Showing posts with label jointers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jointers. Show all posts

Hitachi P12RA 12-9/32-Inch Planer and 6-1/8-Inch Jointer Review

Hitachi P12RA 12-9/32-Inch Planer and 6-1/8-Inch Jointer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This machine is pure joy. I bought one to replace my Delta which was an O.K. tool. It doesn't hold a candle to this beauty though. No portable even comes close. In fact , most stationary units wish they could perform this nicely. I've never used a planer or a jointer that produces smoother finishes than this machine. Usually in a combo unit you lose to compromises. Not so here . It has plenty of power to do anything you want to. It runs quieter than some of the other portables I've used. The one piece table is something others should copy in their designs.Since the cutter head is stationary ,it doesn't need a lock. Snipe is almost nonexistent. It makes for some of the smoothest surfaces I have ever produced. Even highly figured hardwoods are no problem if you keep your blades sharp.The height adjustment is the smoothest on the market. Many high end woodworking tools come from Japan and this is no exception. If you are willing to pay the little bit more that this tool commands you will be rewarded by years of precision cutting you won't find anywhere else.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hitachi P12RA 12-9/32-Inch Planer and 6-1/8-Inch Jointer



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Hitachi P12RA 12-9/32-Inch Planer and 6-1/8-Inch Jointer

Read More...

Powermatic 1610077K Model 60B 8-Inch 2-Horsepower Jointer, 208/230-Volt 1-Phase Review

Powermatic 1610077K Model 60B 8-Inch 2-Horsepower Jointer, 208/230-Volt 1-Phase
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I ordered and received my new Powermatic 60B jointer after comparing various models. I selected the Powermatic 60B based on price, features and Powermatic's reputation for quality.
The jointer I received was shipped in two packages, the first contained the base and motor, while the second contained the jointer bed, fence and cutterhead. The outer packaging used for the jointer bed consists of very thin plywood which was crushed in several places and in very bad shape overall. Fortunately there did not seem to be any obvious damage to the unit, however I believe this packaging is inadequate for its 300 lb contents.
Setup of the jointer was fairly straightforward however after squaring the fence to the infeed table, and checking against the outfeed table it was apparent that the infeed and outfeed tables were not coplanar. This was remedied by shimming the outfeed table and resetting all the knives such that they were parallel to the newly shimmed outfeed table. This took several hours and I was somewhat disappointed at having to do this with a new Powermatic jointer. The only upside is that I now have a better understanding of how to adjust the jointer bed and the knives.
After completing the setup and recalibration, I ran some test cuts and I am generally pleased with the results. The cuts are very smooth and accurate. The motor seems sufficiently powerful and reasonably smooth. The bed and fence seem very solid.
I did not have access to a jointer previously, so the new jointer is a great addition to the shop. I think the performance of the machine is good, however I believe there are some quality control issues that need to be resolved.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Powermatic 1610077K Model 60B 8-Inch 2-Horsepower Jointer, 208/230-Volt 1-Phase

Featuring one of the longest beds available on the market, the Powermatic 60B Eight-Inch Jointer provides plenty of work piece support. This jointer is designed to make the smoothest cuts, even in hard materials like rough oak or maple. Also, it boasts sturdy, stable cast-iron and steel construction for optimum durability and vibration-free performance.
Extra Length for Longer BoardsTo accommodate especially long boards and provide plenty of space to work, the Powermatic 60B includes 73-inch-long adjustable in-feed and out-feed tables mounted on dovetailed ways for extra stability.
Powerful, Precise CuttingA controlled chip cutter-head--a Powermatic exclusive with three high-speed, heat-treated M-2 steel knives--spins at 7,000 RPM, makes 21,000 cuts per minute, and reduces the chance of kickback.
Additionally, an extra long rest on the in-feed table is ideal for rabbeting.
When absolute precision is necessary, there's a fine/quick adjustment lever on the in-feed table.
Robust Two-Horsepower Motor and Non-Slip V-Belt DriveThe Powermatic 60B owes its robust performance to a two-horsepower, one-Ph, 230-volt motor and a non-slip v-belt drive for dependable operation.
For protection and longer life, the drive, motor, and switch are all completely enclosed in the sheet metal stand. A dust collection adaptor with four-inch port helps to control the amount of dirt and debris in the shop.
Center-Mounted FenceThe center mounted swiveling fence offers positive stops at 45 degrees left and right, and a plunger-type lock at 90 degrees. At the same time, a positive hold-down clamp prevents the fence from slipping.
Dimensions and Warranty InformationThe Powermatic 60B measures 26 x 38 x 73 inches (W x H x D), weighs 482 pounds, and is backed by a five-year warranty.
What's in the BoxOne 60B Jointer; one jointer stand with motor; one door; one dust chute; one table and fence assembly; one drive belt; one belt guard; one cutter-head guard; two push pads; one hardware bag; one knife setting gauge; manual; and warranty card.

