$299 8" jointer?

chris99z71 · 09-14-2006, 09:52 AM

I found this interesting. Wondering if anyone recognizes this jointer? I know that alot of the big name manufacturers are made by other (over seas) companies and sold under other names. Just curious if this was one of them.
http://www.homier.com/thumbnail.asp?a=03166&b=600&c=600

BTW, shipping to Garner, NC is $183.81 and it weighs 502#

NCPete · 09-14-2006, 09:56 AM

Who wants to be the test guy?

JohnsonMBrandon · 09-14-2006, 01:09 PM

This jointer "appears" to be very similar to the sunhill and northstate line of 8" joitners. I have a northstate 8" jointer, and it gets the job done. It cuts ok, not great, but is definitely capable of getting the job done and done well. I would have to see one of these in person to guage the differences, and know if it would be worth a shot or not though. I imagine they are skimping on quality somewhere, whether it be in the metal, or most likely the motor.

sapwood · 09-14-2006, 01:16 PM

Clueless on the jointer, but I purchased a generic mobile base for my bandsaw from Homier last year. . . cheap, solidly built, and shipped on time.

Roger

michaelgarner · 09-14-2006, 01:41 PM

sounds very tempting,,but grizzly has one for 600.00+ and they have a more proven history than this one does. It is very tempting to run it through the paces though. But I really want to hold out and get the best tool that I can get.

chris99z71 · 09-14-2006, 03:41 PM

I agree Michael. Just wondering if the only thing different is the paint job since that seems to be the case with many of the large manufacturers.

michaelgarner · 09-14-2006, 03:53 PM

that is a good point as well. It could be one of the name brand ones and didn't meet all the specks for some reason and painted different color and sold under a different name. You know I was thinking of something we could do if others were game when it comes to stuff like this. For whoever is interested in getting a new tool but don't want to take the risk in quality like this we could all throw like 25.00 in a pot and get it. Do a tool test on it by our best craftsman, and then have a drawing for the people that put in money. I mean to be honest I blow more than 25.00 a payday and why not have the chance of getting a new tool and also learning if I should take the risk on tools like this. Of course I don't want to miss use the site and something like this would have to approved with Steve of course. Just some thoughts. Be blessed friends.

Ray Martin · 09-14-2006, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by michaelgarner

sounds very tempting,,but grizzly has one for 600.00+ and they have a more proven history than this one does. It is very tempting to run it through the paces though. But I really want to hold out and get the best tool that I can get.

Michael,

I agree that the Griz has the track record. This model is half the price, though. I understand that the price is not material if the unit does not perform. That's the problem... a test run or someone's xperience with the maker would give us the answer. 8" jointer for $300 is a very tempting deal (but I do think quality must be considered before price).

Ray

michaelgarner · 09-14-2006, 07:23 PM

Ray,
I agree that quality must be considered over price. I understand that it’s in everyone’s best interest to purchase the best too they can. I mean look at John’s (woodguy) shop, he probably has the best tools one could buy. We have not heard very much from him about his tools breaking down or giving trouble. But on the opposite end of the spectrum this could be a great transitional tool. As long as the bed’s and fence are flat and true this machine could be a great purchase. Going into the purchase one would need to consider that a lot of truing and fiddling the beds and fence would need to be done. I just read a great article about truing up a jointer. (I will have to get that magazine and post it) You would need to take in account the downfalls of a lower end piece of equipment like motor, castings, and finish of the tool. But take in to account a 6” X 80” edge sander I purchased from Homier distributing. It is not the best tool but in all aspects identical to the grizzly machine with over a 350.00 dollar saving between the two. I did however have to make an auxiliary table for it because the standard one did not have the proper way to adjust it to the platen. I have not put many hours on the machine but it does its job well. It tracks the belt well and does not bog down at all. For 200.00 it is a fine machine for me right now and performs wonderfully after I made minor adjustments on it. I won’t keep it forever but it won’t be the first machine replaced either. I would be interested in what I stated earlier about getting a raffle-pool together and get a machine like this and do a thorough review of it. It could be wonderful information for this group. I guess there is always some exceptions to the rule when it comes to woodworking tools.

michael

Ray Martin · 09-14-2006, 07:37 PM

Michael,

I think we are in violent agreement.

We can offer our opinions (and we all have a bunch of them

) but someone who wants to make a tool purchase has to consider cost, quality, expected life of the tool, expectation for replacement or upgrade, usability, included features, required accessories, and if I go on any further, a business analyst to help with the decision.

(... and it has to come in cool colors...)

Ray

michaelgarner · 09-14-2006, 07:46 PM

Very ture,,and your right! sometimes it comes down to the tool looking cool and its color. as silly as that may sound.

SteveColes · 09-14-2006, 09:46 PM

For those of that want to do something like this, you would have to do it by PM. If an owner wanted to raffle something then it would be all right to announce it on the forum.

Sorry, I have to draw strange lines like that, but it cause me tax issues next year.

Originally Posted by michaelgarner

that is a good point as well. It could be one of the name brand ones and didn't meet all the specks for some reason and painted different color and sold under a different name. You know I was thinking of something we could do if others were game when it comes to stuff like this. For whoever is interested in getting a new tool but don't want to take the risk in quality like this we could all throw like 25.00 in a pot and get it. Do a tool test on it by our best craftsman, and then have a drawing for the people that put in money. I mean to be honest I blow more than 25.00 a payday and why not have the chance of getting a new tool and also learning if I should take the risk on tools like this. Of course I don't want to miss use the site and something like this would have to approved with Steve of course. Just some thoughts. Be blessed friends.

Travis Porter · 09-14-2006, 10:14 PM

I agree, and will add that if you are not sure how heavily you are going to need or use a tool, it may not make sense to go all out. Hence, why I have a $50 lathe at the moment. It didn't make sense to go all out when I don't know how much I will use the thing.

hutchwood · 09-14-2006, 10:30 PM

check out this link........ http://www.leneavesupply.com/Machine...te/P04011.aspx

these guys import their own line......the two are pretty much identical except for switch location and a few other minor details.....i purchased their 8" jointer 2 yrs ago, very happy with it......paid more than $299....

i sold machinery for a couple years and learned a little about the imports...a lot of them are made in the same factory with customized items and painted a different color.......look thru trade magazines and you'll see a lot of similarities between different companies....

good luck

hutchwood

michaelgarner · 09-15-2006, 04:32 AM

hey hutch,
Do you still have your jointer? I was wondering if you like it and if it persorms well?

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