[Dtronc]

Hi everyone, have been following this forum for awhile now and am having a hard time making a choice on a jointer.

I cant decide between a new Ridgid 6" ,new Grizzly 6" with knock down stand or a used Delta DJ-15 asking price 495$.

Ridgid $650- https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ridgid-6-Amp-6-1-8-in-Corded-Jointer-Planer-JP0610/202269174

Grizzly $630- https://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-6-Jointer-with-Knock-Down-Stand/G0813

Delta asking $495- https://us.letgo.com/us/i/delta-dj-15-6-jointer_57aab914-4e22-4b2c-af3d-e4ad2c69aa1f

This is my first jointer and i will be using it to make long glue up joints about 6' max.

Really nee some help!

Any thoughts would be so amazing as I have been dwelling on the decision for weeks!

Thanks!
David

 

[Dtronc]

My first Grizzly tool was a G0490 jointer and I like it really well - it did much toward turning me into a fan of Grizzly equipment. I usually like to see things in person and to go through it physically before buying, which is one of the reasons I hadn t really done much in the Grizzly aspect before (the lack of machines to view in my area), but after having a chance to use it and experience the overall quality and build, I am quite satisfied.

I also found the G0490 on Facebook Marketplace for $750 and have since purchased a Grizzly G0548Z Dust Collector for $200 there, and while I generally prefer to purchase new, these two buys have given me a favorable of buying new when the machine and the price are right.

My only Ridgid tool is their oscillating spindle / belt sander and I have been satisfied with its design, build and quality.

I don t have any experience with Delta but they seem to be a staple in woodworking that goes back a ways.

With a quick look through each of the three machines you have listed, I would give the edge to the Grizzly, but that is just my opinion and I don t have any actual direct experience with any of the three jointers.

- BattleRidge

Thanks for the very informative reply! I was leaning towards the Grizzly. I like that it comes with casters to roll it around. I am with you, I need to be able to see it in person before I buy.

 

[Dtronc]

I'd go after the Dj 15.

- Aj2

Might check it out today. He said the blades are excellent and runs fine. Only thing is that its 2+ hours from me and its a 30 year old machine. I have a small hatchback, so I would have to take it apart and tray to get it in there haha

 

[Dtronc]

There is not much that can go wrong on a jointer, so I have usually chosen to look for used. But I m not intimidated by the prospect of having to rework the set-up of a machine. My little 4-inch Rockwell works fine for the glue-ups I do for woodcarving:

- Phil32

Technically I did have a jointer for a 1 1/2 weeks. It was an old Reilant 6" craigslist find. It fell and cracked while moving haha

Do you carve on the other side? What it looks like to me are battens or cradles to prevent wood movement. I am actually making something similar for oil painting! Thats the traditional way of making panels and the battens help prevent cupping.

 

[Dtronc]

Since first jointer… I would skip all 3 and look elsewhere for a $150-$200 Craigslist jointer. You will eventually go for a 8" after a number of years. Or maybe not. But 6" jointers are dime a dozen and I can find good ones locally for $200, not $500 used.
Or maybe you simply want a brand new jointer, like that Grizzly

- Holbs

I managed to find an old Reliant 6" but it was dropped while moving. Cracked on the front and back base iron. I JB welded it and it seems sturdy enough but I wont dare turn it on! Everyone in my area is selling for 90% of a new jointer. I wish I could have a larger jointer but I move around a lot. I also don't have access to the power needed for an 8". Definitely down the road when I settle…then I'll be dreaming of a 12"! haha

 

[Dtronc]

I have had Grizzly tools since 1988, and have never had a major problem. I don t know anything about the Rigid but a lot of people use them. Unless you are willing to spend some quality time with Delta, which would make it a fine machine, you should stay away from that one.

- Bob5103

I do like the Grizzly! The Delta is 30 yrs old, about as old as I am haha. I know older machines are often made better but my concern is that the motor will go and then I will be on the hunt for a new motor.

 

[Dtronc]

The longer table does make a difference. I m saving my money for the Grizzly G0656, 8"x72" with the 5" fence. If you can get the Delta for $400, if it s a 5 table. You can always upgrade it later. Most of the time somebody selling a used item will set a higher starter price knowing they ll most likely be negotiated down.

- WoodenDreams

I will talk with him and see what he says. He thinks its worth 700, so he may be firm. Concerned I wont be able to jointer longer stock.

 

[Dtronc]

AJ… looks like 4" boards (done via his 4" jointer) glued together to make a panel

- Holbs

I think your right . Why are there strips of wood going across the grain? Is this some kind of jointer sorcery
The plot thickens

- Aj2

Historically, artists would paint or carve on panels like these. The battens on the back are usually dovetailed in or nailed into a groove. It helps to prevent warping of the flat face. Not to take sides or anything like that, just sparked my interest , art conservators studying the deterioration of wood panels have found that if you want to make a large panel (anything bigger, like a table size) its best to use smaller strips of wood for the glue up. Whats even stranger/cooler is that they say you should replace the center panel of the glue up with 3 or 4 even smaller squared strips ( if the wood is 2" thick, make the strips 2" wide x whatever length) I don't have any experience with that technique so i cant back it up hahaha

 

[Dtronc]

I own the same Rigid jointer (albeit the older model). I am also a new woodworker, and I love the machine. Prefoms very well, set up is pretty intuitive, but knife changes are MUCH easier witha jig - although that s most any jointer I ve found with the exception of the spiral heads. Surely any would suit you well. Only reason I ended up with mine was a good deal on the FB marketplace.

- jutsFL

Just saw the same one pop up, maybe I will check it out it! Thanks!

 

[Dtronc]

Here is a picture of my now gone Rockwell 6" jointer vs my current GeeTec 8" long bed jointer. You can see why I have a much easier time jointing long boards with the long bed jointer. Though, with the Rockwell, I learned alot. Such as how to use a jointer, setting knives, etc. A great beginner jointer that I would never of paid $150+ for.

- Holbs

OOOO That thing is a beast!