Thread: Which Jointer - Advice Please?

G'day Prosmart

Beware the reply - "do a search" (as doubtless you have done one already). And be aware that there is always something new coming up with various products.

Assume for the moment that they all do a reasonable job given their specs, given proper feeding etc. It is unlikely that you will get a comprehensive response regarding the qualities of all the jointers out there. This sort of comparison is usually only available to those such as Dean of this forum, Phillip Ashley of AWR and the like and then on a limited basis.

Look for problems which have been highlighted by forum members and ask suppliers about this - don't let the 'need' to get a jointer stop you from doing your own detailed research. Do such things as compare the electrical and mechanical specs; (eg bed lengths, power [consumption admittedly], bed casting, cutters, adjustment mechanisms) check out the drives yourself, look at the effective cuts per minute, machine finish, look at backup etc. a lot of the basic specs can be obtained on the net so do you homework before you see or ring a supplier.

Look at articles about machine adjustment which can be found in a range of places on the net and in print. In my opinion, this increases your understanding and clarifies for you the questions you want to ask potential suppliers.

Also, don't discount seemingly mundane things such as that some newer jointers come with rollers on the base - very convenient and much better than adding your own later.

Don't assume that suppliers won't match prices or try to match features in some way. Contrary to some comments on this forum, I have found all suppliers with whom I have dealt to take concerns seriously and do what they can to get your business. This is good. So if one supplier is offering a combination deal, others might as well - or be offering one in the near future! (This is often a wholesaler arrangement).

In the end, I am saying that you need to know the product you want to buy: why it works, how it works and what are the features which make that product work well.

Good luck with other replies.

Regards

At the end of the day (don't you love that expression) the decision is something you will have to make yourself based on several factors such as your budget and requirements depending on the amount of work you do. I don't have the luxury of a jointer at the moment but maybe one day I will. I am sure there will be other members who will contribute to this thread much more than I can but just remember the guy who goes into the shop and asks for a carton of milk and is bombarded with all the milks, flavours and types available to him, when all he wanted was a carton of milk.
It gets a bit confusing sometimes.

Hi Nigel,
I just bought a 6 inch carbatec long bed and gave it some log work last weekend. The machine performed extremely well. Worth the xtra I paid over lesser/cheaper machines

There are many who will say buy an 8 inch..they are all correct..space and budget permitting.

cheers,
conwood

I got my 6 inch from gasweld $399 I am pleased with it for the price
les

I have a 6inch carba tec model hooked to a 2hp dusty,works fine.
A jointer is only as good as the blades in it,keep them sharp and have a spare set is my best advise.