Need advise about a new jointer....

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Hey All,

I am about to buy a new jointer and could use some good advise. I have narrowed it down to 2 different models:

1. Grizzly- 6", 1 1/2 hp, with spiral cutterhead. Here is a link:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-X-46-Jointer-w-Spiral-Cutterhead/G0452Z

2. Grizzly- 8", 3 hp, with 4 hss knife cutterhead. Here is a link:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/8-x-72-Jointer-with-Mobile-Base/G0656

I guess what I can't decide is whether the spiral cutterhead is worth giving up the extra 2 inches of width compared to the 8" with conventional blades. I can't afford the 8" with spiral cutterhead, so I have to choose between 6" with spiral or, 8" no spiral.

I would like to know your opinions on this. Also any other issues you think I should consider on these 2 units. Also if you think there is another product that is better in this price range, I would love to know what it is.

I am replacing a 1940 something, Rockwell 4", so I am sure either one will be a huge improvement.

Thanks in advance,
Steve
 
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That would be a hard choice. I guess a lot depends on what you want to use it for. I have a 6 in (not Grizz) and it has done all I need, but more and more people are going for the bigger ones. I guess my opinion would be go with the 8" and maybe by the time you wear out the blades you can afford to replace then with spiral cutter heads.
 
I have an 8" without the spiral cutters and it works just fine.

Would be an easy choice for me, as above, bigger is always better.

Another thought, spiral cutters are available as an aftermarket item, you can always upgrade when finances permit.
You can't upgrade a 6" jointer to 8"
 
I bought that Grizzly model about a year ago. I upgraded from a 6 inch Sears and haven't looked back. As the folks say, bigger is MUCH better. Just make sure you have 220VAC power, and a good dust collector.
 
Only you know your needs/wants. An 8" jointer, for most home shops, would be massive overkill. But, you may have a good use. While the spiral heads are supposed to be the cats pajamas, remember regular cutter heads have served well for many decades. As others have suggested, if you really want the 8", get it then upgrade to spirals at a future date.
 
Most important question; what will you be making? If you will never make anything that requires 8" then why? Then again, I never thought I would need 8" but after a while I ended up buying an 8"....so...I would say Go with the 8" (just make sure you can fit in with plenty of space on both ends). I have the Grizzly 8" with the 4 blade cutter head and am very happy with it.
1) you can always upgrade the cutter head later, and like Frank said "...regular cutter heads have served well for many decades". That is what I am using and it does a fine job as long as you feed the stock correctly and the blades are sharp.
2) Think about how you will manage blade replacement...will you sharpen or buy new ones? If you know how to and have a way to sharpen them yourself you will save a bundle. If you are not familiar with sharpening or prefer not to sharpen and tinker with tuning blades after sharpening then the spiral head with the replaceable self indexing smaller blades may be better for you. I sharpen my own and take about 45 mins to remove, sharpen, re-instal and tune the blades.
3) If you do not have how to sharpen It may cost you a bit up front but a Tormek with the jointer/planer blade sharpening jig is a big benefit, plus you can use the Tormek to sharpen all your other stuff.
 
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