I have been surfacing(30 year old) air dry walnut gunstock blanks with a Ridgid planer. Definately not the best tool for the job, but has surprised me with its durability. The platen is shot, and the bearings are getting noisy, so the writing is on the wall. It certainly does not owe me anything.
I'm thinking of replacing it with a Grizzly GO490 8" Jointer. I am not concerned with precise square and glass smooth surface, removing oxidized wood, fine dust, rat droppings and other savory substances is the goal.
I do not care to sharpen and set knives, it is too easy to procrastinate (the Ridgid would no doubt have lasted longer if I was on top of the knife situation, they are easy to change, but difficult to find)
SO...my question is- When I get the GO490, should I get the spiral cutter head or go with the dispoz-a-blade setup? Which can take abuse best without being fussed over?
Remember, I am not concerned with precision surfacing, just trying to find the most durable cutting system for dirty lumber .
Thanks in advance, sounds like you guys may be tired of jointer questions.