Reply by EastLake

I think the savings for the company is in the application process. The white paint looks to be slathered on in areas, not really forming drops or runs, but dangerously close to it. I also think enamel paint is cheaper per 500 gallons than powdercoat, so they saved a few bucks there.

As long as we are talking about parts, I was most impressed with the machined finish. Working at a tech college in the welding/machine tool programs, I now appreciate a high quality mill finish that appears to definitely have been table ground. The protective oil coating is a pain to get off, but the tolerances and finish are spot on.

I know the jointer is 6”, but it has the feel of an 8” with the longer table/fence and the upper switch arm.

I also forgot to mention that everything I got from the PA warehouse in the Polar Bear series is from Taiwan, which I have heard is better quality, but who really can tell. Also, there was some talk about a lawsuit with Grizzly doing a white series in the face of Jet. I say, carry-on papa bear.

-- Mark, Western New York, East Lake Woodcraft