DJ-20 or Grizzly G0490 8 inch jointer??
EricAnderson
| Posted in General Discussion on
I can get a DJ-20 refurbished for $ 899 or the Shop Fox equivalent to the Grizzly G0490 8″ jointer for basically the same price.
Does anyone have experience with both and can render an opinion as to which way to go? I was impressed with the Shop Fox, but have no experience. The DJ-20 has a long positive experience.
Replies
HI EricAnderson
go with the dj-20 its hard to beat ,I used mine every day for at least 6 yrs without any problems. good luck
Eric, I just picked up my G0490 yesterday, and can say that I am very impressed with the quality of finish. I haven't had a chance to put it all together, but the 3hp TEFC motor is huge, powder coated base is very high quality. The selling factors for me was the 3hp vs 1.5hp delta, built in mobile base (very rugged steel wheels), as well as magnetic starter. I also bought the 15" planer and am equally as impressed. Compared with a new Delta Unisaw that I bought a year ago I would say that these Grizzly machines are at least as high a quality, probably better.
P.S. Packaging was second to none. I don't know why people balk at Grizzly tools, they are obviously a much better company than they were 20 years ago. I live in New Brunswick, Canada and made the 1 1/2hr treck to the border to get Grizzly, over a local DJ-20.
Cheers,
Nathan
Nathan,
I am wondering why the 3 HP motor is necessary. I have a 3/4 for my 6 inch and would think that a 1 1/2 would be fine for 8 inches. The reason I am concerned is that I would like to just plug it into the 110 V socket. If I get the Shop Fox, I will have to run another 220 V line out of my box. Have you done any tests on the differences? Is 3 HP really that important?
Some of the very things you point out is why the Shop Fox (same as the Grizzly) is attractive. Ten years ago Grizzly equipment was still variable, but improving. From what I saw of the Shop Fox, I would agree with you. It appeared at least as good quality as the Delta. I don't think any of the Delta DJ-20 machines have a magnetic switch anymore.
Well, I am upgrading from a 6" with 3/4hp and have put at least 1000 bdft of hard maple through it. I found that the 3/4 hp was ok with sharp blades, but halfway into their life the motor starts lagging on moderate pases. 1 1/2 hp is probably adequate for 8", but I wanted the reassurance of 3hp, that I won't have to slow down because the blades are starting to get dull and the motor can't pull 1/8" off an 8" board. I notice 3hp on the 12" and even on some 16" jointers so I know it's plenty. I only have one 220v line in my shop (for the unisaw), but am going to run my planer and jointer off the same line. They would never be running at the same time so I should be fine. At some point I will have to add another 220v 20a line for an air compressor, and possibly a DC, but for now that can wait.P.S. 1 1/2hp on 110v will probably need 20a, or will start throwing 15a breakers. Do you want to deal with that?Cheers,
Nathan
Let us know how this machine (G0490) works out. I've been curious about needing 3hp in an 8" jointer as well. They've got some 2hp models that get great reviews, but don't have a mobile base. Also, why are the 3hp models w/ the mobile base almost the same price as lesser hp models without mobile bases?
I've also been wondering if spiral cutterheads are worth the extra money? Do any of you have experience with both types? What do you recommend?
Will keep you posted when I setup the machine next week. The sales guy at Grizzly was explaining that he finds the spiral needs more HP than straight knives, as the knives are in constant contact with the wood. I have no experience with the spiral, but know that I hate changing blades (which is probably the #1 factor of why I would make the change). I opted to wait on the spiral, as they can easily be added later (on grizzly machines, anyway - just take off two bolts and replace the whole assembly. My thinking is that the extra hp will allow me to use the blades longer, and the deeper cuts will mean fewer passes - both of which should reduce how often I need to change blades. One additional factor that I haven't looked into is better quality steel knives. Also, I'm not convinced that the Grizzly spiral will result in less tearout, as the inserts aren't configured to shear the wood (at an angle), as are the Byrd cutters.
With out a doubt go for the spiral head. I have not had to rotate the carbide inserts yet and I bought my machine 4 years ago and have built probably 15 pieces of furniture and all made out of hardwoods. My old DJ-20, I think the originals were made in Brazil, John, was a good machine but I changed blades twice a year. My son has it now and it has a Byrd Shelix in it and it never cut so well. Changed out the bearings too and it is a lifetime machine now.
