It's jointer time

[Cochese]

It's finally come, actually it's probably past time that I got one. Now to figure out which one to get.

I'd prefer a floor model, but am also considering the Craftsman 21789 at $190. I think the bed would be way too short for what I want to do (table tops, cutting boards) but am willing to listen.

Of the floor models, the ones I am seriously considering are the Ridgid JP0610 @ $429, the Craftsman 21705 @ $429 and possibly the Jet 8 or 10 combos at $339 and $469 respectively. Neither Jet really has the positive reviews I'm looking for, though.

The Craftsman appears nearly identical to the Grizzly G0654 without a mobile base and also without the shipping fee. I like the Craftsman's narrow base, which would make it easier to store and move around on a mobile base. However the shoulder power switch, while I really like it, would nix where I had it going. I could find room for it otherwise, though.

The Ridgid has outstanding reviews, and I could make a mobile base for it as well. The power switch is below, which I don't like as well but it would facilitate me storing it in my intended spot. Free shipping, but it does mean I would have to wait for it to eventually arrive. I'm not a very patient person.

If I can get my chip collection sorted out on my Ryobi planer, I really don't have a need for a combo unit. At this point I'm a slight Ridgid lean but would like opinions. My budget is a firm $500, but obviously beating that would be better.

And before anyone asks, I've had a Craiglist search agent set up for one for almost a year now. The Ridgids seem to sit on CL at $400 for months, and the occasional one that gets offered at $180 gets snapped up within minutes. Otherwise it's a steady stream of abused or underpowered units.

[Bill in Buena Park]

I can't speak to the models you've selected, but consider your plans for the jointer. Cutting boards can definitely be handled on a benchtop jointer - I've jointed boards up to 4 ft long on mine. Slab or glued-up table tops (and most other panels) can be "jointed" at the table saw with a sled for doing straight line rips, and then ripping the opposite side using the rip fence. As most table edges are routed for shape, as long as you have a good initial straight line rip and subsequent rips/crosscuts, a jointer may not add any value.

If you plan jointing stock longer than four feet, a long bed would be my choice. You mention the Grizzly - is the G0654 not an option, even with shipping?

[Cochese]

No, it's an option. With shipping and liftgate, it comes out to $503. Not my first option.

I've inquired about a Jet locally and we'll see if I get a response. This one was hiding out in the wrong section, so maybe it's still available.

[jnesmith]

I've had the Ridgid for about 6 years, and have been very happy with it. It's on a mobile base and I have never had to mess with the tables even after frequently moving it around my shopgarage. I got it new at the Borg for net $250. (Ridgid had a $50 rebate, and HD was offering a free $50 gift card with the purchase).

Sounds like you want one right away. Otherwise, I would suggest waiting for a deal on the Ridgid.

P.S.

I occasionally wish I had an 8", but the few times I really needed one I was able to make do with a planer sled or other workaround.

[dbhost]

It's finally come, actually it's probably past time that I got one. Now to figure out which one to get.

I'd prefer a floor model, but am also considering the Craftsman 21789 at $190. I think the bed would be way too short for what I want to do (table tops, cutting boards) but am willing to listen.

I haven't had a problem so far. Just rig up infeed / outfeed support and longer stock really isn't an issue with bench top machines. HOWEVER, the 4-1/8" cutting width is very restrictive projects wise. I often wish my 6" were an 8 or 10"!

Of the floor models, the ones I am seriously considering are the Ridgid JP0610 @ $429, the Craftsman 21705 @ $429 and possibly the Jet 8 or 10 combos at $339 and $469 respectively. Neither Jet really has the positive reviews I'm looking for, though.

The Ridgid and Craftsman models are decent common sized jointers, but don't forget about the HF 6" jointer. It actually has a good reputation and is a lot less money than either of those you mention... The Jet combo machines are tempting as you can get a wider jointer for cheap money, but the reviews I have seen on them, the build quality is so bad that they are a real gamble. I would wait until they ironed out their quality problems, or pass all together. Jet has made some business decisions lately, including the baffle in their new dust collectors that smacks of stealing ideas from the community (Phil Thien's baffle idea) that I find it very, very difficult to be willing to put money their way...

