Cal-Hawk 6" jointer

[Alan Muller]

I just bought one of these for $55.

Model YHJ-60B
1 hp
dated 5-1992
motor seems to have no overload protection
guard missing but it doesn't seem a hard thing to make.
has an end-mounted fence
I think the outfeed table has a slight droop

I'm under no illusions--this is semi-junk machinery as purchased. Wondering if folk here think there is any potential in these machines ... whether they are worth a few hours to align and set up. Opinions?

I don't find much info on these online. Doesn't seem that the Cal-Hawk brand is being used for stationary power tools these days. Anybody know of a source for paperwork?

Thanks.

Alan

[Don Jarvie]

The manual can be found on the Harbor Freight website. Sounds like you have the open base 6 inch jointer. I have the Relient version. You can order replacement parts at Grizzly since they make the same style.

Unless the tables are warped you can clean it up so its servicable. Take it apart and give everything a good cleaning. The tables slide up and down on dovetails and on the back one there is a shim. If you adjust this up or down it will adjust the table and level it.

Once its set up it will do the job. I've had mine for 15 years and does what I need. Until I can get an 8 inch I'll keep it.

Don