I agree that weight is a good data-point. When I was jointer shopping a
year ago I compared the long-table Powermatic 8" and the Grizzly G-0500.
They are somewhat similar looking machines and come in at about 10 pounds
from one-another. I actually ended up with the 6" Powermatic because it fit
my shop a little better (The PM was about 50 pounds heavier than the 6" Griz
but the PM table is 6" longer too).

Finish was one of the things that originally caused me to broaden my scope
from the Unisaw mindset. As I previously mentioned I had used older Unisaws
years ago. The table finish, side covers and hand cranks have suffered
during recent years. The Griz 1023 series reminded me more of the old
Unisaws than the new ones.

RonB

"Duane Bozarth" wrote in message
...
RonB wrote:

...
The main reason Griz is cheap is they sell direct to the customer. In
effect, if you buy one of their products you are buying from the
wholesaler
(well, kinda). ...

Well, they're really no different than Yorktown and others. The main
reason they're cheap compared w/ Jet and similar tools from Delta, say
is twofold--fit and finish and some "brand recognition". WRT to
Powermatic commercial equipment compare weight. Actually, comparing
weight is a good way to judge between most competing tools as a
screening point.