Delta Homecraft 4" Precision Jointer Qn

[garagesapien]

I have the opportunity to buy good work n condition
Delta Homecraft 4" Precision Jointer for $40.
Wanted to know if this until any good for lite duty work. I am not a woodworking guy but could use a jointer once in a white. Is $40 reasonable?
Below are the specs:

Vintage 4-inch precision jointer with a Delta Homecraft 1/2 HP motor, featuring a Rockwell Manufacturing power unit, cast iron bed, matching metal stand, and belt-driven pulley system

Thanks all

 

[The Cobbler]

sounds like a good price if it's running, has good bearings etc .

 

[RTM]

I agree, if it's not a project to get it usable. Affording the floor space is my problem.

 

[whateg01]

Just keep your expectations in check. If you are trying to joint 16' long boards, the short bed will fight you a bit, but as long as it's tuned up, for shorter stuff it'll probably be fine

 

[Aaron_W]

I have the same jointer. I believe I paid $80 a few years ago. Many people recommend going with a 6 or 8", but I've found it enough for my needs. Not really a case of being light duty, just limited to skinnier material.

Homecraft was Delta's lower end brand, but wasn't really lower quality, just older. The Homecraft models were often just older Delta designs demoted to Homecraft when a new model was introduced.

The 4" Homecraft jointer was first designed in the 1930s so it is a lot more robust than many of the modern 6" bench top models. A very simple design, and replacement steel blades are readily available. There are even spiral and helical carbide cutter heads are available for it if you were so inclined (those will cost you a lot more than $40 ).

 

[garagesapien]

Thank you all

 

[crguy]

Condition of the knives would be my top concern. It can be a little tricky getting them changed/adjusted correctly. I switched my 6" Delta jointer over to a Byrd head and have never been happier.