Thread: Jointer Recommendations

A JET 6" looks pretty good to me.

Jet 6" Jointer : CARBA-TEC

The only generic thing I was going to say is that if you can, grab something bigger than 6". While they're still really useful for furniture sized pieces, so often I've wanted at least an 8" for wider jobs like table tops. I've also wished my 6" had longer tables.

It's a personal thing though. Just think, how often are you going to use stock that wider than 6"/150mm? Now, and in the future?

Although, if there was a 6" machine with a spiral cutter within the budget I'd be all over it like flies to....that stuff

WWF,

Attached is what I have compiled thus far.

I am having to extend my mancave to be able to fit this new unit. My current thinking is I will store it under my stairs and roll it out as required. Not ideal I know but the best I can do with the space that I have.

In order for me to fit it under the stairs the table length needs to be less then 1300mm. This puts the Carbatec model as the front runner.

I bought the 6" long bed jointer from Timbecon a few years back and I've been quite happy with it. One thing I have noticed with the cheaper badge engineered machines (Carba-tec, Timbecon, Hafco etc)is that the tables may not be truly parallel; mine are out by nearly 0.5mm but when you consider it's over the whole length of the table I can allow for it and adjust my technique to suit. If I'd had the dollars back then I'd have bought a Jet; this is about the only brand I'd consider buying unseen. If you are able to go to the store I'd recommend you put a straight edge across the tables of the specific jointer you are going to buy; get the staff to open the crate for you before you hand over the folding. If you're not happy with it get them to pull out another one. The guys at Timbecon weren't real happy with me for doing this but they still made the sale.

You need to ensure three things: 1). Each table is flat along it's length. 2). The tables are parallel to each long ways 3). The tables are parallel to each other across their width

If 1) and 3) are out, forget it and walk away. If there is a slight "dip" in the middle across the tables on 2) you can allow for it providing it's less than 1mm; the longer the tables the better. If the table ends are saggy though, sigh and walk away.

I know you're limited for space but you'll be much better off getting as long a machine as you can get. The long bed is only 1530mm long; too long to fit under the stairs but perhaps now is the time to consider removing the stairs altogether and fitting a vertical ladder, or maybe a climbing rope?

WWF

Am I missing and brands or models readily available in Sydney?

The problem with jointers is that size really matters.

Most of us could survive using a 6" jointer. (152 mm) While very few of us need something larger than 8". (203 mm)

The really important dimension is the total length of the two tables or bed. My old 6" jointer had 42" (1066 mm) tables. If you are building a table top or desk top that is a bit short. My current jointer has about a 60" bed. (1524 mm) Jointing longer pieces is easier but it still requires thinking about what you're doing.

Originally Posted by rrich

The problem with jointers is that size really matters.

Most of us could survive using a 6" jointer. (152 mm) While very few of us need something larger than 8". (203 mm)

Thanks rrich. Point taken.

i will see if I can modify the man cave extension a little and perhaps work it so I take a little more space under the stairs to allow me to angle the Jointer in when I am not using it.

Hi WwF,

Are here anymore Jointer options available then the Hafco, CarbaTec, Major I have listed?

Surely there are more.

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

One thing I have noticed with the cheaper badge engineered machines (Carba-tec, Timbecon, Hafco etc)is that the tables may not be truly parallel; mine are out by nearly 0.5mm but when you consider it's over the whole length of the table I can allow for it and adjust my technique to suit

I have a Carbatec 6" and I bought it when I knew nothing about such things. Perhaps I received a "good" one. Mine is dead flat and totally accurate. Its a simple, sensible no frills machine.

I'm hoping to soon upgrade the cutters to a spiral head (dudes in USA sell heads) as I'm super dooper happy with my spiral thicknesser. Its a champion. If I can get the same out of a spiral joiner, I'd be chuffed.

With Chief, Id agree with the length. Longer does indeed seem better. Have a mate with a long table and it looks easier to use for the, er, long stuff....

The Laguna one looks nice. Anyone have any experience with one of these or where to buy one in Oz?

Originally Posted by Damienol

The Laguna one looks nice. Anyone have any experience with one of these or where to buy one in Oz?

Seems that Gregory Machinery have them. Price is a bit steep though for weekend warriors.

Originally Posted by Ilya

Seems that Gregory Machinery have them. Price is a bit steep though for weekend warriors.

You're doing better ten me. I can't find any pricing on their web site

Hello,

Would you be interested in having a go at building one ?

I know lots of people have built bandsaws and drum sander/thicknessers from the plans on this site.

Building a jointer - part 1

Wooden 12" jointer plans for sale

I have got an old spindle and blades (after a friend upgraded to those tiny blades arranged in spirals) and will have a go at this sometime.


Bill

Originally Posted by steamingbill

Hello,

Would you be interested in having a go at building one ?

Bill

Ffffffffff, probably not. Thanks for the suggestion.