Jointer; what do I really need

b4man · 11-20-2005, 09:25 AM

I really want a jointer. I went to Woodcraft and ck'd out their models. I really need a benchtop 'cause I just don't have the floor space. The Delta benchtop wasn't in stock and they don't carry any other. If I buy before the 28th there is a 10% discount making it 196.00. I'm not too cd about buying anything I can't see and touch so I went to Lowes to see if they had one and they didn't.
I searched online for other brands but I realized I need a recommendation. Please give me some input.
Barbara

DaveO · 11-20-2005, 10:04 AM

Wow, that is an interesting question. My Lowe's generally has the Delta 4" bench model in stock. There is at least 4 Lowe's within 30 minutes of me, so I would check to see if other ones have it in stock. I can't give you any recommendation on 4" jointers, having just upgraded from an old Shopsmith 4" to a new Rigid 6". But what I can recommend is that if you can find a little floor space you would do much better with a 6" over a 4" jointer, and the Rigid is only about $100 more than what you mentioned. Grizzly has a fine selection of jointers, and IIRC they do have some bench models, but you can't touch or see them before purchasing, so that is probably out of question. Like a tablesaw, buy the biggest and best you can afford, and you won't be kicking yourself later when you wished you had something bigger or better. Sorry, I ain't much help, I feel a slight case of "Woodguy disease" coming on

Dave

b4man · 11-20-2005, 10:27 AM

Dave,

You helped! Where did you get the Rigid? Let's say I get one on an open base. I agree about the size, I didn't realize the Delta was a 4 so I wont be buying that one. You guys seem to know the best tools for the money so I'll go with what you suggest.

Monty · 11-20-2005, 10:37 AM

I don't want to pile on making you feel like you have to buy a floor model jointer. You have determined that you don't have the space for it -- good enough. Just be sure that the limitations of the benchtop models are acceptable to you. Realistically, the benchtop models that I am aware of are all limited to jointing short stock - probably about 2-3 feet long or so. But if that's all you plan to do in the short term, you should be just fine. If you plan to build a bigger project, though, don't expect the little benchtop jointer to be satisfactory for that job.

I don't have first-hand experience with benchtop jointers, other than to say I have looked at them in the stores early on and decided they weren't for me. If you expect the benchtop to be a stepping stone for you, and eventually expect to buy a bigger jointer, then spend as little as you have to on the benchtop. Lowe's has a Tradesman benchtop jointer on clearance right now for $98. I'd go for that one. If you intend to use this tool long-term, you need to try to get the best quality possible - maybe someone around here knows of a review article on these...?

Edit: - you replied before I finished my post above... if you will consider a floor-model jointer, then DON'T buy a benchtop!!!!

D L Ames · 11-20-2005, 10:47 AM

I was going to add my $.02 in on the length of stock limitations but Insom beat me to it. So in that case............what he said!

D L

b4man · 11-20-2005, 10:48 AM

It's been my experience that every time I "settle" I regret. So, let's just forget what I said about a benchtop. Two opinions are good enough for me and thanks to you both. Now that we have determined that, what should I buy? I have always used the tablesaw to true up an edge. Not too satisfactory. Let's say that I want to work with stock that is 4' long. I think I want one that will rabbet but maybe not. I am willing to spend up to 400.00. Not that I really want to. so now what?

stoneskippers · 11-20-2005, 11:01 AM

I don't have any experience with a bench top jointer, but I got a Ridgid floor model about 4 years ago. It has performed great and very sturdy and could not have gotten a better jointer at that price. IMHO

b4man · 11-20-2005, 11:07 AM

Just went to HD site and ckd out the Rigid jointer. The price is within my budget and it looks decent enough, unless someone disputes I think I'll buy it.

DaveO · 11-20-2005, 11:25 AM

I read in one the ww'ing mags that most 6" jointers are pretty much the same. The principle is very basic, and as long as the machine is by a reputable company then it's a good buy. I debated over getting the Griz 6" and the Rigid 6", their specs were almost identical, one inch longer bed, a few pound heavier, nothing to really make my decision for me. So it came down to, did I want to wait to get a Griz shipped and deal with the freight terminal pick-up or did I want to go that afternoon and buy the Rigid at the Home Depot just down the street. I went for the immediate gratification. (I had just won $500 in a radio contest and it was burning a hole in my pocket) Also, Rigid tools are supposed to come with a lifetime warranty, mine or the tools I am not sure. Dave

b4man · 11-20-2005, 11:41 AM

I agree with instant gratification! Thanks to all that responded. I'm so glad I asked and you guys are here for me to ask!

Phillip · 11-20-2005, 11:42 AM

when i first started working i didn't have space for a floor model either. i was lucky enough to find a ryobi 6" bench jointer, i still have it and its as accurate as my powermatic. you should go have a look at the rigid, the open base jointers take up more floor space than cabinet base models, that may be a problem. i agree with buying the biggest you possibly can, but i did a lot of work with my bench jointer before i got a floor model. by the way, the delta is a 6", and it has a tall fence which is helpful. good luck

phillip

D L Ames · 11-20-2005, 11:44 AM

I have no experience with Rigid's jointer but I have had Rigid's 15" drill press for about 7-8 years now and I have been very pleased with it's performance. Some of the other Rigid tools I seen at HD look to be very well made.

D L

gator · 11-20-2005, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by b4man

I think I want one that will rabbet but maybe not.

Most all 6" and larger jointers have the rabbiting ledge. I tried rabbiting once on a jointer and gave it up as a lost cause. You have to take the knife guard off the machine, get the fence situated, adjust the infeed table several times to get the full depth of the rabbit (you take a few light cuts, not one big one), then when you've got your rabbit, you have to readjust the infeed table to your normal operating depth, move the fence back and reattach the knife guard. I find it much easier to use the router for one or two rabbits or if I have a lot to do I use the tablesw with a dado blade and sacrificial fence.

George

sapwood · 11-20-2005, 04:44 PM

b4man,

I'm certainly not qualified to give advice on jointers

However, I can provide information. Harbor Freight carries this. It's on sale now and I've read it can be a little tricky to get fence setup accurately, but once done it's a fine 6" jointer for the money ($219).

Hopefully, someone else will chime in that has more knowledge than I

Sapwood

Ryan · 11-20-2005, 05:08 PM

I can also easily recommend the Ridgid, I've had mine for several years, and it has never given me a problem. As far as the open stand taking up more space, in a way it does, but it does not extend past the infeed or outfeed tables, so you won't really use that space anyways(I don't know if that made any sense or not!). I also think it makes the machine more stable. As far as the lifetime warranty goes, I had to take my Ridgid planer in once because it dug into a board that had a steep rise in the middle of it, which caused a drive gear to snap. They had the part replaced and the machine back in the truck in about 20 minutes, and of course it was free! I hope some part of this rambling helped!.

Residency requirements