Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

Hello out there,
I don't have a large shop but would like to have some kind of jointer.
I recently returned a Craftsman benchtop model because I found out that
the tables were not coplaner (thanks to Ed Bennett's TS-Aligner Jr.)-
see topic "Jointer Troubles". That said, I'm looking for a
replacement. I see the Shopfox benchtop is exactly the same as the
Craftsman benchtop with different labels. I want to stay away from
Sears for the rest of my life.

I have a Delta drill press and table saw, both of which are absolutely
outstanding all around and their customer service (at least in my
experience) has also been incredible, so naturally I'm leaning toward
the Delta JT160, but I've heard bad things about it. Now, are these
things by people who use the larger stationary jointers and are irked
at the difference? I can't tell. I've heard great things about the
Harbor Freight which just looks cheap and appears to have none of the
features Delta has. I haven't heard anything about the Grizzly but
figured I'd include it and ask if anyone knows about any other benchtop
models as well.

I know a benchtop jointer can't compare to a stationary one but if you
had to pick one, which would you choose and why? Also, if you know of
one with a blade lock let me know. Thanks for your input!

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

"Chrisgiraffe" wrote in message
I know a benchtop jointer can't compare to a stationary one but if you
had to pick one, which would you choose and why?

None, because they are all kind of cheesy. Get a real one and be done with
it.

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

Dude, get a PM 54A with a mobile base. It'll fit under a shelf when not
in use. Benchtop jointer?? Like a weapon, "it's better to have it and
not need it, than to need it and not have it". Use a wooden wedge as a
cutterhead lock. Chrisgiraffe wrote:
Hello out there,
I don't have a large shop but would like to have some kind of jointer.
I recently returned a Craftsman benchtop model because I found out that
the tables were not coplaner (thanks to Ed Bennett's TS-Aligner Jr.)-
see topic "Jointer Troubles". That said, I'm looking for a
replacement. I see the Shopfox benchtop is exactly the same as the
Craftsman benchtop with different labels. I want to stay away from
Sears for the rest of my life.

I have a Delta drill press and table saw, both of which are absolutely
outstanding all around and their customer service (at least in my
experience) has also been incredible, so naturally I'm leaning toward
the Delta JT160, but I've heard bad things about it. Now, are these
things by people who use the larger stationary jointers and are irked
at the difference? I can't tell. I've heard great things about the
Harbor Freight which just looks cheap and appears to have none of the
features Delta has. I haven't heard anything about the Grizzly but
figured I'd include it and ask if anyone knows about any other benchtop
models as well.

I know a benchtop jointer can't compare to a stationary one but if you
had to pick one, which would you choose and why? Also, if you know of
one with a blade lock let me know. Thanks for your input!

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

I have a delta variable speed benchtop.it works just fine on small
projects(boards two feet or shorter if your real careful) But I replaced it
with a real one as soon as I could. the cast iron beds, fence and the much
longer beds make a big deference.


len

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

"Chrisgiraffe" wrote in
oups.com:

Hello out there,
I don't have a large shop but would like to have some kind of jointer.

Stanley #6. Preferably a pre-WWII model. With a replacement upgraded
blade. Or a LV BU jointer.

Small power jointers are a PIA.

Patriarch

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

Patriarch wrote:

"Chrisgiraffe" wrote in
oups.com:

Hello out there,
I don't have a large shop but would like to have some kind of jointer.

Stanley #6. Preferably a pre-WWII model. W

No way! Real men use a #8 :-).

--
It's turtles, all the way down

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

Larry Blanchard wrote in news:12ne07i5ogc4p92
@corp.supernews.com:

Patriarch wrote:

"Chrisgiraffe" wrote in
oups.com:

Hello out there,
I don't have a large shop but would like to have some kind of jointer.

Stanley #6. Preferably a pre-WWII model. W

No way! Real men use a #8 :-).


Well, I have one of those, too. And a #7. But the OP indicated he wanted
a 'small jointer'. ;-)

Patriarch

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

Patriarch wrote:

Stanley #6. Preferably a pre-WWII model. W

No way! Real men use a #8 :-).

Well, I have one of those, too. And a #7. But the OP indicated he wanted
a 'small jointer'. ;-)


Touche!

--
It's turtles, all the way down

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
"Chrisgiraffe" wrote in message
I know a benchtop jointer can't compare to a stationary one but if you
had to pick one, which would you choose and why?

None, because they are all kind of cheesy. Get a real one and be done with
it.

Mr. Pawlowski, you were right. I'm not sure if "cheesy" is how I'd
describe them, but they were never going to deliver what I was asking
from them. I went out yesterday and bought a Jet JJ-6CSX. The amazing
thing is I spent roughly $150 more than what I would have on a bench
top but the comparison is like a Yugo versus a Cadillac. I bought a
General International rolling base to go with it and now I'm in
business. This thing is solid, quiet and looks like it will last a
lifetime. On top of that it takes up a very small footprint and with
the stand I can roll it out of the way when it's not in use.

Thank you for your suggestion and thank you to all who were helpful.

Best Benchtop Jointer: Delta JT160, Harbor Freight, Grizzly H2801?
 

"Chrisgiraffe" wrote in message
I went out yesterday and bought a Jet JJ-6CSX. The amazing
thing is I spent roughly $150 more than what I would have on a bench
top but the comparison is like a Yugo versus a Cadillac.

Gosh, I love a happy ending. Good luck with the new toy.