Power Tools Reviews
Delta JT160 Shopmaster 10 Amp 6-Inch Benchtop Jointer
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 Delta Bench Jointer After much consternation and review I bought a Delta Bench top Jointer. I read the many reviews which most were negative. However, my needs were for a small jointer which I could easily move as I have a very small work space, so I decided to take the plunge. My observations follow: Fence: The reviewers were correct the fence is poorly engineered. However, mine was flat and straight. Setting the fence square the table took about 20 minutes most of which was spent getting acquainted. I was able to get it square by setting the fence on the table, tightening the fence bracket somewhat and finishing with the adjustment screw and then tighten the fence bracket fully. My fence is square to the table. I will never use the tilt option. It is easier to use the table saw for this type of cut. Table: Using a straight edge I could not find any uneven spots on the table. It appears to be flat enough for my use and standards. Chip and Dust Chute: There were many comments about poor chip disposal. I read one review were where the jointer was placed on the end of the work bench with a trash can directly under the chip chute. I used this idea and attached an "S" hook under the chip Chute and hanged a bucket under it. I did extend the top of the bucket by fitting a piece of cardboard to the top of the bucket. 95% of the chips fell into the bucket. There was less clean up than my vacuum assisted router table. Cutter Head Knives: Mine were set correctly. I have not tried to move the set screws as I believe "if it is not broke don't fix it". I will worry about that when it becomes time to change the cutter knives. Jointing and Face Planning: I was able to joint and face plane a 36" board with ease. I face planned a 5 3/4" board with no problems. I did discover that the wider the board the more speed you need. I use the 1/32 inch setting for all my jointing and face planning. Overall I am very satisfied with the tool. If your needs are similar to my with limited space and a tool which you can move with ease, then I don't think you can't wrong with the Delta Bench Jointer. However, if you are in the Norm Abrams class of wood worker don't waste your money- buy a full size jointer.  Nice little jointer to get by with Almost 4 stars. This is a nice little jointer if you work on very small projects AND don't have a lot of space in your workshop. I would love to have the nicer (but larger) JT360 in my shop as an upgrade some day, as I think it would be a better value (even though it is a little more money than the benchtop JT160). I have my benchtop jointer set at about 2-1/2 on the speed setting for most 3/4" thick material, and often clamp it in a portable work stand (with an adjustable top) in the middle of my garage.  A Good Benchtop Jointer I had no problem with this benchtop jointer. I have very limited space in my shop so it is just right for me. Some people who have written bad reviews about this benchtop jointer recommend buying a full sized unit instead. I wish they would come look at my shop and tell me where I should put a full size jointer. good first jointer if you are looking for your first jointer for a small shop, this is the machine for you. i know that personally, i will outgrow the shopmaster quickly, but space and money restraints made this a second choice over the full-sized models. no complaints as to the abilities of this jointer. | |||||||||
