Well, I think I have finally realized I need a jointer for my shop. I have been reading about them for a while - and this is what I am getting so far -
If you can go for 8", as you will outgrow a 6". That is why you see lots of 6" for sale on craigslist.
The helical blades cut better.
Dovetail vs Parrallelogram. Parallelogram beds are theoretically better, but for the majority of small shops, dovetail is fine.
I'm leaning towards a Grizzly. I was all for the helical cutters. Then I saw some folks recommending buying it with straight cutters, and then buying byrd helical cutter to replace the one it comes with. I'm not sure why, but I see if you do that, it only costs about $50 more. Are the Byrd heads better than the grizzly?
I'm also looking into used jointers, but hard to find an 8". When I do, the price is not a lot better than buying a new one, if I factor in my time to go look at it, test it out(if even possible), and no warranty-I'm not sure it is worth it. Plus trying to get the beast into my truck, and safely transport it to my shop. As opposed to having it delivered to my driveway, then just rolling it to my shop.
there are two near me, one is Isis and the other GeeTech. I have not gotten much info online about the Isis, and it doesn't look to be well taken care. The other Geetech, looks to be in ok shape, and is from 1996. I'm still trying to figure out the price on that. My condition grading is based merely on the posted photos. Seetech is supposedly the same as grizzly...
Any thoughts/suggestions...