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Volusianator

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Here's my .02, and this is just from what I learned personally while getting started buying woodworking machinery.

Wait. Save up and get something more than what you think you need, let me say that again.

Wait. Save up and get something more than what you think you need.

You will, and this I guarantee, regret down the line not getting an 8" jointer. Consider Grizzly.com, they have tools that continually rank as "Top Tool" in Wood Magazine when they do their reviews, their prices are fantastic and sipping is very fair. I'm gonna go dig up some of my old Wood mags and see if I can find the latest jointer review.
 
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Here's my .02, and this is just from what I learned personally while getting started buying woodworking machinery.

Wait. Save up and get something more than what you think you need, let me say that again.

Wait. Save up and get something more than what you think you need.

So its like getting a humidor or cooledor then?
 

sascha

size does matter
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glad u asked.

I had the Jet, nice machine, but I agree with Wade, make sure you don't rush into getting the first one u can buy. 8" is great to have.
I actually upgraded to the Oliver 10" jointer so i can mill wider stock. what a difference in machine this is.

wait until you can at least get a 8' machine
 
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Have to agree with what everyone has said, save and get a better machine. I have an old Craftsman 6", it works okay but setting the knives is a real pain. If I was in market for a new one I'd look at Grizzly's 6" or 8" with a spiral cutting head. They use indexable carbie inserts instead of knives. If one gets nicked, turn it 1/4 turn and you have a new edge. Also the spiral cutting head results in allot less tearout.
 

Volusianator

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If I was in market for a new one I'd look at Grizzly's 6" or 8" with a spiral cutting head. They use indexable carbie inserts instead of knives. If one gets nicked, turn it 1/4 turn and you have a new edge. Also the spiral cutting head results in allot less tearout.
I like a lot of the Grizzly machines as well but not sold on the spiral cutting heads yet. Although they do have a lot less tearout especially in figured woods, the cut on the face of a board is not as nice as regular blades.
 
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Have to agree the spiral cutter head is kind of a personal choice. I work alot with figured hardwood so any way to reduce tearout is high on my list of wants.
 

sascha

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I like a lot of the Grizzly machines as well but not sold on the spiral cutting heads yet. Although they do have a lot less tearout especially in figured woods, the cut on the face of a board is not as nice as regular blades.
General 24" dual drumsander!!!!!:grin:

I also have the straight blades, 4 of them on my 10" jointer. I like my blades sharpened with a 10 degree back bevel and then hone them to 6000 grit.
works so much better than regular grind and is awesome on figured wood
 

ATCDub

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I have a 6" Delta jointer and can't wait to upgrade. Jet makes some decent machines but I don't own any of them. Lately, I've been drooling over Powermatic's everything, but have been looking hard at the new Steel City products (Former Powermatic Pres. & Many engineers). I won't entertain anything less than an 8" cutterhead and really like the spiral cutterheads. Not sure I can justify any of it, but the spiral is pricey. There is also a new trend for combo machines. 12" Jointer/Planer are a Euro design that's spilling over the the American market. The 12" Planer does limit some options for larger projects, but a 12" Jointer would rock. If space in the shop is a factor, you may want to look at that option. I whole heartedly agree that saving up and buying more will be more gratifying and save you money in the long run. That's my "do as I say, not as I do" comment for the day.
 
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The reason I'm planing on going with the 6" over anything bigger is that I'm a real noob when it comes to woodworking. I want to make sure I keep it up before buying anything that is too expensive.

If I love doing it, then I will have no problem upgrading my tools, but for now since I still am looking at buying a couple more tools in the near future so I'm going to stick with the 6".
 

Volusianator

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General 24" dual drumsander!!!!!:grin:

I also have the straight blades, 4 of them on my 10" jointer. I like my blades sharpened with a 10 degree back bevel and then hone them to 6000 grit.
works so much better than regular grind and is awesome on figured wood
:thinkidea OK, I'm sending you my planer and jointer blades to sharpen!
 

Volusianator

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Dude, I've never sharpened a blade since I started cutting, I just take them to a shop locally. I've thought about getting stones, but I'm scared to do it.
 
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