The Craftsman appears nearly identical to the Grizzly G0654 without a mobile base and also without the shipping fee. I like the Craftsman's narrow base, which would make it easier to store and move around on a mobile base. However the shoulder power switch, while I really like it, would nix where I had it going. I could find room for it otherwise, though.

The Ridgid has outstanding reviews, and I could make a mobile base for it as well. The power switch is below, which I don't like as well but it would facilitate me storing it in my intended spot. Free shipping, but it does mean I would have to wait for it to eventually arrive. I'm not a very patient person.

The above table switches on jointers for some reason bother me. So that for me anyway, would be a real deal breaker. I guess I just got used to the switch being on the stand... The Ridgid can be fitted if I recall with a Herculift base, which would make it very easy to move. The lower power switch also would make it easier to store under an open bottom bench in the shop. As far as shipping the Ridgid, check your local Home Depots. The one by me has 3 of them right now.

If I can get my chip collection sorted out on my Ryobi planer, I really don't have a need for a combo unit. At this point I'm a slight Ridgid lean but would like opinions. My budget is a firm $500, but obviously beating that would be better.

.

I guess it depends on which Ryobi planer you have, I may be able to give you some pointers on the chip / dust collection... Like you noticed, the reviews on those combo units are so poor though, I would steer clear of them like one would an ex in law...

And before anyone asks, I've had a Craiglist search agent set up for one for almost a year now. The Ridgids seem to sit on CL at $400 for months, and the occasional one that gets offered at $180 gets snapped up within minutes. Otherwise it's a steady stream of abused or underpowered units.

No shocker there. I see a LOT of the old short infeed bed Craftsman 6" models around here for around $100.00, but I prefer a more traditional style jointer myself. Probably just aesthetics...

Like I mentioned above, don't overlook the HF 6" floor model. Yes assembly can be an excersize in aggravation, but once assembled, they have a good reputation, and seem to hold up for a long time.

[justaguy]

local jointer

did you see this one on Craigslist..

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mat/2608067350.html

I'd drive over and check that one out

[Cochese]

I haven't had a problem so far. Just rig up infeed / outfeed support and longer stock really isn't an issue with bench top machines. HOWEVER, the 4-1/8" cutting width is very restrictive projects wise. I often wish my 6" were an 8 or 10"!

Most stuff I'm looking to do is 2-3" on edge, as far as I can tell. So the width, at least at first, won't be the issue.

The Ridgid and Craftsman models are decent common sized jointers, but don't forget about the HF 6" jointer. It actually has a good reputation and is a lot less money than either of those you mention... The Jet combo machines are tempting as you can get a wider jointer for cheap money, but the reviews I have seen on them, the build quality is so bad that they are a real gamble. I would wait until they ironed out their quality problems, or pass all together. Jet has made some business decisions lately, including the baffle in their new dust collectors that smacks of stealing ideas from the community (Phil Thien's baffle idea) that I find it very, very difficult to be willing to put money their way...

I was ready to pull the trigger on the HF model when I found out they were being discontinued. The closest stores to me no longer have them in stock. I could conceivably call up HF and ask them what my options are I suppose. If it's $300 plus shipping, then I'm getting close to the Ridgid. If they'll send one to the store for me to buy at $299 or the $199 price that it's going for now, that's different.

The above table switches on jointers for some reason bother me. So that for me anyway, would be a real deal breaker. I guess I just got used to the switch being on the stand... The Ridgid can be fitted if I recall with a Herculift base, which would make it very easy to move. The lower power switch also would make it easier to store under an open bottom bench in the shop. As far as shipping the Ridgid, check your local Home Depots. The one by me has 3 of them right now.

I'll stop by HD tonight (or perhaps I'll call their 1-800) to see if there are any left in the district. I have found the occasional table saw, but they've removed almost all of the bigger tools. Not complaining too much, it's how I got my floor model DP.
.

I guess it depends on which Ryobi planer you have, I may be able to give you some pointers on the chip / dust collection... Like you noticed, the reviews on those combo units are so poor though, I would steer clear of them like one would an ex in law...

No shocker there. I see a LOT of the old short infeed bed Craftsman 6" models around here for around $100.00, but I prefer a more traditional style jointer myself. Probably just aesthetics...

Like I mentioned above, don't overlook the HF 6" floor model. Yes assembly can be an excersize in aggravation, but once assembled, they have a good reputation, and seem to hold up for a long time.

