Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Oct 25, 2006 04:34am | #1

   Well worth it.

   Best,

   John

2. 
   forestgirl | Oct 25, 2006 06:12am | #2

   Jake, this thread should provide some pertinent info.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   user-211435 | Oct 25, 2006 07:23am | #3

   forestgirl,

   I read that thread and was suprised that so many were comparing a carbide helical head to a straight HSS head, and using the durability of the cutter as a deal maker.

   I use solid carbide jointer knives and they are amazing.  Perfectly smooth for a long, long, time.

   Hal

3. 
   RickL | Oct 25, 2006 05:44pm | #4

   I would never consider it an either or proposition involving parallelogram tables versus insert tooling. I work on a lot of jointers and find the parallelogram excels for four point adjustment of the tables. Also if the table ever warps you can regrind the one table and mount it back on the machine. With dovetailed ways jointers the whole machine must be ground if the table is warped. A slight sag can be shimmed.

   As far as the cutterhead, If you do a lot of figured wood it has a clear advantage. The Shelix with it's shearing cut is a bit better but haven't compared it personally. I do have access to a Northtech planer with insert knives similar to what you are looking at and it really is better than straight knives. People get confused on the cost. Carbide lasts 8 times longer and there are 4 edges so the cost overall isn't as bad as it seems. It does leave small lines but one still has to sand the wood.

   
   

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   Edited 10/25/2006 11:40 am ET by RickL

1. 
   ohcomeon | Oct 26, 2006 04:09am | #5

   It isn't so much as looking at it as either/or but rather in this case I have an opportunity to get the standard jointer w/ spiral head for a good price.  But I had been considering the parallelogram style.  Therefore the dillema.

   If I get the parallel jointer I can always upgrade to a spiral head later but I can't upgrade to parallel design (unless buying a new jointer).  So that is where I'm going with trying to decide whether to jump on this opportunity.

   thanks, Jake

1. 
   polarsea1 | Oct 26, 2006 06:46am | #6

   Is the parallelogram jointer a better design? Some say it is, so probably.

   Is it better in any way that will significantly affect the quality of your woodworking? Not likely.