Nathan,
Probably by now you have moved your jointer. Maybe I can get some feedback on your experience in moving it. I am going to have to move it from my vehicle down a slope to my basement walkout over some snowy ground. I will have my son help me and possibly get some additional help if need be. I have a hydraulic cart, and am thinking of buying a moving dolly so I can lift the thing from two points. I am considering a block and tackle to control it down the slope. They also have those "shoulder dollies" that are straps that put the weight on your shoulders so 2 people can hold some considerable weight safely. To help over the snow, I might get some plywood.
Any thoughts here?
Hi Eric, well my brother and I moved it into my basement a couple days ago. I used a dolly and a couple tie downs (to the dolly). The base (with motor) is not too heavy, two people could easily carry it. The actual jointer is long (7-8') and fairly heavy. A dolly with large wheels and expendable handles works ok. Four guys could also carry it any distance you need, two guys could lift it up in place, or off the truck/van. Don't worry about support, though, as it comes in a plywood box that is quite rugged. We actually had it tipped upside down and on end part of the time. Steel straps hold the box together. I am hoping to assemble mine tonight.Cheers,
Nathan
Well, actually mine is already assembled at the store. I will have it disassembled (top & base) for transport in my minivan. The box is no longer available. I am told it is easier to handle the bare jointer top anyway. I wrestled with 2 other 8 inch jointers out of the box in the past, and I guess maybe I agree (more places to hold). I will use your suggestions and tie it down to the hydraulic platform that I got for the last machines I purchased. The biggest problem will be getting it down the snow covered hill. If the snow goes, then it will be a soggy hill.
I will be interested in what you think about your jointer after it is in place and running.
By the way, what do you think of this as a way of carrying things such as the jointer bed?:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?function=Search
ITEM 93527-0VGA
Hi Eric, I finished setting up my jointer and found the top wasn't too heavy - lighter than I had thought, actually. I was able to lift it, with the help of my wife, up onto the base. I think two strong guys may be able to carry it. I would suggest taking off the fence assembly, as this weights quite a bit. There are two hex screws that bolt it to the jointer (on the back). I love the mobile base - works very well on a concrete floor.P.S. I wouldn't bother with the "shoulder dolly", as it is pretty easy to get handholds. Just like carrying a long, heavy board.
Edited 3/9/2008 7:47 pm ET by Nathan Barnard
I am nearing the completion of assembly. I kept the back off of the machine since I have heard several comments about belt slap. I see that problem also. Both on startup and shutdown. I have attached a file (I think, if it will allow a MOV file that is over 4 mb.
Do you hear a fairly loud SLAP on startup and a pretty heavy shutter with one side of the belt resonating during shutdown?
Let me try to send the file again. I am limited by the file size, so it is short and sweet. The belt is pretty tight, but the belt shudder is pretty severe on shutdown, and the slap is strong on startup. Should I tighten it more? They warn about too tight a belt.
Sounds like your belt may not be tensioned correctly. Mine does shudder a bit when turning off, but nothing bad. I actually have my belts fairly tight (1/2"-3/4" deflection when squeezed in the center). Make sure you align the pulleys properly, too. I did have similar problems to yours with my unisaw, but found they went away when I loosened the belts. So I would say just play with the tension (tighter, looser - see what helps). I checked it before putting on the covers and noticed no jumping/jolting of the belts. They definitely don't contact the sides. I checked the new planer and it's belts are even tighter than the jointer, with very little deflection (1/4" maybe).Here's some pics of the new tools:
Beauty.Just put in the Powermatic PM2000 today( not even assembled yet cause the electrician is holding me up) and am going to probably go with the 490 to replace my 6". One reason is the mobile base. Question...pretty easy to move?
Thx Nathan, Brian
PS...your shop is ENTIRELY TOO CLEAN!!! ;)
Thanks, actually it is very easy to move with the mobile base. The wheels are solid steel and it rolls easier than my 6" delta used to. Very little rolling resistance. I can't get over how much material this can hog off. I set the bed at 3/8" and it easily removed that from a board edge, with no tearout. I think a 3" cutter with four knives will make a significant difference, compared to a smaller three knife cutter on the 6" jointers.I like to work in a clean shop, at least I clean up when I'm done at the end of the day. Here's a kitchen I just finished and installed on Saturday.
