8" Jointer and 15" Planer -Delta or General?
I have decided to get an 8" jointer and a 15" planer for my shop, and now I am trying to pick the which ones to buy.
There is a dealer nearby (Markham Industrial) who sells, delivers, sets-up, and services both Delta and General (as well as some cheaper lines such as King Canada). I will probably purchase the machinery from them.
So, now I need to decide which ones to buy.
My 8" jointer choices are between:
General International 80-200
Delta X5 37-365X
My 15" planer choices are between:
General International 30-115
Delta X5 22-780X
Please give me any information and/or opinions that will help me to choose!
I've got that Delta model and...
I moved up from the 6" version to the 8" one, but wished I hadn't traded in the smaller one.(nothing like having two of everything).
I have the 365 that was made in Brazil, the X5's are Chinese made. The 365 is NOT a DJ20.
Mine was not setup out of the box & I still don't think that I've got all 3 knives exactly the same height. (but it makes wedges very quickly) :eek:
The infeed table adjuster lever is not the same as what's on the 6" (no triggerlock) and the knob on the outfeed side is difficult to work with, I'd prefer a handwheel. It vibrated somewhat on the concrete floor, which is by no means level and there are no pads/adjustable feet on the base cabinet.
I was supposed to get the mobile base when I picked up the machine, but as my luck turns out it was on backorder for a month or so. Once I got it on the mobile base I was able to level the base & the vibrations have gone away. Sad to say the holes in the base cab & the mobile base did NOT line up so it's just setting on it. I'm guessing the holes would match the DJ20.
I really like the rack & pinion fence and the 'elevated' switch, but it does change the footprint as it sticks out & up. Not a problem for me, but something you may want consider.
Do I like it? Yes, would I buy it again? No, I think I'd be happier with the 6" & save my $$ for a twelve. Or get either the Jet 8" or a DJ20, both of which would require running 220 to that side of the shop.
DOH! I fat fingered that one
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Pellow
According ti the Delta web site the 37-365X is the DJ20. Why do they need so many numbers?
You are correct Sir, I should have typed 380, I reckon it's my dyslexic fingers.
Prior to the X5 family the only number for the DJ20 was DJ20, and the other models were 37-something. I guess all the numbers are so the marketing guys can confuse us!
As I stated later in my post I considered getting a DJ20 but the 220V motor was the issue. It's a great machine and does not have the rack & pinion fence, so the footprint is not as large on the back side of the fence. And as someone else pointed out it has the parralleogram bed, which is much nicer (read easier to adjust) than the bed on the model I have.
I apologize for the confusion & can only suggest that you go for a hands on visit so you can actully see/feel the differences in the machines you are considering.