Buy NowGet 9% OFF

Click here for more information about Powermatic 1610077K Model 60B 8-Inch 2-Horsepower Jointer, 208/230-Volt 1-Phase

Read More...

JET 708458K JJ-8CS 8-Inch 2 Horsepower Jointer, 230-Volt 1 Phase Review

JET 708458K JJ-8CS 8-Inch 2 Horsepower Jointer, 230-Volt 1 Phase
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I recently purchased the 8" jointer from jet after a good deal of research. When it arrived, the finish was o.k. It looked good, except for the front of the machine which was quite rough and had not been ground down after casting. Otherwise, it is a great looking tool.
I finally got it put together and wired up (about four hours total). I turned it on and it jumped to life. When I say jumped, I mean it started abruptly with a jerk, instead of smoothly and gradually. It also sputtered as it turned off. Upon further inspection and after smelling burning rubber, I opened it back up to have a look. There were black shavings all over the back of the machine, which turned out to be the belt.
I called the Jet service number. The guy told me to take apart the motor to tighten a set screw that was supposed to have been factory set. Very time consuming. That wasn't the problem. I called back and he told me to readjust all the pulleys and belts, which I had already done before calling. I did it again and that wasn't the problem either. He said he would send out a local Jet rep to look at it. Well that was four weeks ago. Not only was no rep sent out, the original service rep whom I had spoken with stopped returning my calls, would not answer repeated messages, and basically ignored me for a month. Finally, I got fed up and left a message in no uncertain terms that he needed to call me back that day because I needed this thing to work. It was jurting my business and it had been over a month. I said if they would not help me, then I wanted to return the machine. Only then did he get in touch with a local rep.
This guy called me the same day. I told him about the chunky motor and the black shavings. Guess what, he told me that the engine performance was normal and the belt could continue grinding itself away until it finds it's "natural position" - for up to a year. I find both of these things hard to beleive. At this point, however, because of the month of unreturned calls, it was apparently too late to get a refund or a new motor from Jet. You would think such a well known company would make more of an effort to satisfy it's customers.
I also own a Powermatic 66 saw, a Record lathe, a Craftsman bandsaw and a Rugged planer. None of the other tools in my furniture shop start or stop roughly at all, only the jet. I feel that I have now exhausted all of my options and am stuck with a tool that is slowly grinding itself away and service techs that could not care less. If I had it to do over, I would have gone with the Delta.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JET 708458K JJ-8CS 8-Inch 2 Horsepower Jointer, 230-Volt 1 Phase



Buy NowGet 28% OFF

Click here for more information about JET 708458K JJ-8CS 8-Inch 2 Horsepower Jointer, 230-Volt 1 Phase

Read More...

JET JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer Review

JET JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I struggled a bit to decide whether to rate this 4 or 5 stars, but in the end decided on 5 based on value for the money.
The machine is quite well-made. Plenty of power, smooth operation, generally good fit and finish. It produces good results. One thing I particularly appreciate in this machine is that the dust collection hood is shallow enough that you don't have to crank the planer table too far down when switching over to jointer mode. I like the single handle table lift. Table adjustment is smooth and easy. The dust collection works very well.
I don't like a few things. First, I dislike the Euro-style guard, but that's just preference. Second, the grind on the tables is unusual - sort of a cross-hatched ripple. It actually works very well and eliminates the suction drag you get on some jointers and planers with polished tables. It was a pain in the neck to clean when the machine arrived, though! Last, and most seriously, the fence is minimal and hard to adjust. Its support is sheet metal and the fence is a medium-weight extrusion. The support uses multiple locking knobs, and the fence itself is easy to twist. You need to check the angle (or for square) at several points after adjusting it. How serious this is depends on your use. As I only use the fence at 90 degrees, it was acceptable as it is solid and stable once set.
The footprint of this machine is new for Jet, and there isn't a mobile base listed specifically for it in the market for it as of this writing.
This is a lot of machine for the money - even at list price. Its closest competition is Grizzly's G0633, which is comparably-priced when you factor in shipping. As I was able to buy the Jet on sale and with no shipping charges at considerably less than the Grizzly, the decision was easy. I would buy it again. Is it a Mini-Max, Felder, or even a Laguna or Rojek? No, but it's not priced like them either, which gets it 5 stars. If Jet were to incorporate a better fence, it would get the 5 stars without the qualifier comments.
UPDATE - In response to another reviewer regarding lack of planer table adjustments: READ YOUR MANUAL! The table is EASILY adjusted using the 4 setscrews provided for the purpose in the column support.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JET JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer

