Delta 37-280 Jointer Opinions

[momo44]

I have a chance to buy a Delta 37-280 6" Motorized Jointer for <$50. It is mounted on a mobile stand, has cast iron tables, but an aluminum fence.....
I would like opinions from anyone here concerning this jointer.

• Does the aluminum fence create any problems?
• Is knife setting a problem?
• Is the performance OK?
• What should I be looking out for?

I also have the opportunity to buy a JT360 NIB for $175. Should I go for that one instead?? What to do...what to do...what to do...........

[burrellski]

The 37-280 and JT360 are in 2 different worlds. $175 for a nib JT360 is a good deal. Jump on it. Most of the iron is that same as its pricier cousins. I think you'll be disappointed with the overgrown benchtop 37-280.

[SARGE..g-47]

I agree with Burrellski on night and day comparisons... but I won't agree about jumping on the $175 price of the JT 360. I would save my money and look for a used Jet.. Sunhill.. York-craft.. Grizzly.. etc. as I would personally chose them over the Delta.

I sold a Sunhill 6" to MadMac here on the forum for $250 and I am sure if you are patient that a better deal will come along..

Regards...

[LCHIEN]

The JT360 is at the low end of the all cast iron table jointers with a ~4 foot combined in-out feed tables. (unless you count the HF as being even lower).

Its characteriized by the open stand and possibly a slightly smaller motor, I haven't found the motor to be undersized or underpowered for the work I've done.

Mostly it runs $350 amazon, Lowes, others, which may be overpriced for what you get but I would say $175 is a very good price if the jointer is good enough for you.

[Knottscott]

The JT360 is at the low end of the all cast iron table jointers with a ~4 foot combined in-out feed tables. (unless you count the HF as being even lower).

Its characteriized by the open stand and possibly a slightly smaller motor, I haven't found the motor to be undersized or underpowered for the work I've done.

Mostly it runs $350 amazon, Lowes, others, which may be overpriced for what you get but I would say $175 is a very good price if the jointer is good enough for you.

Most of what I hear about the JT360 is that it's a pretty functional machine...maybe not top dog, but should be worth $175 if it's in good condition.

Skip the benchtop unless you do only small projects.

[TB Roye]

Watch Craigslist and the local newspaper. I found a almost new 6"Grizzly with a mobile base for $200. The Jointer had been used 3 time and was in perfect condition, sharp and aligned blades and tables. Be patient and you might get lucky. I did on both my Jointer and Planer.

Tom

[ragswl4]

I would pass on the benchtop. I owned a ShopFox benchtop for about a year and couldn't get very good performance out of it (maybe my fault) but edge jointing anything over about 3-4' it is difficult to keep the edge flat to the table. I have heard nothing but bad reviews for aluminum fences on jointers. Also my outfeed table was fixed which added to the problem. Sold It.

[momo44]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I am going to pass on the 37-280, but I have to decide whether to get the JT360 now and replace it later if the opportunity arises, or save up and wait for a deal on a larger jointer. The only question I have about the JT360 --- is it worth spending $175 on a new one?????

[ragswl4]

Sounds like maybe you are on the fence about the JT360 as you seem to be thinking you might want to upgrade later. The bed is 47", kind of short and if you think you may want something larger later perhaps waiting is better. If you have an immediate need for a jointer then the JT360 (in good condition) is worth the $175.

If you can wait, then there are bigger jointers to be had for not much more money if you are patient (Craigslist).

I have read alot of posts on this forum where folks have gone with 6" and later upgraded to 8" based on their needs. I have seen a lot of advice here to buy an 8" and skip the 6". I think it boils down to your needs, I have a 6" and it does all I need.

[Knottscott]

$175 for a new JT360 is an excellent price....it's worth around that much used, so there's very little downside risk even if you upgrade later on. Most good 6" jointers start ~ $350. The 8" machines are closer $750 new, and go up from there.

[ragswl4]

Missed the part about the JT360 being new. Good deal IMO. $349 at Lowes.