Anyone happy with their 6" jointer?

[David Parker]

Hi All,

I'm in the market for my first jointer and have noticed that many here say they wish they had gone with an 8 inch jointer instead of a 6 inch. I'm trying to make the 8 inch versus 6 inch decision. I can get an adequate 6 inch for $400 (Rikon on sale at local Woodcraft now) or less if I can find a local used jointer. I can get the Shop Fox 8 inch parallelogram 4 blade jointer (same machine as Grizzly G0490) locally for $800.

Money is not a real big factor, but the weight is, since I have to move this thing down into my small basement shop pretty much on my own. The 8 inch one, at over 500 pounds is twice as heavy as the 6 inch. I'm new to woodworking and am not really sure how much I'll be using the jointer, but it seemed pretty handy in the last two classes I took. I have the DeWalt 735 planer (still in its box).

My question is this: Are there any beginning woodworkers out there that are satisfied with their 6 inch jointer and don't regret not getting an 8 inch?

Thanks,

Dave

[Yun-Fong Loh]

Only thing I regret is not having a big enough shop to actually have an 8 inch jointer. Other than that, I've been happy with my 6 inch JET. I'm not sure about the parallelogram designs but the traditional jointers can be easily separated from the base and the motor can also be separated. Look at a user's manual or better a parts diagram to see how you might be able to take one apart.

[Ben Cadotte]

I am happy with my 6" jointer as I only paid $250 for it new. For the price its accurate and so far dependable.

Would I like a larger easier to use one. Yup. But the one I have does what I need very well. If I were to get a new one I would jump to 12" though. Right now where I get my hardwood they will joint 1 face for me for .15 a BF. I only do that if I buy wider boards. The ones that will fit my Jointer I do myself.

[Steve Dewey]

I have ridgid 6" - it works fine, but I'm limited by the capacity. I just bought a Hammer 12" jointer/planer at almost 10X the price. Too bad you aren't closer, I'd make you a good deal on the Ridgid.

[Doug Shepard]

Only thing I regret is not having a big enough shop to actually have an 8 inch jointer. ...

That's pretty much my problem too. I was just using my PM54 (not the newer/longer 54A) earlier today. It's been a solid performer so I cant complain.

[Yun-Fong Loh]

YMMV, but another suggestion, since your planer is still in the box, is to sell the planer and go for a 12" combo jointer/planer. That's probably the route I would go today since I can easily rationalize that it will take less space than a jointer + mobile planer cart.

[Peter Quinn]

If money is not an object I'd buy an 8" and hire a moving company, bribe friends or beg in laws to help you move it down. I moved my delta 8"DJ-20 down with one other gentleman, who just happened to have worked as a facilities engineer for a manufacturer, his job was to locate and setup large machinery.

We took the table assembly off the base, built a cradle around it, lowered it down the steps slowly on planks with a block and tackle, reassembled it on a mobile base. Remember gravity is in your favor going down! At no point did we attempt to deadlift this tool.

PS..when I sell my house it comes with an 8" jointer!

[John Shuk]

I;m happy with mine. I have the Rigid brand which is available at Home Depot.
That said bigger would be better.
I have a Yates American 12" in my garage that I just haven't had the time to get ready for use.
Someday.

[John Gregory]

I have a 6" Ridgid jointer. It works as it is supposed to. I would love a bigger one, a larger shop. a Sawstop, unlimited lumber, more time to work in the shop, etc................... and of course enough money to satisify my wants

[Joe Castellano]

I have the 6" Ridgid and have been very happy with its performance. Someday if I have the room, I may move up to the larger jointer, but for now it works great.

[Peter Pezaris]

I've got an 8" and wish it was bigger... contemplating the relative merits of 12" vs. a 16" monster. Luckily space isn't an issue.

[Paul Johnstone]

If the only issue is getting it downstairs, surely you can call in a favor on a friend or two?

The big reason I upgraded to an 8" jointer was to get longer beds.
I had a 6" jet which was a great machine, but jointing boards around 6' was difficult, due to the shorter beds.

[Bas Pluim]

I got a 6" jointer, for two reasons. One - this was my first jointer. I figured I'd get some experience first before buying something bigger, heavier and twice as expensive. Second, room in my shop is limited, an 8" jointer takes up quite a bit more space.

I've been very happy with it, there are times I want to joint a wider board, but there are ways around that (planer sled, hand planing, buddy with a bigger jointer). One thing I did learn with the 6" is how important long infeed/ outfeed tables are. I can get by with some auxiliary roller stands, but bed length is just as important a factor as width. The other thing I learned is how frustrating setting jointer knives can be.

So, if/ when I do upgrade, I know what features to look for. I could not have learned that without first having a smaller 6" jointer. If I had bought an 8" from the start, it's possible I'd be kicking myself now for not getting a shelix cutterhead, or a disposable knives system, or parallelogram beds. You can sell a 6" jointer in reasonable condition on Craig's List for $250, so the money you're risking is small.

But, if you have the space, and money isn't an issue, and you know which one you want - go for it! I've heard of people selling their jointer because they found out they never use it. But I've NEVER heard anyone say they wish they'd bought a smaller jointer. That'd be like saying you have enough clamps.

Just my $0.02.

[Brodie Brickey]

I've got an 8" jointer and I'm running into problems with that limitation. Unfortunately my show is so full, I can barely get that jointer in. No way could I fit a 12 or 16.

[Adam Cavaliere]

I honestly do not understand how someone could feel that they don't have a need for it... but I guess to each their own!