Power Tools Reviews
Delta JT360 Shopmaster 6-Inch 3/4-Horsepower Open Stand Jointer, 115/230-Volt 1 Phase
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 Cheap - that's what IT IS Problems started right from the beginning during the assembly. The stand is not square so when attaching the main unit to the base using 3 provided screws I was able to put only 2. For the third one the holes don't align. There's no way to square this thing. After "assembling" I tried to align the outfeed table to the blades. Surprise! I can turn the adjusting wheel back and forth but table doesn't move. It is about 1/8" higher than the blades. I don't know what other surprises awaiting me when I will wrestle with the fence - but not tonight. I'm too tired and frustrated. I hope Delta have some kind of service. I bought this jointer today brand new at Lowe's and it is on warranty.  Best Value for the buck I am very pleased with the ease of operation and the level of performance from this machine. There is none of the kit or lower quality shakiness in any of the aspects of the machine. Just no nonsense high quality efficiency. There are few frills, but it has what is needed with no corners cut to do a clean, job.  Solid, but not without challenges The Good: -Quiet operation -Nice cuts, my joints are tight and I've received compliments from others on the finished product. -Cosmetically - good condition upon receipt -Very solid, heavy, but works with a mobile base well -Easy to set up...I did it myself. Having a buddy would help - and I'd recommend it, but it can be done solo. The Bad: -As noted by others, the dust collection system is mediocre -The motor wouldn't fire up out of the box. I had to have it replaced and it took 8 weeks to come to resolution on this. Delta replaced for free, but it was difficult to contact them and get status. They did not stick to the dates - kept getting pushed out with little communication. I had to go to an authorized Delta dealer to reach anyone. -After 4-6 months operating properly, the switch no longer works...so when it's plugged in, it's powered on and running. You have to unplug it to turn it off. I still need to call to have this fixed. I assume I have a defective switch, but this is annoying especially after having a bad motor to start with. This is the 2nd Delta product I've purchased with motor problems. The other was a variable speed router - I can't recall the model number, but click on my review if you want to see it. Overall: It's a solid machine. I think I just got a lemon and when it works the way it's supposed to, it's a very good machine. Good Jointer for the serious woodworker Like most people who write these reviews, I shopped around quite a bit before I bought this jointer. My choice was nearly a tie with a Grizzly model, but the free shipping finally got me. I down-graded the rating from five stars simply because one small part (out-feed table adjustment stop nut) was found broken. It is a cast part and I think it was just a simple casting defect. I trust Delta will make it right very soon - if past experience with them is any indication. This jointer is everything 99% of the jointer-using world could ask for. From the weekend hobbyist to the serious woodworker, this machine is a very good choice. Only commercial cabinet-making shops would need more out of a jointer. The package came carefully wrapped and well protected with plenty of Styrofoam. It is easily transported in a small pick-up. Two-man lift required. Taking my time with my 12 year-old, it took two hours to assemble the jointer. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow, provided one takes their time and pays attention to detail. The jointer actually comes with all the tools you need to assemble it. Table and fence adjustments were a snap. Although not recommended by the instructions (because of the fire hazard) lacquer thinner works great in removing the rust protection that the jointer comes packed with. Squaring the cutter head knives with the table top is a slow and cumbersome procedure, but the process isn't any easier with any other brand of jointer either. Its worth the time. The clumsy handle system used to raise and lower the in-feed table isn't the greatest design (I would have preferred a threaded adjustment wheel) but you get used to it. When you consider the additional cost of machines with a wheel, you get used to it very fast. Do not be fooled by the open stand. After the nuts are all tightened, it is a very substantial and a very solid platform for the machine. BE SURE to not tighten the nuts (per the instructions) until the jointer is upright, and positioned where you want it. Dust collection works very well. This is the quietest power tool I have in my work shop. I strongly recommend this machine. | |||||||||
