Jointer = 6" vs. 8"

[wassaw998]

I am going to be purchasing a Jointer to replace the little Delta JT 160 BT one I have currently. I want this to be the end, no more Jointer "upgrades". The debate is 8 vs 6. Really, the width of the board to me is a side line on the debate as I can always rip a board down, and in fact, in a lot of cases, a glue up with smaller width pannels is more stable. So I really don't care that I can face joint a wider board by 2", plus, I don't even have a current source for rough cut lumber. The issue to me is the bed lengths, the 8" gives me a lot more length, and having used the JT160 for over a year, bed length is a huge issue to me. That is, on a long board, the longer bed will make it a lot easier to joint an edge. Plus the 8" machine has more heft to it. On the neg side, the 8"'ers mostly require 220v (which I'd have to run), and they are massively heavy, and take up a lot more space. Plus, I'd prob need a few folks to help set up the beast where as I can manhandle the 6", but, thats only a one time deal.

So, I ponder, is an 8" Jointer really a thing a home hobbiest should aspire to , or, would a 6" one do all I'd need and I'd not be kicking myself in the pants later....I was leaning toward the 8" ( a griz g0490), but, just want to get some input.

Thanks.

[Knottscott]

Lots of people "make do" just fine with a 6", me included, but judging by comments from others, it appears most would prefer an 8" if they had the space and money. I've had a few opportunities to use an 8" and there's definitely some plusss there. You may find the width capacity may come in handy some day if you run into a supply of rough sawn. I've ripped boards down too, but it's a shame to rip a beautiful 7" board if I don't have to. In addition to the capacity advantages, there's also a significant stability advantage. It's not too difficult to get my 210# Grizzly in motion a little bit with a large board.

You might still be able to find a 1-1/2hp 8" that'll run on 110v if you look around. Bridgewood comes to mind, and maybe one of the older Sunhill models.

[onedash]

I have been eyeballing the G0586/0593. The table looks better on the one you said but this table is only an inch shorter, 100 pounds heavier 1HP less and can be wired for 110. Plus the Carbide spiral cutter head(Extra$$). But I don't think I could spend that much and not get the upgraded cutterhead. Need other stuff first though. So its near the bottom of my need list high on my want list.

[Tom Miller]

The issue to me is the bed lengths, the 8" gives me a lot more length....

Yep, that's the big plus for an 8" as I see it, too. But, there'll be times when you'll be glad you have 2" more width, as well.

If you truly "want this to be the end, no more Jointer 'upgrades'", you better get the 8".

My background/bias: I feel lucky to have a 6", given the size of my shop. I don't think an 8" would have fit. But if it would have, I'm not sure I'd be kicking myself at this point for not getting an 8". I can always get out my 8" "straightedge", and router with flushtrim bit for edge jointing longer stuff.

Regards,
Tom

[wassaw998]

There is some confusion on the 586 Grizzly 8" jointer the 490 8" jointer regarding weights, they have diff weights listed in the 2006 Cat from the web page, and again from the specs. I emailed Grizzly and they told me the 586 is 418lbs and the 490 is 508lbs (both are actual weights). The 586 is prewired for 220v, but will run on 110V on a 30AMP circuit, the 490 only runs on 220V.

They say they have not tested the 490 w/ a spiral cuttter head yet - so there is the potential it will take one (maybe). But I am not interested in a spiral head - from what I read that is nice on figured woods, but, actually not as nice on non-figured woods. What I do like about the 490 is the built in mobile base, and the parallelogram tables. I don't really like the shorter outfeed table. The 490 is also less shipping charge, so in the end the 2 are about the same price...but then, do I really need to go for an 8" monster...!

[scorrpio]

If you really see yourself doing serious woodwork, and you can afford to put down the money, you should go for the 8" - barring breakdowns, it should be indeed the last jointer you ever buy.

[just4funsies]

Let me put it this way: I have never heard anyone on here who had an 8" joiner complaining that they wish it were smaller. If you have the space, if you have the cash, then why not just get it over with?

[drumpriest]

Well, why not go for 12" or 16". Honestly, it's $$ vs face joint size. You can get a 6" with short beds or long beds, you can edge joint in a number of alternative ways. It would be nice to be able to face joint a 12" board, but I don't have space and money to do it. If you do, I'm sure that you'll be happy jointing your 12" boards!!

[onedash]

I think the best thing about the spiral cutter head has to be how much money you would save. I didn't know it didnt cut as good on non figured wood. one full set of carbide cutters is $80. But thats the same as getting 4 sets of blades. Plus Carbide stays sharp longer and if you ever hit a staple (who would do such a thing??) and nick the blade you can just turn a tooth early and a spare set to replace individual cutters if needed.
So eventually the carbide cutter should pay for itself.