I will purchase a new jointer in the near future. My recent experience indicates that I need an 8″ machine rather than the 6″ model it will replace.
I would like the thoughts of others regarding the suitability of the Grizzly 8″ model G0586. The specs appear good but the price is comparable to other’s 6″ jointers.
I will appreciate your comments.
Replies
I have a Powermatic 54 A (6") Only regret is that I should of sprung for the 8".
John
I really like my Delta DJ20 8" long tail jointer. The tables came flat and aligned and have stayed that way. I don't like the fence though, I have to square it when I move it to different positions. This may be because I mucked something up in the set-up, but I don't think so. It is a minor inconvenience on an otherwise excellent machine. Your right; An 8" is much better than a six. Now if I could only justify a 12..............
wdindian,
Be careful with Grizzly. If anything goes wrong with the machine, you're stuck. If you decide you don't like the machine, you pay for return shipping, and you don't get your original shiping money back. It can be an expensive mistake.
This is a never ending debate. I will add that I own the G500. I've had it for over 2 years, use it regularly and am very happy with it. I will say that I bought a set of good blades for it from my blade sharpener guy. The original blades are just ok, soft, low quality steel. The new ones were about $40 (A2 HSS, I think) and are a great improvement.
I had no problems with the company or the delivery. Its a great value!
Thanks, it certainly looks like a good deal. I have heard both good and bad about the more popular machines, so I am wondering if the difference in price is due to the difference in quality.
I can't complain about the quality of the Grizzly. I was a little disapointed when I began assemblying it and I came across the 2 table extensions. It seemed like a copout but once I got them adjusted (easy process) I have never given them another thought. I think they have since lenthend the tables and done away with the extensions.
By contrast, my buddy has a really nice 12" Powermatic jointer. Its really a piece of work. Probably weighs over 500 lbs., it's massive! But the fence doesn't seem to stay square due to a rather flimsy mounting system. This is always a problem and it takes time to square it up before each use. My jointer cuts alot smoother than his due, I think, to the 4 blades vs. 3. I never have to readjust my fence and my tables are longer than his, making it easier to flatten a longer board.
It all comes down to whatever will make you happy. Most all machines will flatten the board and thats what you are lookig to do.
Edited 9/27/2005 8:47 am ET by hmthomas
hmthomas,
Of course people get good machines from Grizzly. But that's not what I am debating. My point is, if you get a bad machine from Grizzly, and you want to return it, you lose money. If you decide you want to return the machine altogether, you're screwed out of the original shipping and the shipping costs to return the machine. If you buy the machine from a local seller, or from Amazon, you don't run the risk of losing a couple hundred dollars in shipping costs.No debate on that.
Edited 9/27/2005 9:49 am ET by MatthewSchenker
I recently bought the Powermatic 54A 6" also and it is a great machine. My friend has a Grizzly and it is nice machine but I feel the Powermatic despite being a 6" will suffice and in the long run will hold up much longer.
Mike Francis
Thanks Mike. The wood I buy most often is 5/4 x 6", however it turns out to be slightly more than 5/4 and slightly wider than 6". I would rather not have to waste wood to fit my jointer, and 8" will give more flexibility when buying wood.Thanks again.
Listen to Matthew Schenker.
You're a fool if you put yourself in a position to lose shipping costs on 300 lbs. of anything.
Hi: If you buy anything from Amazon that ships from the manufacturer Amazon won't cover the return shipping as they will with any product shipped directly from them ie. ''third party sellers'' such as Grizzly. I just checked with them to be sure. I bought a Delta DJ 20 which has been great and it shipped direct from Amazon so any return of the whole machine would have been covered, although I can't imagine the hassle of repacking and returning any such large machine.
KDMKenneth Duke Masters
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Being a woodworker on a severely constrained budget, I often support Grizzly as an option. This is especially true when it comes to a jointer, as that seems to be one of the machines they make especially well. If this thread goes on for awhile, you'll find more people who have one, have used it hard, and like it just fine.
If you have concerns about the "returnability" of the machine if it's defective in some way, I'd suggest a couple of things: (1) call Grizzy first and ask them specifically about "What if...." and (2) order it from Amazon which now carries Grizzly stuff. The jointer page is here.
Grizzly vs. Powermatic specs: Grizzly has a 4-knife cutterhead and a 75" bed (one piece, near as I can tell, but don't quote me). Powermatic is a 3-knife, 72" bed. Runs $400+ more than the Grizzly.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
forestgirl,
I just want to make sure people know I am not doubting anyone's positive experiences with Grizzly. Just stating the dangers of buying online generally, and from Grizzly in particular.To clarify, if you buy Grizzly tools through Amazon, you are still held to the Grizzly return policies. Amazon just lists the tools, and then links you to Grizzly for the actual sale.As far as Grizzly's return policy, I'm somewhat of an expert, having gone through a frustrating situation with a defective Grizzly drill press. Below is the text I received from Grizzly's Customer Service Department. I think this makes clear the risks of buying from Grizzly:"Returns for refund or exchange must be within 30 days of the purchase. Original shipping and handling charges are not refundable. All returns must be in original packing, unused and in resalable condition. All returns are subject to a 10% restock fee based upon inspection, and all merchandise must be shipped to us prepaid."We've been debating this point a lot, so maybe it would be better to just put it in actual dollar terms.Let's use the G0586 jointer as an example. You pay $707 to have it delivered. What if it's defective, as my drill press was? If you return it, assuming you can ship it back for the same thing Grizzly spent to get it to you, you're out $82.25 twice, plus a $70 "restock fee" (whatever that is). So, after returning the machine you would be out $235. Effectively, you would increase the price of your next machine by $235.If you buy from a local seller, you are not out any of that. If you buy something from Amazon (not Grizzly), you don't pay shipping in either direction and there is no rip-off "restock fee."
Edited 9/28/2005 10:12 am ET by MatthewSchenker
I saw the new 8" Griz in a mag ad today. The $625 "introductory" price sounds fabulous for the machine described in the ad.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy this machine unless the shipping charge got me close enough in price to buying a Delta 8" locally.. which I doubt.
I have a Griz b/s and have found it to be a good machine at a great price.
Thank you for information. It appears that Grizzly tools are worth the chance at a good price.Thanks again.
wdindian,
If you go with the Grizzly, please be sure to report back on how the set-up goes.
I've been a machine tech for 20 years or so and have rebuilt many old machines but when we decided to get a new spindle sander after looking at Clayton and old States, Olivers etc, we decided to try the Grizzly 1071 and found it to be a very impressive unit for the money. I've seen some of the older jointers and used to turn my nose at them but I think they have improved signifigantly over time. I'm still leary about their small power tools. We tried them a few years back and they can't hold up to the kind of use we put them through.
The service department seems very knowledgable and responds in a timely manner. One our guys dinged up a spindle and they replaced it under warranty with no questions.
RickL,
Again, I don't question anyone's positive experiences with Grizzly. I'm just stating the clear risks, based on Grizzly's return policy and my own very negative experiences with them.
Matt,I sure will. Thanks.
search the past posts for grizzly jointers-I recently bought one and provided some quality info.
Best of luck Here is the message link 25274.1
Edited 9/29/2005 12:12 am ET by northvan
Thanks Northvan,That is just what I was looking for.
wdindian,
It changes everything when you can drive to the Grizzly plant and pick up the machine. Then it becomes the same as buying it from a local store, as I was talking about. Northvan can bring his machine bak if there is an issue, and he is not risking hundreds of dollars in shipping losses.Are you going to be driving to the Grizzly plant to buy your machine?
Edited 9/29/2005 9:15 am ET by MatthewSchenker
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