Combining a jointer and a planer into one machine, the Jet JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer is a powerful, space-saving tool ideal for creating an even surface and thickness on your work piece. Custom built for smooth transition between functions, it ensures precise cuts with features including three high-quality knives, an adjustable outfeed table for supporting long work pieces, and large, ergonomic knobs for extra-fine adjustment control.
The switch from jointer to planer is quick, easy, and tool-free.Versatile Combination Saves Space and TimeAny woodworker, whether building a backyard deck or a commercial structure, will appreciate the Jet JJP-12's all-in-one, precision-cut capability. This machine makes a no-tool switch from jointer to planer in just a few quick motions, allowing you the capabilities of both machines without compromising your work space.
Both functions offer a full 12-inch width capacity and 55-inch tables, so no extra ripping process is needed when you switch between modes. And, in addition to its compact bench-top design, a rugged steel stand is included for those times floor positioning is more convenient.
Easy-Handling Adjustments for Maximum AccuracyThe Jet JJP-12's oversized handwheel and knobs fit comfortably in your hand, allowing for extremely fine-tuned adjustments. The wide-spaced handles make it easy to stabilize stock to the heavy-duty, 43-by-6-inch fence. Particularly handy for complex projects, the fence stays in place between function changes and sets easily for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees.
Expert Materials Offer Enhanced OperationThe Jet JJP-12 runs on a heavy-duty 13 Amp motor, supplying the power you need for a variety of cutting applications. Its table top is precision-flattened to ensure a smooth, even cut. The tough, cast-iron infeed and outfeed tables adjust individually to give the work piece superior support. Cutting is performed with three top-quality knives, which are fitted to the high-speed steel cutter head.
The JJP-12 also includes a premium dust collection shroud, which rotates in both settings and has a standard four-inch outlet port, allowing for efficient dust collection that cuts your clean-up time to a minimum.
Top-Notch Features for Safe, Consistent WoodworkingDuring jointer operation, the bridge-style cutter guard's base-located adjustment knob allows wood to pass evenly beneath the guard, preventing you from pushing down directly over the cutter. The planer function's cutter head prevents kickback with gravity-operated fingers, while its metal infeed roller and rubber-coated outfeed roller maintain a consistent non-marring feed rate.
For both operation modes, security is a no-brainer, thanks to the self-engaging locks that fall into place when you make the switch between functions. For your additional safety, the magnetic on/off switch has a built-in limiter to prevent start-up after power outages and while you switch between modes.
The JJP-12 is backed by a five year warranty.
About JET: A History of Sharing New, Feature-Rich ProductsOpened in 1958 after the founder of the company, Leslie P. Sussman, took the first Boeing Jet Airplane trip from Seattle, Washington to Japan, JET began as a small dealer that sold air hoists and trolleys out of a single hardware store in Seattle. Over the years, JET has carried everything from snowmobiles, transmitter radios, and forklifts to nylon stockings, but by the early 1970s, metalworking had become the base of their business line. And by the 1980s, JET had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today, you'll find that JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.
What's in the BoxJet JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer

Buy NowGet 19% OFF

Click here for more information about JET JJP-12 12-Inch Jointer Planer

Read More...

DELTA 37-275X X5 Professional 6-Inch 1-Horsepower Jointer, 120/240-Volt 1-Phase Review

DELTA 37-275X X5 Professional 6-Inch 1-Horsepower Jointer, 120/240-Volt 1-Phase
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Purchased this jointer over a Jet. Assembly was easy and the directions precise no missing parts. Degreasing the machine was a bear dont be afraid to spare the brake clean and shop rags. Set up after assembly was not bad. Belt alignment was a little tough because the motor moves up and down and laterally at the same time, but after first blood no problem. The fence was easily squared to table and the fence adjustments are simple and work well. The tables are flat to within acceptable tolerances (.005). The outfeed table was a bit tough to adjust, the adjustment wheel was difficult to move but once freed up the adjustment went quick. The knives from the factory were set perfectly. Once switched on you can hardly tell this machine is running. Smooth cuts are effortless and I have plowed through 16/4 maple and cherry with fine results. When working with 3/4 or 4/4 stock this machine isn't even breathing and the edging is flawless. I just completed two cherry tables and it is hard to tell were the joints are. I have had great results with up to 8' long stock for any thing over this the tables are short and snipe a bit. Overall it is worth the price and I do recommend this jointer, how can you miss with a five year warranty. My shop has a variety of tools and I will consider Delta for my next purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DELTA 37-275X X5 Professional 6-Inch 1-Horsepower Jointer, 120/240-Volt 1-Phase

