Hello there. John Campbell here with a few questions, first time here so I hope I am in the right place. I have decided on buying a grizzley go586 8 inch jointer. After studying about them, was wondering if anyone knew anything about the go593 spiralhead jointer. I here the blades are much easier to set up. I need advice between the two. I spend alot time away from home and when I am home I want to spend time working and not setting up machinery. I would also like to take this opertunity to say thank you for all the great information here on this site. I’m 35 years old and setting up my first woodshop and eveyones information has really helped alot.
Thanks, John Campbell
Replies
CJ,
First of all, welcome to knots! You will find some excellent advice here, and some better than others.
As far as the jointers go, I can only speak from my own experience. I recently (1 month ago) swapped the regular cutterhead on my Jet 6" jointer with a byrd shelix head. This is similar, but not exactly the same as the grizzly. I believe the main difference is that the byrd cutters are arranged at an angle, producing a shearing cut, while the griz head has the cutters perpendicular to the table.
I have not heard any bad comments from those on the forum with the grizzly version spiral head. I will say that the spiral head I put on was a VAST improvement over the knives. Many people have not even rotated cutters after several years. The cut is superior on hardwoods and exotics, and the machine runs more quietly.
What you will have to ask yourself is: What types of wood are you planning to use?
Can you justify the extra cost?
You will save time by not having to adjust/change knives, which will give you more time to make shavings - once the cutterhead is adjusted even with the outfeed table, you will likely not have to fool with any adjustments for a very long time, if at all.
Good luck, and be sure to let us all know what you decide.
Lee
Hi John,
I bought that very jointer ( the spiral cutterhead version ) about a year ago. Very good machine. The tables are dead flat. Fit and finish is very good as well. The spiral cutterhead, however, is outstanding. It handles highly figured as well as normal grained woods with very little or no tearout. As an added bonus it's quieter than straight knives. The replaceable cutters for the head are self indexing. Very easy to use. Rotate for a fresh edge or simply replace.
My advise. Spend the extra money on the spiral head. It will simplify your woodworking life.
Paul
I have the 10 inch grizzly with the SC and I love it. The SC, if you can afford it, is the way to go. I'd be willing to bet that everyone that has ever used one would agree.
The choice comes down to cost vs your reward. The jointer will work either way you go... but if you can afford the extra cost - you will not be disappointed.
Hello John Campbell,
I think you should buy the spiral head jointer and then trade it to me for my straight head Grizzly jointer.. (which has been perfect since I bought it over 40,000 bd.ft. of hardwood ago)
I deeply lust after the spiral head cutter but I'm too cheap so it would be extremely generous of you to trade..
(I'm kidding ) seriously buy the spiral head, it's worth it..
John,
Everybody is giving you the correct advice. The spiralhead cutter is a superior product. I have had one for 4 years and have yet to rotate the cutters for the first time(you get 4 cutting faces on carbide cutters). It is quieter and produces a smoother finish than a blade cutter. On curly figure you get virtually no tearout. If you can afford the spiral I would not hesitate.
Terry
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