Jointer + planer or new jointer/planer combo... - Woodworking Talk

centex99 · 01-03-2009, 10:32 AM

I was looking at buying a 6" jointer and a 121/2-13" planer... I'm just starting out and wanting to eventually be able to build furniture quality and other nicknacks (cutting boards,etc).
I'm looking at a used Delta JT-360 and a used Delta 22-580... combined I can get those or something similiar (good steal jointer + benchtop planer) for ~$500.
Though, in a few weeks, I'd be able to get a new jet unit that is a combo planer/jointer... 10" for both new for ~400.
The model is JJP-10BTOS. They also sell an 8" version for less.
Whats a better route? I'm thinking quality might be a bit better on the 6" jointer, but the benefit of 8 or 10" jointer may be useful in the future... plus is there much of a need for a larger jointer versus planer...

GeorgeC · 01-03-2009, 01:06 PM

I do not know anything about the units you are looking at.

However, I have just never been a fan of combination units. There just seem to be too many compromises.

George

LGC KX5 TC · 01-03-2009, 02:52 PM

what is your shop space like. If you have room for two units that is usally what most people would do. If you are tight on space go for a combo unit. The are good units just combined and takes time to change over usually. There are also bigger models available like this one

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19798

Though with the bigger size comes a bigger price about $2,000. If i were you i would base it off of how much room you have.

centex99 · 01-03-2009, 03:10 PM

Workshop is my 2 car garage, though it houses other things as well... so space is fairly limited, but I'd say I could manage space for both units (on the smaller side).
Unit I'm talking about is this one:
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.asp...FamilyID=63972
or 8" version here:
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.asp...FamilyID=63971

LGC KX5 TC · 01-03-2009, 05:29 PM

If you think that you could fit both units i would do that. Have you considered putting the units on mobile bases. that way when you aren't using them you can move them out of the way.

centex99 · 01-03-2009, 10:50 PM

So, the better quality 6" jointer + separate 13" planer will be more beneficial than a 10" jointer + 10" planer (of slightly less quality).

mmtools · 01-03-2009, 11:10 PM

I have seen and run the Jet combo unit. It seems to be pretty good. However, I would IMHO, go with the two separate pieces. Reason? easier to align and maintain either one of them. Blade change is MUCH easier....

fire_n_the_hole · 08-10-2009, 09:02 PM

See my other posts regarding this unit...two identical machines, two machines sent back. Both had a number of problems, the most important of which were tables that I couldn't get to be coplanar.

Pirate · 08-12-2009, 07:21 PM

The jointer and planer each sell for about $360 each.
It's hard to believe that a combo machine for $400, would be much more than a toy.

I've seen good solid older 6" jointers, like delta and powermatic, selling used for $180 ( PM50 that I bought) to $300.
And various lunchbox planers from $125 to $200. I sold my PM lunchbox for $150.

8" and 10" is sort of narrow for a planer. A lot of stuff is jointed, glued up, then planed.

I think 12" is the min. I would want in a planer.