Replies

1. 
   Pali | Nov 18, 2023 01:47pm | #1

   I have the 2021 version of the Jet 8" with helical head and am very happy with it. I'm unfamiliar with other similarly priced brands so can't offer a comparison and don't know who is the actual manufacturer. The 15% sale makes for a very good price point.

2. 
   pantalones868 | Nov 18, 2023 07:27pm | #2

   Oliver, a more recent flight to Asia and does not appear to be the same Oliver that was. I don't know who owns them but I don't think it's the same company that owns Jet. A German holding company -Walter Meier(sp) owns or did own Powermatic,Jet,Performax, Wilton and some others. Everything seems to be getting traded back and forth, its corporate stuff so you never know. Often it seems these companies change hands and the new owners redesign their line and offer no support or parts for the machines manufactured before their ownership.Mostly it's just an old trusted recognized name that they want to then produce a lesser product. With that said the Jet ,Powermatic people seem to be able to produce a pretty good product, particularly Powermatic. I don't have their jointer but I have some other Jet stuff..bandsaw, a lathe and they do seem to support their older products ,have service centers etc., which I have. Support is no small thing!

3. 
   gulfstar | Nov 19, 2023 09:35am | #3

   They are all clones with minute differences, Gryzzly, Jet, King, Craftex, ShopFox, Powermatic for most of their offerings. If that model is of interest I would consider Grizzly the extra hp is worth with a helical cutterhead. https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-8-x-72-jointer-with-helical-cutterhead-mobile-base/g0856

1. 
   sjeff70 | Nov 19, 2023 10:51am | #4

   It’s interesting that Powermatic still has the 5-year warranty. I’m sure it’s built into the price.

1. 
   gulfstar | Nov 19, 2023 12:58pm | #6

   My Craftex clones have not broken down in 5 years.

4. 
   phantomtrapper | Nov 19, 2023 11:15am | #5

   Except for the helical cutterhead and raising the magnetic switch to above the fence, it is exactly the same as my 15-20 year old King. Never had a bit of problem with it, but a lot of shavings don't make their way into the chute and go into the motor housing. Just vacuum a couple of times a year.

5. 
   hotdogman | Nov 20, 2023 07:59am | #7

   Most of these machines are made in the same factories with slight differences in the specs. I don't think you will find enough differences between the various offerings to be concerned about. That said, Jet offers pretty darn good machines. I have several and just bought one of their band saws on sale. I have been very happy with Jet products. For any brand you buy make sure it is set up correctly which makes a world of difference. Both Rockler and Woodcraft offer Jet machines on sale. The Rockler offer is slightly better.