Harbor Freight 6" Rabbeting Jointer

[Mike]

This is a new addition to my shop. I was comparison shopping for an inexpensive jointer and was curious as to how much value there would be in a unit regularly priced at $249.00. This unit has a 1 HP motor and draws 8 amps @ 110VAC. There are 3 knives in the 3" cutter head and both the infeed and outfeed tables are hand wheel adjustable. The overall length of the table is 42.5", there is an integral stand with a dust chute but no dust collection port.(I plan to build my own.) A small blade adjusting gauge and wrench is included. Replacement blades are $9.95 a set. This machine costs considerably less than jointers offered by other companies, and you have to wonder if it is worth the money. I acquired one of these units in a trade, and it is in pristine condition. I will be running it through the paces with a variety of woods and will report my findings and give this tool a rating over the next couple days.

[challagan]

Congrats on the new tool Mike. I hope it works out well!

Corey

[bobj3]

Hi Mike

I have the same one but with the long adjustment bars on both ends, it's a great machine, the 4" dust port I got for it came from Rockler and with 4 screws it's on .
I know you know this but don't run it without the dust port and the vac.system running the chips will go around and around and chip the blades if you don't pull them out of the machine.
I'm on my 4th set of blades and now using the last good part of the (2") of the blades on the 4th set ,Dam little rocks and sand put chips in the blades so quick. I always check for metal but the little rocks don't show up.)
One of the many draw backs of using old lumber and trying to reclaim it.

I did put one of the new type of V-Belts (link-belts) on it to try and get it run smoother and with less noise and it did help....

All in all I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars can't beat it for the money.

Bj

[cabinetman]

Mike

I'm with Bj on a great deal for the money. You can put your expert touch on tuning it up and have a good machine. I've gotten tools that the previous owner complained about. Then, when nobody is looking set it up right. At times the difference is drastic. Good luck with it and pick up some pushers.

[bobj3]

Hey Mike

Talking about push blocks, here's the one I use on the jointer and it works the best

I have many push blocks and this one will let you keep all your fingers in place and help you keep the stock flat to the bed...note the 2nd knob up front.

Bj

[challagan]

BJ was this machine a booger to set up the infeed and outfeed and put in new knives? Just curious.

Corey

[bobj3]

Originally Posted by challagan

BJ was this machine a booger to set up the infeed and outfeed and put in new knives? Just curious.

Corey

Hi Corey

Duck soup to setup and replace the blades..

But I do cheat a bit, my son works for Car-Toys and I get alot of BIG speakers from him and I take them down so I can use the BIG magnets for jobs like replacing the blades on the jointer.
The one I use is about 6" dia. and just set it on the bed and it sucks the blades right in place then I turn a screw and they are set to run.
-----------------
The one below looks like the one I have but without the switch tower.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/g0452

Blade installer, but you know me cheap SOB so I make my own
http://www.grizzly.com/products/g3360

One below is for Mike
http://www.grizzly.com/products/g3360
http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/2007/Main/172


Bj

[curiousgeorge]

Congrats on the new jointer Mike. Hope it works out for you. Sometimes inexpensive doesn't equate to cheap.

[Mike]

Thanks to all for their comments. The 10 hour days at work limit my time in the shop but this weekend will see the sawdust flying. The jointer runs very smoothly. I made a couple test cuts and am pleased with the performance so far. This will be a very good addition to my shop, and for those of you who don't already know: "I like good deals", and the $120 I have invested in this machine will pay great dividends.

[curiousgeorge]

Wow! Great deal Mike. That's about 1/4 what I paid for mine.