Replies

1. 
   Dustmight | Apr 30, 2005 11:41pm | #1

   General's 6" jointer is a General "International", meaning it's made overseas vs in Canada...Taiwan in this case. It's offered in two versions, one with handwheels, one with levers. They come from the same factory as the Jet, Bridgewood, Sunhill, Grizzly, Woodtek and others, but have longer beds and a wider base than any of those machines. All are solid performers and well rated. The PM54a is a very nice jointer, but if you're going to spend in that price range I think you'd be better off with an 8" jointer in the same price range.

   http://www.general.ca/mini/80-100-150.jpg

1. 
   AndrewLunn | May 02, 2005 06:06pm | #2

   Thanks for taking the time to respond. I also found some other threads about General jointers that apparently had been too close to my nose for me to see them before! They sound like nice machines and really looked very solid. An 8" jointer would be preferrable, and in that case I might go with a Grizzly because of $$. I have limited $$, and everything is a bit of a balancing act right now. Haven't decided yet what route I'll go. Thanks again for responding.

   AL

    

2. 
   conrj967 | May 03, 2005 01:19am | #3

   I purchased a General International Model 80-150ML1 6" jointer a little over a year ago. I am happy with it and am impressed with the quality of the design and workmanship. Some portions of the Operating/Maintenance Instructions could use some improvement.

   The space in my shop is limited so I ruled out an 8" jointer and the Delta jointer which requires more space behind the jointer due to the design of the fence adjustment mechanism.

   Ralph

3. 
   Ricks503 | May 17, 2005 04:10pm | #4

   Grizzly is having a blow out sale and they have a nice 8" jointer on sale

   http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?itemnumber=G1018&

   1 - measure the board twice

   2 - cut it once

   3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go

   4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

1. 
   AndrewLunn | May 25, 2005 03:01pm | #6

   Rick,

   Thanks for responding. And here I thought this thread was finished. That jointer you provided the link to sounds really nice. Do you have one? If so, how do you like it? I have read what I can find in previous posts and it seems that people have been happy with their Grizzly jointers. The General 6" looks like a very nice machine, too, but for a little more $$ I'd like the 8" capacity, I think. I had formerly looked at the Ridgid, because it seems to be well thought of, but I thought its bed seemed awfully short.

   AL

1. 
   Ricks503 | May 25, 2005 04:08pm | #8

   I do not have one, just was browing their site for some other equipment noticed the nice price - not much more than a 6", longer bead and heavier duty.  I had also seen a lot of favorable posts on Grizzly equipment ( I am getting one of their 14" bandsaws).

   A couple of hours later I saw your post and thought you might be interested in at least looking at it.   Good luck with whatever you choose.

    

    1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

4. 
   SteveC | May 24, 2005 01:19am | #5

   Bought mine about 5 months ago from woodcraft for $529.  It is a nice jointer for the money.  When comparing this to the Jet it basically the same machine except the General has a longer bed and larger base and is $70 cheaper.

   I had to adjust the knives out of the box, but it is a great machine and was well worth the money.

   Steve

1. 
   AndrewLunn | May 25, 2005 03:26pm | #7

   Scall,

   I got to see the GI and Jet 6" jointers side by side in a local showroom and thought the General looked better too. In addition to what you said, I thought its fit and finish looked better.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 02, 2005 09:36pm | #10

     Can anyone recommend a specific brand/source for a slot cutter bit that would do the trick?

   If all th same the longer bed is the best! If it is true...

5. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 02, 2005 09:25pm | #9

   I do NOT have a General.. But from what I hear Quality tools for the price.. USA Here byt we no nonger manfacture antthing cept Tanks and areoplanes...

   Geeee And I got a A in spelling in the 8 grade!

   
   

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   Edited 6/2/2005 2:27 pm ET by Will George