Hello fellow G0490 Owners,
It's been awhile since the list was buzzing with threads of the Grizzly G0490 8" Jointer. I was wondering if all of you had the chance to use it much and what your thoughts were. I have run about 300 bd ft of cherry and 200 bd ft of rock maple through it with no problems what so ever. Still not a nick in any of the blades and that surprises me. I thought for sure I would be seeing a few ridges when face jointing, but nothing yet. I did order a new set of knives from Dynamic Saw, they cost a bit, but they are Amana and are 18% tung. which is supposed to give you a sharper knife for a longer time. Will be doing some white pine this week and that should put them knives to the test. It seems those pine knots get very hard!!
I have the same problem with the front caster as does everyone else. No big deal and it is still easy to move that beast around considering the weight. If Grizzly fixes the problem I am sure we will get an update. DC works well with no modifications. I have not had a chip come over the cutterhead yet with the DC running. Even when I run it without the DC, I do not notice any chips until the chute fills a bit.
I have a Delta DJ 15 and my brother-in-law has the DJ 20. The only difference between the Grizz and the Delta is the built in mobile base, larger motor, 4 knife cutter head and the pedestal switch. He says my infeed table is a bit stiffer than his, but his machine is a few years old.
I am extremely happy with the 490. Grizzly did a very good job and I think it will hold up to my abuse
Saving my bucks for the 15" planer and should have it by the summer.
So let's hear from the rest of the brotherhood. How is it working so far? Have you got it dirty yet??
Thanks,
Michael