The DELTA 37-275X X5 professional 6-inch jointer includes a 1-horsepower motor and dual-sided tilt that easily handles your tough rabbeting, edge, face, and tapering jointing projects. The jointer features a three-knife cutterhead that works smoothly at 4,800 RPM to create 14,400-cuts per minute. The table comes in at just under four-feet long with a fence featuring positive stops at 45- and 90-degrees. The adjustable infeed table is controlled by lever rather than handwheel. The jointer operates with a maximum width of 6-1/8-inches and a depth capacity of 1/8-inch. The six-inch jointer comes with an induction motor, enclosed stand, center-mounted fence, three-knife cutterhead, dust collector, and push blocks.

Buy NowGet 42% OFF

Click here for more information about DELTA 37-275X X5 Professional 6-Inch 1-Horsepower Jointer, 120/240-Volt 1-Phase

Read More...

Jet JJP-8BT 8-Inch Bench Top Jointer/Planer Review

Jet JJP-8BT 8-Inch Bench Top Jointer/Planer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I managed to assemble this sturdy table-top unit (despite the substandard documentation.) Next, I ran a warped (it was cupped) piece of 14 in. x 5 and 1/2 in. x 7/16 in. aspen through the jointer operation 4 or 5 times at the 1/32 in setting.
The planer has a scale and pointer that indicates the distance between the planer table and the cutter head. I ran it through 4 or 5 times and now have a nice and flat 14 in. x 5 and 1/2 in. x ¼ in. piece.
For the jointer, send the work through using one of the two push blocks (included with the machine) in your left hand and a push stick in your right hand. Jet does not say this but my basic woodworking book said this is the best way (unless the piece is very thin to begin with.) I would not use just my hands except on a VERY thick work piece.
The fence seems strong and accurate and can be angled up to 45 degrees.
Jet tells you to move the wood through in the direction of the grain. It also states that the use of a 2 ½ in vacuum or 4 in. dust collector will greatly improve the results. Adaptors are included and the 2 and ½ in. exactly fit my 6.5 hp Shop Vac which picked up about 90 percent of the waste/shavings from the two operations.
My initial ratings are:
-Documentation---** (barely adequate)
-Packaging------****(thick Styrofoam)
-Quality---------***** (so far)
-Value----------***** 2 in 1 table top ($329 free ship)
-Durability-------***** unknown so far
-Ease of Use-----*****
-Warranty-------****(3 years but defective parts must be sent back pre-paid ship for replacement)
-Customer Support unknown for now, however:
I will soon find out the quality of support as one of the two thick 1/8 in. plastic casings was cracked, probably by UPS tossing it around on the way from Knoxville TN to Northern Pennsylvania. Fortunately the machine did not seem to suffer any other damage.
There were no Pan Head Machine Screws as the documentation stated but all screws and nuts need to be tightened with one of the 4 included allen wrenches and/or the included two-sided metric wrench. See the January 31 2009 review of the 10 inch model for more about assembly.
The cutter-head knives settings did not need to be adjusted (you use the included knife setting gauge to determine if it is set to the proper height)
I am off to the local sawmill for some rough lumber and. after a quick comparison between an on-line store's pre-planed and pre-jointed board-foot of ash ($11) and a rough one ($2) means this Jet should pay for itself in a short period of time even though I am just a DIYer. If it can handle rough lumber than I will be more than satisfied with this purchase. I will try and update this review after a few weeks.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Jet JJP-8BT 8-Inch Bench Top Jointer/Planer

