Looking at Jointers

**skot** · 4th February 2012, 08:51 PM

Made a trip to Carbatec & another supplier this morning and started drooling over some Jointers. Am looking at getting a decent jointer so I thought it was time to get serious.

Now I may be comparing Apples and Oranges here but I looked at the Carbatec 8" Industrial Jointer and the Powermatic PJ882 8" Jointer.

I read an artical earlier that there may was a price difference between these 2 machines but there is a large gap.

Carbatec $1795 plus $75.00 delivery (includes Helical Head & built in mobile base)

Powermatic $3000 + $650 (Helical Head) + $200 approx (Mobile Base)

That is the best part of $2000 difference. I must admit that my salivary glands work overtime when standing in front of the Powermatic...BUT am I looking at machines that will produce similar results or should I be comparing the lesser Powermatic 60B Jointer which would probably be closer to $2830 (still $1000 difference).

The PJ882 is a very solid machine and a bed long enough to land the new Hornet Jet Fighter. It also has a much better fence setup than the Carbatec but $2000 is a lot of difference.

The Powermatic looks like it could last me 20 or more years, but will the other one?

Any comments from forumites who have used either or even better...BOTH.

I have learned over the years not always to buy the cheapest and buying quality pays off in the long run but I guess I have to make a decision if paying the extra $100/year over the next 20 years will be worth it.

Cheer
Skot

**simops** · 13th February 2012, 08:22 PM

Hey the old saying.....buy the best you can afford applies very much to woodworking machinery! If you can afford the Powermatic brand you'll never regret it....good luck if you have the money.

I went for the Hafco P-200H 8" jointer as that was my financial limit ($900).

Ok doesn't have helical cutters and doesn't have an induction motor.....but if I had the budget I would buy all my stuff as Powermatic.....the table saw is to dream about

Go for it

**rod1949** · 13th February 2012, 10:05 PM

Thats $2000 towards a thicknesser. I have a Carbatec 8" long bed with the plain 3 blade head, it has served me well over the last 6 years or so.

**old pete** · 14th February 2012, 04:59 PM

Hi Skot,

There's no real answer to your dilemma with the information you provide. The choice depends almost entirely on how much work you plan to do with the machine. For low volume hobby work the Carbatec will probably see you out. For semi serious workshop use where the machine is used for some hours each day then I'd spend the extra dough on the Powermatic if I wanted a new machine. But more likely what I'd do if I was going to spend about $3500 is I'd be looking for a second hand Italian machine in top condition. That too will probably see you out. I made exactly that decision 25 years ago with an SCM cabinet saw and I think it will see me out after all. Cheerful isn't it!!

Old Pete

**skot** · 14th February 2012, 10:08 PM

Thanks to all...as much as I would love the Powermatic..I could afford it but it would drain all my "Hobby" money.

Unless I pickup some Lotto winnings in the next week or so...I may have to go with the Carbatec.

Thanks again.

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