Found that the motor pully was the problem. Loose keyway. Maybe will ask for new pully and key. Still some shudder on powerdown. Wonder if Power Twist belt would help.
Glad that you found the problem. Mine still shudders a bit on shutdown, but I'm not concerned about it.
Just like the Delta mobile base. No problem to move.
Very nice looking planer! I have the belts about as tight as I think I should. I even did what they do not recommend and used a board to put a little more tension on the belt (took it off when it did not help). I think I will email Shop Fox and let them diagnose the problem. Quite a startling noise on shutdown.
Make sure that before you try to lift the jointer by the ends of the beds that they are fully raised and locked in place. I moved my DJ20 in two pieces (bed and base) down a slick grass slope with the help of a friend. Neither of us are big guys, but we managed. Barely. Roll (or sled) your jointer as far as possible. Be careful lifting it and make sure that you and your help communicate lots.Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Eric Anderson,
The 8 inch Grizzly @ $595 (or with the spiral cutter head for $795) has been flawless since it's arrival over 6 years ago.
In that time it's jointed over 40,000 bd.ft of hardwood without a bit of maintinace or adjustment since it came out of the crate..
That's right! I wired the end up with a connector and turned it on and haven't needed to fix or adjust anything..
Do you realize how much wood 40,000 bd.ft. is?
How many knife changes/sharpening for 40,000 bd ft?
piker,
Lost track! I used to run jointer, planer, (both power hand and my big 20 inch planer blades) along with sawblades in once a week to the sharpening service..
MY six inch wide hand power planes I had over 22 sets of blades for them (2 power planes) and I'm down to six sets remaining, the rest simply wore out!
I'd first get one side flat and square and then run everything thru my big planer.
You haven't had fun untill you take a 24 foot long 12"X12" white oak timber thru a planer! ( those beasts were straightened by hand!)
Note that Delta moved production of the DJ-20 to China a few years ago. Someone with an older American made Delta might not have the same opinion of the machine if they owned a newer Chinese made one. Fine Woodworking did a review of 8" jointers just last year.
John White
Well, I decided to go with the Shop Fox. I took a straight edge to both of them and they were both very flat. The fit and finish on both were excellent. The cast iron on both were about as identical as you can get. I would have to have a dial caliper and about an hour to list any real differences. The base and electricals were where the difference was. The DJ-20 had a pretty cheap on/off switch on the base cabinet. It was hard to press on or off. The Shop Fox had the switches on the pedestal and was a magnetic switch. It just appeared that there was more effort to make the Shop Fox a quality machine. It appeared that the Delta DJ-20 gave me the impression. "Here I am...I am the original and I don't have to try". Since the DJ-20 is made in China also, all you are buying is the name. Don't get me wrong...I am impressed with the Delta name, but I paid $900 for the Shop Fox "out the door" and it comes with a mobile base (I would have to buy one for the Delta), the Delta was refurbished (ya, I know it should not make a difference, but the Shop Fox is standard production with a 2yr warranty), the Shop Fox has a magnetic switch up on a pedestal in easy reach, the Shop Fox has a 4 blade cutter head (does that matter-who knows) and a 3 hp motor (does that matter- I don't know if I will EVER know).
Now to wire the area for 220 in prep and try to figure out how to get it down the basement without killing myself. I'll post my conclusions when I start using it.
I have a G0490, I bought it 2 years ago when it was brand new. I looked at the DJ20 from Delta but went with the Grizzly for 4 main reasons:
1.) The Grizzly has a 3 HP motor and the DJ20 was only a 2 HP motor.
2.) The Grizzly has a 4 knife cutterhead
3.) The Grizzly has a built in mobile base and the controls are mounted high and easier to reach.
4.) The Grizzly was about 1000 bucks cheaper than a new DJ20
I am sure the DJ20 is a good machine, it is out of the same casting as the G0490. However, the Grizzly was simply a better value for me.
Fred
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