Jointer decision

Re: Jointer decision

Grant Smith(remove 1 for email)

>Tom,

I'd go for the DJ-20. Here's why:

1. Parallelogram design and can fit nicely against a wall (I have the Delta 36-380 and it has to stand about 16" from a wall due to the fence support post.

2. Jointers are simple. So long as the tables are straight out of the box, it'll work fine for life. You aren't likely to ever need the longer warranty of the X5. You probably won't ever load the motor significantly since it is manual feed and you are a careful guy by nature (I assume). The motor is about all that could fail on one of these.

3. Resale value. When you say DJ-20 to any woodworker, they know it is a good machine.

4. It is cheaper than the X5 anyway. You might ask the dealer if the DJ-20 is still made (I don't think it is, except in the X5 incarnation)... maybe use his answer to get an extra set of knives or a mobile base out of the deal.

5. Easy to get a helical head for the DJ-20, should you ever want one. Plus it is more likely to have a US made motor (though you might want to ask before you leap, neither one may have it, depending on how long ago they were built. <---not entirely sure on this, but I'd want one with a US made motor, if available.

FWIW,

Grant in Iowa

Re: Jointer decision

Thomas Skaggs, Foothills of Mount Level

>I had a DJ-20 and it was an excellent machine. I am not familiar with the X5 version. How is it different? Anyway, the DJ-20 has been somewhat of a "gold standard" by which many other manufacturers have imitated. Perhaps the sincerest form of flattery. Well deserved none the less.

Tom

x5 difference is.......

SanMan

>....a 5 yr warranty vs a 1-2 yr warranty....plus all those new fancy scmantzy x5 stickers.

SM

Re: Jointer decision

Mac in Indy

>Look at the Steel City 8" parallelogram jointer. Steel City has to be buying it from the same Tiwaneese factory as the DJ20/DJ20-X5. I just saw Steel City offering and it it identical to my DJ20.

The difference is probably the stand and the motor.

I didn't even look at the prices.

Mac

Re: Jointer decision

Pat Schupbach

>I know Grizzly was not on your list, but the GO490 is a great machine for $795 s/h $139 It has a built in mabile base and a four knife cutterhead. Hope this helps

Re: Jointer decision

Bart Goldberg

>I would go with the Delta DJ-20. I own one and its a great machine.

Its an industry standard. You will always be able to find parts/service for it. I often buy Jet over Delta, but not in this case. I would stick with the Delta.

I don't know much about Steel City, but I would NEVER, EVER recommend a Grizzly product over a Delta or Jet product. Grizzly is not even close in terms of quality.

My 2 cents

Bart

Re: Jointer decision

Jeff

>Re: 8" Jointer. Hi Tom - you may also want to include Grizzly in your research. An article in I believe Fine Woodworking last year recommended this unit over all others in its class as both best overall and best value.

I had the DJ-15, sister sibling of the DJ-20. I liked the machine but did not like the fence due to the fact that it rode on the outfeed table vs. being self supported by the fence assembly. I upgraded in 1995 and bought a US made Powermatic 8 that I have been very pleased with.

I am however upgrading this year to a 12" model - and yes, I am purchasing the Grizzly 9860. I checked most manufacturers when I visited Grizzly's booth at IWF in Atlanta last fall and checked their products - and left impressed.

Contact Grizzly technical service and ask what their bed tolerances for flatness over its lengths are. They have no issue telling you, they are usually in the range of .002 over the entire length. The finishes are excellent and the castings are first rate.

Good luck.

Jeff

Re: Jointer decision

Bart Goldberg

>I checked out FWW on line - and in fact the Grizzly did get the "Best Overall" rating (much to my surprise). However, it was the Yorkcraft that won for "Best Value". I personally have nothing good to say about Grizzly from my own personal experience, but then again, I will bow to FWW's experience.

Bart

Re: Jointer decision

Larry Clinton At Frankfort (Central)., Indiana

>I have the Grizzly G0 593 - 8" with spiral cutterhead. I really like the planer. I also have a Delta Unisaw, Delta drill press, Powermatic 90 lathe and Yorkcraft 20" planer (with Byrd cutterhead), I can use for comparison. My son and I looked over the new Delta equipment at the Indianapolis tool show last weekend, and very honestly, I would not trade my Grizzly for the Delta DJ-20 - even if they offered me some cash on the side. The fit, finish, adjustments etc. did not compare to my Griz. I am a retired manufacturing Engineer ('bout 40 years) so do know a little about equipment. I did have a motor problem on one Grizzly unit - 3 hp cyclone dust system, and Grizzly did a very good job of getting me the parts quickly to put it back in order. My wife went to the show with me - we were looking for a new large bandsaw. I looked at the Delta 20" industrial. When I grabbed the guide rod for the fence and put pressure on it you could see the table flex a 1/16" or more. I wouldn't have that saw in my shop. My wife made the comment that Delta equipment must really be going downhill - looking at the saw and a 15" planer with the roller extensions. The roller extensions would move a 1/4" or more with very light pressure - unlike my solid cast iron table on the Yorkcraft. I am not saying all Delta equipment is bad, but I do know for certain all Grizzly is not either. Most of the Grizzly equipment IMHO, is as good or better than any on the market in the same price range. The service I have received on the one occasion I needed it was on a par with the better suppliers I have dealt with over the years.