Ideal for those with a small shop or limited space on the job, the Jet JJP-8BT 8-Inch Jointer/ Planer boasts a sturdy, compact design that packs a punch. Showcasing features normally only available on big floor models, this handy tool offers precision adjustment knobs and a powerful 13 Amp motor, as well as other high-performance details that help you get the job done fast.
A convenient dust port helps keep your workspace clean.Two-in-One Design to Maximize Space The JJP-8BT's space-saving design doesn't skimp on efficiency. In fact, because it combines a benchtop jointer and a planer in one unit, you get a two-in-one machine to maximize work space. For added peace of mind, the planing and jointing tables lock to ensure precision.
Powerful Motor for Robust PerformancePowered by a heavy-duty 13 Amp motor that produces 18,000 cuts per minute, the JJP-8BT offers consistent, robust performance job after job. It also features a feed speed of 19.5 feet per minute, so you can complete more cuts in less time.
Sheet Metal Outfeed Table and Steel Knives for Versatility and PrecisionVersatile enough to handle a range of material sizes, the JJP-8BT includes a sheet metal outfeed table with height adjustment that supports even long work pieces. Its clever design also reduces snipe for consistent results. And two high-speed, durable steel knives help ensure precise, smooth cuts.
Stable and Accurate Jointing and PlaningWhile you work, the strong aluminum extruded fence can be angled up to 45 degrees, making jointing more stable and accurate. Additionally, the planer includes a scale and pointer that indicate the distance between the planer table and cutter head. Finally, an integrated cord wrap makes for easy portability and prevents accidents or errors caused by dangling plugs and wires.
Oversized Ergonomic KnobsFor safe, secure operation, the JJP-8BT gives you easy access to the controls you need while working. In fact, the oversized, ergonomic knobs are extremely user friendly, helping you avoid errors caused by a slippery grip and preventing you from wasting time hunting for hard-to-see buttons or switches. Instead, these easy-to-see, stable knobs provide you with maximum control at every stage in your job.
The JJP-8BT is backed by a three-year warranty.
About JET: A History of Sharing New, Feature-Rich ProductsOpened in 1958 after the founder of the company, Leslie P. Sussman, took the first Boeing Jet Airplane trip from Seattle, Washington to Japan, JET began as a small dealer that sold air hoists and trolleys out of a single hardware store in Seattle. Over the years, JET has carried everything from snowmobiles, transmitter radios, and forklifts to nylon stockings, but by the early 1970s, metalworking had become the base of their business line. And by the 1980s, JET had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today, you'll find that JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.
What's in the BoxJJP-8BT 8-Inch Jointer/ Planer

Buy NowGet 28% OFF

Click here for more information about Jet JJP-8BT 8-Inch Bench Top Jointer/Planer

Read More...

DELTA JT160 Shopmaster 10 Amp 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer Review

DELTA JT160 Shopmaster 10 Amp 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Please note in my update below that I have raise my rating to 3 stars.
----
This isn't so much a tool as it is a way to spend an afternoon getting frustrated. I really wanted it to work out as it's the perfect size for my tiny shop, alas it was not to be.
On the plus side, it seems to have plenty of power for a small unit. It also seems to face-joint okay, which is nice.
And then there is the vertical fence, what a piece of junk! Between having a rather high coefficient of friction, even when waxed, being slightly warped from one end to the other and its greatest downfall, the pathetic mounting system, I have yet to get one square edge.
The plastic-headed bolt that attempts to tighten the fence stripped out within a few days. Even when I actually got it tight, I could still alter the angle of the fence slightly without too much pressure pushing against the base of it.
The results I've had are not worth $200. Maybe $100 as a face jointer. I can still combine this with my router table to get the job done, but I'll be in the market for a real jointer as soon as I can make the space!
Save your money and get a better unit. Delta has a full sized one for $300 and it has to be better than this!
UPDATE to my review:
I have fixed this unit's two major shortcomings. First I replaced the useless swiveling fence mount with a solid and supportive piece of MDF. Now it holds 90 degrees. I don't miss the ability to bevel the fence, but if I had to, I could stick the factory mount back on.
Second, I covered the face of the fence with low friction tape. Now wood can smoothly slide through without binding.
In it's current state, I'd probably give it 4 stars as it works as it should, but because I had to do those things myself, I'll go with 3.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DELTA JT160 Shopmaster 10 Amp 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer

The DELTA JT160 Shopmaster 10 Amp 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer uses a variable speed motor and two-knife cutterhead configuration with jack-screw knife leveling arrangement for easy replacement and adjustments. The 30 x 6-3/16 inch table provides support for surfacing stock up to six inches wide, including soft woods, hard woods, and plastics. The speedy 10 Amp motor spins at 6,000-11,000 RPM, which makes the dual-cutter turn at 12,000-22,000 CPM. The center-mounted fence provides ample support throughout the cut for precise edge jointing, and it tilts out at 45 degrees for added versatility.

Buy NowGet 50% OFF

Click here for more information about DELTA JT160 Shopmaster 10 Amp 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer

Read More...