Jointers: What size do you have

[Cary Falk]

I went from a Jet 6" open stand jointer to a Shop Fox W1741 8" jointer. I did it mainly for the length. I also wanted to go to a spiral head and didn't want to spend the money on the 6". It didn't hurt that I got the Shop fox for $600. I will probably add the spiral head towards the end of the year.

[Howard Norman]

I have an old Craftsmen 6" that I bought many years ago. A few years ago I bought a Grizzly 0490 8" jointer. A very good jointer.

[Chip Lindley]

Lots of work can be done in a 6, but EIGHT is 2 inches BETTER! I finally have an 8 after 25 years of woodworking!

[Don Bullock]

I went through this a couple of years ago. After searching the forums I settled on an 8" Grizzly G0490 and am very happy that I did. The 8" jointer provides extra length as well as width over a 6" machine. The very first board that I sent through it would have been a struggle on a 6" jointer. The longer bed made the task very easy.

[Peter Quinn]

I have an 8" DJ-20 in my home shop, I use a few 12" (powermatic, scmi) and a 20" at work. Bigger is very much better. I started with a General 6" long bed that works well. Still have it. I'd say if a 6" fits your budget and space it will do some good work and serve you well. BUT, most of the models in the 8" weight class are a BIG jump up in performance from the 6" in terms of weight, length, quality of cut, smoothness and power. For my needs 8" is the shear minimum at this point.

[Larry Fox]

8" DJ-20 Wonderful tool.

[Dick Mahany]

I am thinking of purchasing a new jet jointer but I am torn between the 6 and 8 inch versions. I can afford the 8 but am curious as to everyone's opinion on the size of jointers one would need for hobby woodworking.

So here it is: What size and brand do you currently own and what size and brand do you think would fulfill the majority of your needs?

I personally have a 6 inch older craftsmen jointer that has a warped table and fence!

I have a Jet JJP-12 combo J/P machie and REALLY LIKE IT! I have had a Jet 6" jointer that has served me well for 10 years, however I have often needed a wider machine. This new combo tool is 12" and the change over from jointer to planer is trivial. I realize there is much debate on this subject but having a 12" jointer for nearly the price of a good 8" dedicated tool was the best for my money and I am very glad I went that way.

[Tom Leasure]

Select the size you want then buy the next larger one - saves buying a bigger next year

[glenn bradley]

Select the size you want then buy the next larger one - saves buying a bigger next year

I like Tom's style. I have an 8" Grizzly G0490X with the spiral head. Love it.

[Phil Harding]

I started my hobby shop with a Jet 6" jointer. Over the course of the last ten years I've upgraded to a Grizzly 8" and then last year to a Grizzly 12".
I went from the 6" to 8" because I didn't like having to rip 8" wide lumber just so I could face joint it and then glue it back together. Surprisingly that's the same reason why I decided to move up to the 12". The extra length of the bigger jointers was also a big plus for handling longer stock.

Based on the projects I like to make I doubt that I'll ever want anything bigger than the 12".

-- Phil

[Dave Cav]

Grizzly G0593 8" with the spiral cutter head. I had two 6" jointers over th3 last 20 years but there's no comparison to the 8. I'd love to have a vintage aircraft carrier, but I don't really need one or have the room.

[Jim McFarland]

I have a 6" Powermatic 54A with Byrd head and very rarely wanted a wider jointer. IIRC, the 54A does have a longer bed than most 6" jointers. I'm sure I could have purchased a good 8" jointer with what I paid for the 54A + Byrd head --- that said, no regrets.

[tim mathis]

hi,
i have a 8 inch steelcity industrial jointer. it does everything i need to do at this point and does it very well.
tim mathis

[Dar Lounsbury]

I have a 8" Griz and it has been fine. Would like to upgrade with one of the newer Griz with spiral head but it is not a priority.......yet.


Dar

[Steve Rozmiarek]

I think Paul R has the best answer so far. Everybody works a little different, so a 6" may work well for some. I had one for 8ish years, and built some decent projects. Prices are so low now though, that it may be a good time to buy bigger if you think you may need it in the future.

My jointer is a 16" Felder combo.