8" jointer options, older DJ-20 vs something newer?

[NBraun]

I've been tentatively looking for a used 8" jointer for the last year or two to pop up. There's been a few DJ-20's that were in the $800-$1500 range. Whatever jointer I end up with will be getting a helical cutter head. I've also seen some Grizzlies pop up that already have the cutterhead in the $15-2000 range.

My question would be, what are the older deltas actually worth? Are they better than a comparable modern grizzly/jet?

 

[tyyost]

Older pre-Taiwan DJ-20‘s were solid machines. If you are adding a new helical head I’d stick to at least 1 1/2 hp, but honestly I also wouldn’t avoid a jet/grizzly already the way you want. You can test it at the sellers and see how it does, and not take it home and run It.

Jointer prices are similar around here, missed a few a $600, ended up with the previous model Delta 8” for $650, helical head jointers start at $1000-1200.

 

[jar944]

I had a G0490. I would be surprised if the delta would be functionality different/better. I would buy whatever is in the better condition and at the price you are willing to pay. 2k can get you a lot of jointer depending on what you want.

 

[NBraun]

I had a G0490. I would be surprised if the delta would be functionality different/better. I would buy whatever is in the better condition and at the price you are willing to pay. 2k can get you a lot of jointer depending on what you want.

There is a 16" Yates that's in good shape for $2,100 that's been on marketplace for quite a while. If I could get it into my basement, I would have bought it already.

 

[jar944]

There is a 16" Yates that's in good shape for $2,100 that's been on marketplace for quite a while. If I could get it into my basement, I would have bought it already.

Anything is possible if you put your mind to it...lol even easier if it's a walk out or walk up exterior basement entrance but you can always disassemble and move individual pieces.

 

[GrayFlattop]

If you can find a clean DJ20 that was made in Brazil (Invicta), it is a wonderful machine. I located a good one last year and was happy with the $1200 price as it only needed a new power cord. Everything else was just fine.

Maybe I’ll retrofit a helical cutting head later, but I’m in no rush.

Honestly, I have no informed opinion on the later Taiwan DJ-20. It might be ok, but I would steer clear of the Chinese made 8” Delta - just because.

The grizzly is probably decent, but again, no direct experience.

 

[mike93lx]

There is a 16" Yates that's in good shape for $2,100 that's been on marketplace for quite a while. If I could get it into my basement, I would have bought it already.

Probably only need to remove 5 floor joists for the hole, maybe 6?... Git r done

 

[My Old Tools]

Powermatic model 60 is a very solid 8" jointer. Lots of them around as many school shops used them.

 

[NBraun]

No pictures, but I ended up picking up a DJ-20. After hauling the top downstairs, I've decided an 8" is big enough until I have a shop.

 

[NBraun]

Finally got it setup up and tuned. This is replacing a Rigid 6" jointer, that barring my best tries I could never get to run as well as I would have liked. It's a Taiwan machine and ended up paying $750 for it after auction fees. Maybe not an amazing price, but looking back at my marketplace saves, most go for $1,200-$1,400.

Tuning this was way easier than the dovetail ways. The beds themselves are in good shape, and I was able to get everything to within .001. Setting the knives is still a pain, but I'll probably run the straight knife head for a while.

I would say it was well worth the price though. Edge jointing a 10' 2x6 as a test piece was a dream compared to the old 6".

 

[Renegade1LI]

That's great, l love the old American iron, just built to last. I was looking for a delta or pm, found this one cheap and just had to polish it up a little.