Replies

1. 
   RickL | Nov 22, 2005 05:35pm | #1

   4 blades isn't necessarily a better finish. One has to take in account the rpms. A 3 knife head with a faster rpm can give a better finish than a 4 knife head plus how fast you push the board through is a factor.  Also beginners struggle with setting knives so having an extra knife to set is to be considered. Recent FWW Tools and Shop had a review on jointer you might look at for tips.

1. 
   loup | Nov 22, 2005 05:46pm | #2

   Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.

   Lou

2. 
   Sawdust9 | Nov 22, 2005 06:00pm | #3

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/wvt118.asp

   Here is a link to the current FWW review of 8" jointers. There is a video clip you may want to watch. I have the G0500 and I am happy with the machine. The delivery process however is less than desirable if you happen to have shipping damage.

3. 
   PeteBradley | Nov 22, 2005 10:54pm | #4

   In terms of the castings, these are the same machine.

   Pete

4. 
   Knotscott | Nov 23, 2005 02:08am | #5

   Both of those machines are typically well liked by owners. You may also want to look into the Yorkcraft, but if you're considering Sunhill, I suspect you're quite a ways from York, PA...shipping will kill the deal.

   As Rick pointed out, 4 blades may be theoretically smoother than 3 if all things are equal. But there are other considerations in addition to more knives to set....replacement and sharpening costs will run about 33% more for the 4 blade. Also, if you run the board through the planer after jointing as I often do, it's a moot point. Also, regardless of how smooth the finish is, I still do a light sanding with fine grit sandpaper before applying a finish coat, so it just about doesn't matter.

1. 
   loup | Nov 23, 2005 03:14pm | #6

   I want to thank all of you for the information you gave.  On the Shipping charges I live in Palm Bay, Florida.

1. 
   Kenneth | Nov 27, 2005 03:16am | #7

   I owned a Sunhill 8" jointer and I had very good results from the machine.  If you call Sunhill I think that they will tell you that they subsidize the shipping costs to the east coast so they can be competitive. 

1. 
   loup | Nov 27, 2005 06:56pm | #8

   Hi Kenneth,

   On Friday I called Sunhill and ordered an 8 in Jointer.  I ordered the SM-204 and not the 204L.  I have a small shop and the 204 only have a 65" length to it.

   They took my order but were no officialy open.

   Lou