Replies

1. 
   esch5995 | Dec 27, 2023 07:39pm | #1

   Reliant was an early import brand that cloned(stole) American brands like Delta and Powermatic designs. I'm not sure what model you are looking at but the quality of imports back then was spotty at best. Motors tended to be of low quality as were castings. So make sure the motor is sound because a new one will be as much or more than the jointer. Use a long straight edge to check for warped tables, look for cracks in the castings etc.

   Be aware of what a 6" jointer is and isn't. The primary purpose of a jointer is for prepping rough stock, not so much on edge but face jointing boards before planing to insure you have a true flat face to register against the planer table. Since most boards I buy are wider than 6" a 6" jointer is worthless to me and would not be worth anything to me. If you have limited shop space make sure that you are willing to sacrifice precious real-estate to a tool that has very limited uses.

2. 
   joeyboy | Dec 27, 2023 08:02pm | #2

   Here’s a link to a FWW review of the jointer that was done in 2005. https://www.finewoodworking.com/2005/10/25/6-in-jointer-dd39c-review

3. 
   _mj_ | Dec 27, 2023 09:44pm | #3

   The primary purpose of a 6" jointer is to open your eyes to what flat and square is really like and how much better it is to get flat and square. A 6" jointer's second lesson is that a 6" jointer is too narrow and you need a wider one.

   Save up and get a 12" combo machine, 16" if you are already into the hobby deep and have the space. I had my 6" jointer for 3 months before it was back on craigslist where I found it. I broke even.

4. 
   MillstShop | Dec 28, 2023 07:22am | #4

   I’d be careful of buying anything Reliant.
   I bought their bench top drill press many years ago new and returned it the next day. The spindle and the column were not parallel.

5. 
   brian_mcgann | Dec 28, 2023 11:12am | #5

   Just a note about Reliant from my point of view. I bought from an estate sale 3 Reliant tools: dust collector, 15" planer and a 15" band saw. All worked great after re-set up, and still do! Only problem was the dust collector impeller failed. It was plastic and cracked. I had noticed that Woodtech looked the same if not exactly the same. ( at least I believe it was Woodtech) I bought a replacement impeller that was welded steele and it fit and still runs pefectly! No, these are not Delta or some other big name brand but my total outlay was $400 for all 3 tools and they continue to serve me well!