I see lots of comments from people that they'd like to have a longer
jointer, but don't necessarily need a wider one. So why don't
manufacturers
make 6" jointers with the same bed length as today's 8" jointers?

Powermatic 54a exists in answer to your question. For those who buy it
as
their first jointer, it may be the last jointer they purchase.

Bob

Now THAT's exactly the kind of answer I was hoping for. Looks like at about
two years' worth of tool budget for me, so it's good to know I won't have to
buy it twice.

- Owen -