Planer/molders???

I think a lot of the parts for large stationary tools come from the same factories, especially the castings. The difference is usually in the motors and quality of parts like fences, handles, switches etc and how they are machined. Also, quality control (how many bad ones get out the door)

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

How do you actually go about finding out about the quality of the parts that are being used to assemble these and any pieces of equipment? And if the different makes are manufactured in the same factory.

-- I really need that new tool to do the Job!!!

Research!

The manuals for the Jet and the Griz are readily available on the internet.

Compare the features of each (hint feed rate). Look at what is standard versus optional equipment (hint dust collection)

Compare the warranty period. This can be of value. in this case the Jet is 5 years and the Griz is 1 year. This can give you a feel for the quality of the parts. If one manufacturer is willing to stand by their parts for five times longer than the other, they must have great confidence in the quality of the parts they used.

Ask your fellow jocks if they have experience with either of these machines. Research on the internet to see if there are any nightmare stories of motor or gear box failure.

Compare the cost -vs- feature set.

By this point it is usually either a no brainer or a wash.

Then make an informed decision.

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

How much were you wanting to spend?

-- Jed,Ala,jmwoodworks057.com

I have been looking at new one here in Canada which run around $1500 and i know that they are a little cheaper in the US but with exchange and shipping they will be about the same. So i guess that answers your question but if i can find a good used one and the shipping isn’t out of this world i would consider it. Seems to me that shipping for a new one is so much less or sometimes free, rather than paying freight for a used one so it only makes sense to purchase new and have a full warranty if the bottom line works out to be the same.

The other thing is that i am looking for a 8” jointer so if buying two pieces of equipment will reduce the purchase price (i am really hoping :-) it will) with multiple items and reduce the shipping also i may go that route.

-- I really need that new tool to do the Job!!!