i have been looking at the grizzly 609x - still a little pricey, but as this is probably the last jointer i purchase, need to buy something good. my question is, do i really need the spiral cutterhead, an extra $700.

since the jointer is to get one side flat, then the planer makes it parallel - and i typically do both sides, not sure the spiral is required. unless i do highly figured wood (not yet) and there is deep chipout.

any thoughts on this? I would rather put the extra money into a better planer (currently have an old makita planer (11.75")/jointer (5")), unless there is good reason to spend it on the jointer and wait a little longer for the planer.

extra thought. i can purchase the go609 for $1795 or so and spend $695 for the spiral cutterhead and still save $100 on purchasing the go609x as the 609 has free shipping. if i forgo the exta $695 on the cutterhead, i can always add it later.

thanks ... jim