All,
Does anyone have any comments or experience using a Invicta DI-32? I know at one time the company used to be owned by Delta, but I believe it is independently owned now. The price that I have seen for this machine new is comparable to a new Powermatic 60a 8 inch jointer, the DI-32 is 13 inch, seems too good to be true.
Replies
I'm sure it was always an independent company and never owned by Delta. It's comparatively priced I find. I used to deal a lot with the stuff that was marketd under Delta and thought it was alright. I think one of their better tools is a heavy duty slot mortiser priced $1,500, less than half of the other mortisers. And I think the 12" jointer is running about 2 grand. Who are you looking at for an Invicta source. I was talking to someone down south in Florida a few weeks ago who was importing the Invicta line.
Rick,
I saw the Invicta DI-32 for $1899 for a new machine at the Utter Guys in south Florida, for a 5hp single or 3 phase machine. Since I was interested in upgrading from my current 6 inch Powermatic 54a to a 8 inch machine the price looked somewhat attractive.
Two concerns that come to mine are, would I ever get the 1100 lb machine into my basement workshop and are parts available for the machine?
I think there are better sources than the utter guys. I was talking to a source that was importing directly but lost track. Trying to find the source again. Another good option is used. Look at some of the prices on exfactory for jointers. Not sure what your basement stair situation is so I can't answer, but I've moved heavy things with ramps, winches and disassembley. Jointers are sort of simple machines so parts shouldn't be a big deal. I've dealt enough with old machines that partsw were no longer available so it wouldn't phase me personally. Even newer machines that are imports I find I can make or cobble parts faster and cheaper than slow boats from overseas.
Rick,
Hate to put you on the hot seat, but do you think the machine is worth investing $1900 in? Originally, I was going to purchase a Delta DJ-20 or a Powermatic 60A.. the price of the 60A ($1900) got me think about the Invicta..
I'd consider it if I was to go new but I'd be more inclined to go used for something like this.
I agree with Rick on this issue. Old cast iron is fabulous. Many good brands. But, you do have to know what you are looking at. You will spend more with a dealer than at an auction, but a good dealer will be able to advise as well. Tehre are issues here. Phase? Round or square cutterhead? # of knives. Flat tables? Bearings or babbits? DMD or belt? If DMD., it will be 3 phase. In fact, probably all of the 12"+ American jointers are 3 phase. Just got an email from Sunhill (from whom I have never bought) that they are now carrying the "new" Oliver line. Went to site of Oliver, but it looks like they may be made overseas, since they tout their SEattle office, but don't mention production, at least that I saw.
I have a 1925 or so American Woodworking Machinery 12" which I love! I will probably put on a custom made helical carbide cutterhead soon.
Alan
I've got a Delta DJ-30 here, and a lot of other Delta stuff.....which in general, I do not like, but I didn't buy this stuff....and I've looked at some Invicta gear in Western Canada (don't see much in the est). Didn't work on the Invicta stuff, but what I saw was definitely comparable to Delta in fit, finish, etc, maybe better. There may be some other Brazilian manufacturers also making good tools; I know one woodworking journalist I know came back from there very impressed with the level of equipment he saw in their plants. Don't know why Delta parted ways with Invicta; interesting if it was to cut costs, and Invicta is competing with them now with significantly lower prices.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S
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