Jointer opinions/advice

[mmgrode]

Hey Gang,
   I will be looking to pick up a reasonably priced 6" jointer/planer for bow building soon and would like your opinions on these two if you have any.  The first is a Rikon that is on sale at the moment.  Here's a link to it's info:  
  http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=5445  

The other one I am considering is a grizzly which is about the same price shipped.  Here's a link to that one:    http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0452  

I am leaning towards the Rikon at the moment as it seems to have a more powerful motor with speed adjustability.  Anyone have any advice or opinions on either of these two?  Thanks ahead of time for the help.  Cheers, Matt

[Whip]

When I bought my jointer last year I splurged and got the Powermatic.  It's a very nice machine, but certainly pricy.  I don't know much about the Rikon jointers, but I do have their bandsaw and it is a well built machine.  
The Grizzly looks good too, but again, I don't have any experience with them.  I might have a WOOD magazine review article at home on jointers.  I'll check tonight.
The price is sure right on both of them!

[Straitshot]

We have a large 8" Grizzly jointer at work that I use quite often that is a great machine. It has carbide knives which make a difference. We also have a large planer and horizontal band saw that are Grizzly's. They have all been good machines.

[Tom Leemans]

The extra HP would be nice, but I will say that the Grizzly machines I have used, or own, are good machines and the cutomer service is the best.

[White Oak]

I purchased a 6" Grizzly jointer this past spring.I'm really happy with it.

                       Ed

[Walt Francis]

I have a lot of grizzly shop tools (and I am satisfied with all of them) but went with a Jet jointer for a couple of reasons.  #1 was the longer table which allows me to work longer stock.  #2 the controls, like the Rikon, are in the front and allow for easier and finer table adjustments.  #3 it had a larger motor which allows for a finer cut on hard woods, like Osage.

Either of the jointers will do the most of the same things but I believe the Rikon would be a little nicer/easier to use.

One thing you should know in advance, neither of the machines will work very well unless they are set up properly.  If you know how to do this, and have the proper tools to use, you can't go wrong with either of the machines.  If you need information on how to properly set up a jointer, or other shop equipment, send me a PM I will forward some links to a couple of great web sites that describe the process in depth.

[Dave Worden]

I've not tried either of the jointers (mine is a Delta), but I have a Grizzly table saw and sander and they are both fine tools.  I don't know what kind of bows you're planning, but you may find that a good table saw and thickness sander may be all you need.  For thin lams, the jointer can do one side (obviously) but the planer can't do the other.  If your table saw make good square cuts, the sander will size the lams.  You can also cut the lams on a band saw (having jointed one edge first) then sand, joint the block again, band saw, and sand, until you have all your lams.  I don't know if band sawing and jointing saves wood over table sawing.  Of course with a better band saw than I have, you can probably skip the jointing.  As for riser blocks, you could also get away with table saw and sander.  DON'T FORGET DUST COLLECTION if you get a sander.

[mmgrode]

Thanks for the responses and help so far fellas.  

Dave- yes, I have thought about going that way, but thickness sanders are out of my price range at the moment, though I'd definitely like to get one in the future.  $400 is doable, but I just can't blow $570 on a machine right now.
   I build bamboo backed bows and trilams.  The jointer will be used for getting flat surfaces for the table saw and also for tapering the laminations.  The stock I get is not usually straight so I need to true up the surfaces for the tapers I put in. To do this I usually get larger stock(2x2) and joint 2 sides and  table saw the opposite face even, then taper and table saw to the size I need.
   In addition I will also be doing other woodworking projects(furniture) that require a jointer.  
    A thickness sander is definitely on the wish list along with a drill press, spindle and edge sander, new bandsaw, chop saw, planer......and the list goes on and on. Trying to acquire machinery as I can afford it.  Thanks again guys!

[Buemaker]

Fine woodworking magazine did a test on various brands of jointers. The Grizzly`s tables were dead flat.  Bue--.

[Dean Marlow]

Matt can't tell you a-lot about there jointers but I purchased a Grizzly bandsaw this summer and I love it. Just ordered there 12" baby drum sander on sale for 495.00 plus 69.00 dollars for shipping. So far Grizzly has treated me right. Dean