Jointer Suggestions

[BasementDweller]

Ok, So I've been saving for about 12 months for a new jointer. I had the one I wanted all picked out. I had read every review and compared all the models in the 350 price range (6" 3/4 - 1hp models) and had settled on the Ridgid from HD. I have their planer and love it so figured I'd match it up. Problem is the BORG just raised its price to 400. So now... I've got to start my research all over again at this new price point!!! I forget most of the research I did, it was about 9 months ago.

So I guess I'm looking to take the lazy man's way out.... What do you guys recommend. If I'm going to spend $400 for a jointer what should I get? I've looked at the Delta at Lowes and the quality just seems to be really low, but maybe looks are deceiving? I see JET has a unit at Rockler for 450, I wonder if it is worth the extra 50? I may be able to find that for less... Of course there is also a ton of clones, but shipping isn't something I'm really crazy about paying. I have a HD, Lowes, Rockler and a woodcraft within driving distance.

[os1kne]

If I were you, I'd look real hard at the Yorkcraft 6" jointer (http://www.wilkemachinery.com/defaul...kudatarq=2339).

It's very nice and has a built-in mobile base - all for $370. Wilke Machinery also sells some units through ebay - you may be able to save a few bucks, but probably not too much.

I'm not sure where you are in PA, but they may be worth the drive - they could ship it, but I'm sure shipping would put it over your $400 limit.

Good luck.

[TheRic]

*#$%&#*& when did they raise their price??!! I was looking to get that same one! Did they add anything when they raised the price? I think I still might get the Ridged, I do love the Lifetime Warranty thing they got going! Would they be on sale this Christmas, maybe back done to $300 - $350 range?

Not trying to hijack the thread, but been thinking about getting the Ridgid thickness planner, how do you like yours? There was a positive review in a mag I saw in the last month or so.

[vaking]

They jacked the price most likely preparing for upcoming Christmass sale. This way they will offer it again at $350 as a sale compared to "regular" price of $400.

[mikel]

I got one of these on craigs list for 200.00

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...4+3966&pos=n24


follow to...

Delta Machinery
JT360 Shopmaster 6 In. Stationary Jointer

Model JT360
Price: $349.00/ea

[ChrisD]

I was jointer shopping in the spring when the Ridgid's price went up to $399, at least here in Chicagoland. Then I stumbled on a NIB gray model on eBay, which I got for $250.

The Rigdid is my first grown-up jointer. I think it's still a good deal even at $400. Mine was almost perfect out of the box: beds were co-planar, blades were flush with the outfeed table. The fence's 90-degree stop had to be tweaked a little bit, but it was a very straightforward process that took only a couple of minutes.

That said, it certainly wouldn't hurt to hold on to your cash just a little bit longer as a better deal just might come along.

[Hoover]

The Woodcraft flier for the month of November has the Jet 6" jointer model 708457k on sale for $399.99. This is the closed base model with 3 knife cutterhead.

[Knottscott]

Jet has their 6" jointer jointer on sale for $400 and appears to be a good buy at that price. Closed base, similar jointer design as the Ridgid, and is about an inch longer and a bit taller. The Delta at Lowe's is the JT360 and it's not quite in the same class as the other two...it has a lighterweight fence support mechanism, 3/4hp motor vs 1hp, and a lightweight open stand. The Delta 37-195/37-275x is a different animal with a 1hp motor, enclosed base, and larger fence with a rack & pinion fence adjusting system, plus has a stem mounted switch. The Yorkcraft is very similar to the better Delta, but includes a mobile base.

Grizzly also has some good offerings, as does Sunhill, and I hear good things about the Orion made Craftsman.

[LCHIEN]

I think fundamentally the Delta JP360 is similar to the other Ridgid, Jet except that it has a open stand base that makes it look much cheaper and less stout, but it does weigh over 200 lbs, similar to the others.
I have one and no serious complaints but I did get it with two rebates and a lowes moving coupon for around $260

[LinuxRandal]

Never forget craigslist, ebay and your local paper!

When I bought mine, I was looking locally. There were a few used in the papers, I found one on Craigslist that I was the second person to reply (was a Delta from 40's or early 50's), then I searched locally on Ebay. I bid more then the others, but I could pick it up. I won a Ridgid 6", NIB for $260, so I was happy.

[BasementDweller]

Thanks for the help

Well, thanks for all the feedback.

I've narrowed it down to the Jet on sale at woodcraft for $399 and the Ridgid for $399. I guess the Jet is actually $380 because you get a woodcraft card for $20 with the purchase. I'm going to look over the specs one last time to help me decide. I must say being able to go to HD and walk away tomorrow with a new jointer has a certain draw to it! As well as the warranty. But the JET is a quality name (from what I hear) and I like the fact that I can plane down to 1/2" instead of 3/4.

To answer the question about my planer: I LOVE IT! Haven't had a single problem with it. Great machine. If I get in a hurry and don't support the wood well I will get a little bit of snipe, but if I'm careful and make sure I don't bump it around it comes out perfect.

As for the used market, I've been watching closely for about 3 months and on-and-off for 2 years for all used equipment in my area. I don't know how you guys do it, because there is *NO* used gear in my local papers. I have 4 I check online in this area and in two years have seen maybe 6 pieces of equipment.

If you guys think of anything else that will help me decide feel free to post! Thanks again!

[LCHIEN]

Well, thanks for all the feedback.

I've narrowed it down to the Jet on sale at woodcraft for $399 and the Ridgid for $399. I guess the Jet is actually $380 because you get a woodcraft card for $20 with the purchase. I'm going to look over the specs one last time to help me decide. I must say being able to go to HD and walk away tomorrow with a new jointer has a certain draw to it! ...

You're not going to walk away with it. You're going to need a dolly and perhaps another helper or two.

[mpauly]

As for the used market, I've been watching closely for about 3 months and on-and-off for 2 years for all used equipment in my area. I don't know how you guys do it, because there is *NO* used gear in my local papers. I have 4 I check online in this area and in two years have seen maybe 6 pieces of equipment.

Check craigslist. I don't know where in PA you are, but there are several CL sections devoted to the state.

http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/pa

[Brian G]

If you guys think of anything else that will help me decide feel free to post! Thanks again!

If I had a spare $400 right now to spend on a jointer, I'd hold onto it and squeeze out a few hundred more somewhere and move up to an 8" jointer.

Glad to help spend you money

[BrazosJake]

Walk into HD with that $350 (+tax) in your hand and tell them last week that jointer was $349 and that is all you can or will pay for it. Be patient, you'll have to wait for a manager, but I'll almost guarantee you will get it for that price.