SS Jointer opinions needed

[gilamonster]

I presume a bunch of you here have the SS 4" jointer.

I am looking to acquire my first jointer, and so am seeking your opinions on the ShopSmith model. How does it compare in quality/usefulness/accuracy with other (stand alone) jointers on the market.

I have seen SS jointers going for a wide range of prices on eBay, and probably would shop there, for a used one. I really like the idea of adding to my stable of components for the vinage Greenie, than buying a bunch of standalone tools each with their own motors.

Any help and suggestions would be appreciated!

[jg300da]

It depends what type of work you do. Make no mistake about it, the Shopsmith jointer is not cheap. For a few dollars more you can get a good quality 6" stand alone tool from any number of manufacturers like Deta, Jet, Grizzly etc., that have more capacity, more versatility, and more accuracy. If you have the room there's nothing wrong with augmenting your Shopsmith with some stand alone dedicated tools. As your projects get larger and more complex you may realize some limitations that a Shopsmith alone presents. I own the Shopsmith 4" jointer and have it mounted on a separate power stand, and have used it this way for may years.

[weelildaddy]

Doug, I totally agree with JG on the SS Jointer. I have had mine for 10 years and it has served me well and for what it was designed for, it does do a very good job. As long as I am working with smaller pieces, I have had no problems, however, I simply cannot tell you how many times I have wished for a higher capacity unit with a longer table. As soon as I can justify it (the wife factor) I am going to purchase the Delta 6" jointer with the rack and pinion fence. The SS jointer is terribly expensive for what you get and over the years I think that you too will want something else.

[chiroindixon]

I would agree with these fellows....but the argument for the SS jointer is "4" is wide enough". Glueups using thinner boards being better is the theory.

I have been happy enough with my SS jointer and it is designed to run on the left side so you can switch back and forth from the ripping blade while prepping stock. It does take more practice and attention with that short bed. Careful placing of infeed and outfeed roller stands has helped me considerably.

If there was an upgrade in a jointer I would want, and that includes the SS, it would be a spiral cutter head. For many reasons I won't go into here, if I were to buy another jointer, it would have a spiral cutter head.

Doc

[cincinnati]

I started on a Shopsmith jointer. I now also own a Jet 6". The two things I miss on the jet that shopsmith has an advantage. First is the verable speed. You will miss this right away on a stand alone unit. Second is the guard/feather board set-up.

I get out the shopsmith unit from time to time to use. Must be 20 yeras old.

[charlese]

I bought a SS jointer from the get go! My only issue with it has been an occasional need to joint faces wider than 4". That's why I keep and maintain a jack plane. My jointer has given me a tremendous amount of service, and performs admirably.

A repair issue I had, is now fixed, and it is working beautifully again. The bearing on the power side must have frozen enough to cause the inner race to turn on the shaft. This, wore down the shaft so there was a run-out that caused some rippling in the jointed side. Shimming didn't work, so bought a new knife head (shaft and bearings attached). Can't say this is a Shopsmith fault. It was a bearing issue. All bearings eventually wear out. Even the sealed ones.

[gilamonster]

The SS jointer is terribly expensive for what you get and over the years I think that you too will want something else.


I wasn't thinking of buying one NEW!! A really clean one just sold on eBay for $199 -- that was what I was thinking... might be worthwhile if I could pick up a used one for a couple hundred...

[a1gutterman]

Hi Doug,

I have only used 3 jointers besides my ShopSmith one. Two of those were in, respectively, my Junior and Senior High School shop classes (can't remember much about them). The third one was a Grizzly, in my dads cabinet shop. I was not impressed with the Grizzly, or any other Grizzly piece of equipment, for that matter.

I can not offer a comparison, but I will say that IMHO, the 4" SS jointer performs admirably! Some of the good points have already been mentioned, but here is my list of positives: manufacturer customer service is impeccable; variable speed; repair parts easily available; customer service; setting blades reasonably simple out of the box, even easier using the earth-magnet jig; blades are owner resharpennable (is that a word?) with the proper SS jig; can be used (almost) simultaneously with the table saw; customer service; the featherboard guard; the auxillary fence; and, oh!, did I mention the superb customer service?

Here is my list of negatives: It is a 4" jointer.

How often are you going to need anything larger?