW has rated them high in tool comparisons. Have they (and others) really changed that much? Or have the old standbys, Delta and Powermatic, gotten poorer and thus the weak look better in comparison?
Replies
One thing that Powermatic offers is a faster cutterhead speed, which means a smoother cut.
If you have never used Powermatic tools, you will be amazed at how smooth the bearings are, and how the machines are really solid. It is the biggest difference between them and the others. They look the same, but in use there is a big difference.
Hal
http://www.rivercitywoodworks.com
I have an 8 year old Grizzly 6" jointer and it cuts smoother than it has a right to for one that was less than $400. If the bearings are half way decent, it will be up to the setup about as much as the machine. You can find out how smooth the bearings are by removing the belt and spinning the cutter head. If you hear anything more than a smooth, quiet sound, they have problems. Any clicking, grinding, scraping is a bad sign. You shouldn't be able to feel any play in the bearings at all.
They're basically made in the same plants, on the same lines by the the same companies. However, what was originally spec'd, inspection practices and machining skills will make a difference in what is delivered.
Old posts don't matter. Current ones do. If we all went by old posts about cars, nobody would buy one that was made in Japan, would they?
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