I can't swing a cat without hitting an add for a rust bucket Craftsman at around $100. If this Delta (not a Jet, my bad) I have an inquiry on comes through, then I'm good. It looks like it might be a 37-195, probably about 10 years old. For the price, I'd be happy with this one.

[Cochese]

did you see this one on Craigslist..

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mat/2608067350.html

I'd drive over and check that one out

That's the one.

[dbhost]

That Delta looks nice...

[Cochese]

Hopefully it works out.

About the Ryobi: it's a 1300, and I posted about it in my dust/chips thread.

[toolguy1000]

... The Ridgid can be fitted if I recall with a Herculift base.....

incorrect. the herc-u-lift plus (ac9950) is not compatible with the ridgid jointer. but the jp0610 is a good jointer. i got one of the gray ones during the TTI/Emerson changeover in '03(?) for $150, NIB. it was labelled "missing parts". turns out it was only missing the yellow insert for the power switch. don't forget that ridgid offers the LSA, which grizzly does not. once registered with the LSA, qualifying ridgid tools are repaired at authorized repair centers for the initial owner for life. and if you can find a HD that honors the HF 20% off any single item coupon, you could be out the door for $343 before sales tax.

[dbhost]

incorrect. the herc-u-lift plus (ac9950) is not compatible with the ridgid jointer. but the jp0610 is a good jointer. i got one of the gray ones during the TTI/Emerson changeover in '03(?) for $150, NIB. it was labelled "missing parts". turns out it was only missing the yellow insert for the power switch. don't forget that ridgid offers the LSA, which grizzly does not. once registered with the LSA, qualifying ridgid tools are repaired at authorized repair centers for the initial owner for life. and if you can find a HD that honors the HF 20% off any single item coupon, you could be out the door for $343 before sales tax.

I've seen more than a few in the forums, and on Craigslist fitted with the Herculift, or at least what they claim is the Herculift. From the photos it looks like the lift fitted under the TS3650 / TS3660. Was there a popular mod out there for these, or perhaps a model of the Herculift specifically for the jointer?

[phrog]

The Ridgid can be fitted if I recall with a Herculift base, which would make it very easy to move. The lower power switch also would make it easier to store under an open bottom bench in the shop. As far as shipping the Ridgid, check your local Home Depots. The one by me has 3 of them right now.

I've had the Ridgid for 6 or 7 years and love it. I don't think the Herc-u-lift bases are still available. They require a special adapter to work with the jointer if I remember correctly. (or perhaps they won't work with them at all). I know they won't work with the jointer out of the box because I tried it. The jointer is too long for the standard pieces. That having been said, dbhost is right, it would be a great combination if you can make it work.

[dbhost]

Well, Herc-U-Lift or no, any mobile base that tucks away, so that the jointer sits on its own feet is the best option for stability, and the ability to stash it away under a bench / cabinet...

I do like that Ridgid jointer, and if it was a mod, or something that used to be sold and is no longer, I do recall seeing more than a few of these Ridgid Jointers fitted with the Herc-U-Lift base. I always thought it was a great idea...

Mind you, I have been using my bench top jointer now for what, 3 years I guess, and have jointed material as long as 8' with no problems. Kind of like a planer, infeed and outfeed support has been the key factor to keeping it straight. So in that regard, if you already have adjustable support stands for your table saw, you won't buy huge advantages with a longer bed planer, and shop space would be a huge advantage of a bench top machine. However, one serious sacrifice you make with a bench top machine is noise. The universal motors make a LOT of noise... For me, the space issue trumps the noise and length issues...

[Cochese]

Online chat with Home Depot was of no help, they can't view store stock as they claim it is an online-only item. Funny though, I saw one of the table saws in stock at a store that they had 'online only' on the display as well. Outside of driving to each and every HD in Atlanta, looks like ordering online would be the only option.

I could special order a Steel City 40630CH for $490 and have it delivered to the store at Lowe's. Don't know anything about it. And seriously Home Depot? Why make people order it online in the first place, but then don't offer store delivery? Come on, man.

The benchtop wouldn't be too bad, I could make my planer cart a bit wider and stick it to one side. But then, again, the noise, width and power issue may come up down the road and make me regret it. The room I would save wouldn't net me a dust collector, either.