I found an ad on craigslist for a model 54 manufactured in 2000 for $250.I have an ancient Jet jointer that has seen better days and am thinking that for $250 it would be nice to upgrade.The only reviews I can find are on the more current model 54A , and frankly they were not all warm and cozy, but as it is on a newer model, I thought I would ask here if anyone has experience with the older unit?
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I have the model 54 jointer and it's an OK jointer but it's the same as some other knock off jointers. Not much better or worse than other jointers. I did change the head on mine to use the Shelix head and it cuts much better.Gary -
Thanks Gary!!Comment
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The 54a was the longbed version. If the length is 66" its the 54a. I don't recall ever reading many negatives about it, other than it cost as much as a Grizzly 8" jointer when new. FWIW, Amazon's ratings are 5-stars on the 54a.
The 54 was much like the Jet, Grizzly 1182, Bridgewood, Sunhill, GI, and others....all from the same Taiwanese factory, all well proven.
$250 seems pretty reasonable if it's in good shape.
Here's a pic of the shorter model 54.Happiness is sort of like wetting your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.
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Thanks! Unfortunately the seller has withdrawn, but now that I have the itch, I'll soon stop trying to deal with the problems my 20 year old Jet creates. That leads me to my next question. Since the tables seem to be the issue with most things I've read on the imports (my jet having been resurfaced 5 years ago) I'm wondering if anyone has seen a 6" with granite tables yet? All I can find is the Steel City 8" and the cheepee Craftsman. If it is out there ( I can't find it) then does anyone have any experience with one??Comment
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I think only Steel City is manufacturing granite surface jointers.
Since the deal seems to be nationwide the Ridgid JP610 is on sale for $299, not as good of a deal as earlier this year, but it is a solid jointer for the price.Comment
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Related for the comments on the 54A. The early model 54a long bed have the identical cutter heads to the 54. Later; they came out with a spiral head for it which is greatly improved. 54a also has longer tables and beefed up the base to support them.
I installed a Sunhill version Byrd Shelix head in mine and I love it. There were two possible byrd heads that could fit it and got the diagrams and used the micrometer to see which would be the right one. If you do this; replace the bearings. I tried to skimp and had to replace them as it sounded like it contained gravel.
Given it's gone it's a moot point. The Ridgid is pretty much the same jointer and you'd be happy with it. You should also look at the Grizzly 8" jointers if you can swing the extra money. You'll always want a bigger jointer no matter what size you get.GaryComment
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