anyone know anything about a TRANSPOWER 6" JOINTER, MODEL SJ-1503

[BTL-A4]

I thought I might get a jointer. I had an 8" one that took up too much room, but I now have some space and thought I'd look at getting a 6" one. I came across a TRANSPOWER 6" JOINTER, MODEL SJ-1503. Seller is asking $275.

The rust concerns me; has this been sitting out? I may go look at it and ask some questions. I can rehab it if necessary.

Seems there's a a little info, but I thought I'd ask is anyone knows anything. It looks like these were made in Taiwan and were going for about $150 or so a few years ago. Knives are available. The model number comes up under several different brands, which leads me to believe this is a clone of a name brand.

Thoughts and comments, preferably from people that are familiar with this particular model?

Thanks! Merry Christmas!

​

 

[Renegade1LI]

Seems a little pricey for how rough it looks, it's a simple machine to rebuild, maybe offer 100$.

 

[cvairwerks]

I'd pass on that one. They are easy to find in way better condition.

 

[Jakemedic]

I think I would pass on it. You can easily get a vintage Craftsman from the 1940’s or 50’s for less money, still get knives for it and upgrade the motor as needed. I got a nice one at auction for 15.00 a couple of years ago. It is incredibly heavy, and I chose to make it functional rather than a museum piece. It needed to be cleaned up, rewired and a new belt. Does everything I ask of it. The only thing left is to replace the casters with locking one. Having it move around on me can be somewhat problematic. Yet another “one of these days” projects.

 

[BTL-A4]

I've seen a few of the vintage Craftsman ones, but they all look smaller than the one you have (nice, by the way!). I had a smaller one (Montgomery Wards brand, I think) that was too light and didn't cut well; the bed alignment mechanism was wonky.

I found another one for $200 that is in way better shape:


Jet is a decent brand and parts are still available.

I only looked at the other one because I thought I might offer a really low price, since it's way overpriced for the condition. I can rehab it no problem. I don't absolutely have to have one of these; I've gotten by with S4S wood, my table saw and planer, but this would open up other possibilities. My neighbor has a jointer and I used it once. I'm sure he'd let me use it again, but not extensively. I'll get one if it's cheap enough.

 

[RTM]

Good decision

 

[BTL-A4]

I went and looked at it. Decent machine. Needs new knives. It was smaller than I thought; only 42" long, with about 18" of infeed room. However, it occurred to me that I really don't need a jointer. I've used a sled on my planer to flatten the face of wood (wedges and glue keep it from rocking), and another sled on my table saw to get a straight edge.

 

[RTM]

However, it occurred to me that I really don't need a jointer.

This is GJ. You let something trivial like need stop you?

Maybe having three or four, but need?

 

[BTL-A4]

This is GJ. You let something trivial like need stop you?

Maybe having three or four, but need?

Ha! I like to keep my garage uncluttered; it keeps the wife happy. I neglected to mention that I can't really remember the last time I used a jointer, since I'm able to do what I usually need with what I have. Now, if someone GAVE me one, that would be different!