Here goes, my first post...

I'm in the market for a jointer and a planer. I've searched the wreck
archives and googled a bunch as well. I've narrowed down the field but
still have a need for opinions.

First, the jointer.
It seems that the creme-de-la-creme in the 6" field is the Powermatic
54A. Long, stout, cast iron beds and quality construction throughout.
Three knife cutter head and TEFC motor. However, the price tag is
quite high at $799. Next down the ladder is the Jet JJ-6CSX. Shorter
cast iron beds, three knife cutter head... Price $599. Further down
the ladder still is the Borg Special, Ridgid JP0610. Beds approx the
same length as the Jet, three knife cutter, price $350. I've come from
a background where the adage was, when in doubt look at the weight.
Heavy makes better. The Powermatic wins hands down. However the
Ridgid and the Jet are within 20% on weight. There also are some
complicating factors to this that I will get to in a minute...
Obviously the Powermatic is the first choice (if money and time was not
a concern, but it is). Is the benefit of the Powermatic worth saving
for a few extra months to get the Powermatic? For the lower two
choices, would I be crazy to consider the Borg Special? Or is the Jet
that much better quality?

Second the planer.
I have read many favorable reviews about the DeWalt 735. Three knife
cutter, robust build, quality results, dust collection ready. Priced
at $499. However, right now on Amazon, they are touting $100 off your
next purchase of Powermatic, Jet or Powermax when you purchase a
qualified product. If I go with one of the top two jointer choices, I
could apply the discount to the planer. Jet makes a 13 inch planer,
JWD-13DX and retails for $419. However, it has a 2 knife cutter head,
not dust collection ready. Is the three knife cutterhead on the DeWalt
worth ignoring this discount?

Comments, concerns, flames?

Thanks
Matt
Beginning workdorker extrodinaire