I'm considering buying a nearly new Powermatic 60HH jointer that features an 8" helical cutting head, but it has a traditional dovetail setup, not the parallelogram design. The price is a steal at around $700 less than retail prices for new machines. As a hobbyist with access to rough sawn hardwood from my farm, I'm wondering if I'll regret not waiting for the parallelogram model, which is more expensive. Should I just grab this deal or explore other brands like Grizzly instead?
3 Answers
Dovetail jointers are definitely reliable! You shouldn't regret buying the one you're looking at. Just keep an eye on the cutting width and table length, as that might be where you feel limited in the future.
Dovetails work great as long as everything stays adjusted. Just make sure the fence is set to 90 degrees and check that it stays that way. If the Powermatic is a good deal at under $2,300, I say go for it!
If you're getting a Powermatic with a helical head at a good price, that's a score! Machines aren't getting cheaper, and you can always sell it later if your needs change.