Grizzly - G0452Z - 6" X 46" Jointer w/ Spiral Cutterhead (Rating: 5)

I am mainly a cane maker so my wood working techniques or needs don't require the same as that of a cabinet or furniture maker, but since I do use a LOT of very hard woods (Afromosia, Bloodwood, Cocobolo, Ebony, Jatoba, Osage Orange, Macadamia, Macawood, Padauk, Pink Ivory, Rosewood, Ziricote, etc.). I needed a quality jointer and wanted one with the cutting ability to get a nice smooth surface on these woods, especially the figured ones for my cane work and future furniture projects. The cheap hand-me-down jointer from circa 1950 was fine for softer woods but it pitted out even the figured maple which made more work on projects such as a dining table.

So, the search to find a high quality machine for my above beer but lower than champagne budget was a challenge. After reading other reviews and researching my options I decided to try the Grizzly brand of tools. There are several options offered but I really wanted to get the spiral indexed cutting blade http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-Indexable-Spiral-Cutterhead/H7653. This blade is incredible! The 4 sided blades are set in so that one side does the actual cutting and can be rotated when one side is dull. Each of these 1/2" blades are also set in a spiral base that cuts the surface of even the hardest woods to a glass like finish. The blade alone will cost around $200.-$250. but it's well work the investment. The temptation to save a few $$ may be to buy a cheaper model and then buy the blade separate, but I don't know if you want to risk having a machine that's not factory compatible with the parts you are trying to piece together.

So far, the figured hardwoods that have been worked on with this jointer have very little pitting, as highly figured woods will always have some, but the surface is much smoother and for the most part is extremely usable for a finished surface.

For a little more than $700. this machine was delivered to my door http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-X-46-Jointer-w-Spiral-Cutterhead/G0452Z . If you sign up for Grizzly's specials you may be able to get an offer for discounted shipping, but their shipping rates are quite reasonable to begin with. I hope to use this for a lifetime of wood ventures.

My only gripe is that the person who's job it is to grease the machine to prevent rust or corrosion must be paid by the bucket. Each piece was slathered liberally with enough mechanics grease to slide one down from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Cape of Good Hope. It was a pain to remove and the carburetor degreasing spray is toxic to breathe to say the least, so a mask and exhaust fan are a must.