Thread: Cheap Jointer

It would seem to be a case of funds Vs Best buying in your case.

In mine I have a small shop as we have recently moved and have to fit everything in. I badly need a bandsaw and a jointer. Like you I have a thicknesser and am inclined to think that of the two units I need a jointer is going to be more regularly used than a bandsaw, because of the types of projects I have to do.

Also like you I have a very limited budget as buying the house has put a dent in the cashflow.

After looking around I came to the conclusion that the greater amount of space left in the workshop was going to be needed for a decent sized bandsaw. Having made that decision it left me with the option of a benchtop jointer as shown here http://www.carbatec.com.au/store/ind...h=180_370_2340

This fits into the budgetry requirements and is sufficiently long enough in the bed to be useful for the type of work I do.

Unlike some of the other brands, Look under machinery jointers etc... http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...4+3966&pos=n24

or here
http://www.grizzly.com/products/H2801

It seems well built with a cast iron frame and bed. The extra long fence would be a plus as well and it seems well priced against its other rivals. My only question is " Does it work well and is it reliable "

Thanks Dusty

Hadn't considered a desk jointer but seem to remember some posting thread with some good comments, will have to look back for them.
Might see if they have one at the wood show. Eventually I hope to set up a bigger shed with proper gear but until I get into a situation where I can afford it I'm stuck with what I can afford.

Thanks for the input. Cheers Benny

Benny, I probably wouldn't go that desktop route... I recall earlier comments about the disadvantages of the short tables. I'd have liked the Carbatec 6" long bed machine but settled for the standard machine (CTJ 196). Be good if you could stretch to that. I think it comes on wheels now, too....

I've got the Hare and Forbes PT151 jointer. Its absolutely fine, if you can get by with 6".

No probs at all, table dead flat, motor's got enough grunt, dust extraction works. Haven't needed to sharpen the knives (3) yet so can't comment on ease of this. Its quiet too.

They are about $500 new, but you may swing something.

Its a serious tool, unlike the bench models, which I see as toys (but probably better than nothing, partic for edge joints)

Just occurred to me... would it help the business case if all the Friday guys told you to go for that 6" machine? Yer could run a poll.

Thanks guys, they are the two machines I was looking at. A guy here, also a forum member has the H@F's 151 as well.

Might have to do a bit of grovelling with swmbo and stretch to one.

Now if my mate, Brendan, could find a good demo price for a fellow Friday driveller??????????


Wish I was in that league, but maybee one day!!!!!!!!!

That PT-161 at $449 - isn't that a pretty good deal? Specs seem OK. Wonder why it is $100 less than the '151. Maybe the fence is not so hot.

That's what I was told, the 151 is much better in that regard, however I'm pushing the budjet already and the 161 might have to do.

Here is what to do, Benny.

Take your $400 to Crown before you come to the show. Go to a roulette table, and bet colours only. Here is the sequence:

Black
Black
Red
Black
Red

By doubling up every time, this will turn your $400 into $6,400! Then come to the show, buy a Hammer machine for around $5,000 and you will still have change for a coffee!

No, no. It's alright. You can thank me later.

Or you could check out this thread and have a look at the jointer in question at Gasweld.
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f13/toolex-8-jointer-38879

Originally Posted by Felder

Here is what to do, Benny.

Take your $400 to Crown before you come to the show. Go to a roulette table, and bet colours only. Here is the sequence:

Black
Black
Red
Black
Red

By doubling up every time, this will turn your $400 into $6,400! Then come to the show, buy a Hammer machine for around $5,000 and you will still have change for a coffee!

No, no. It's alright. You can thank me later.

Or you could check out this thread and have a look at the jointer in question at Gasweld.
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f13/toolex-8-jointer-38879

Ok so Black Black Red black red? Your sure now? Could I get you to sign this waiver?

What's say I give you the $400 and you do that part for me and I'll bring my trailor along?

Originally Posted by bennylaird

Ok so Black Black Red black red? Your sure now? Could I get you to sign this waiver?

Sure. How many "g's" in Wong(g)o?

Originally Posted by bennylaird

What's say I give you the $400 and you do that part for me and I'll bring my trailor along?

Nothing better than gambling with someone elses money........but I've gotta work mate. Sorry.

Benny, No need to do the last bet mate. 4 bets will get you to $6,400. Should make it a lot easier.

Felder, 400 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 6400 [sigh.......]