Steel City Granite Jointer?

[jamie]

Does anyone have any experience with the steel city granite jointers? In particular, the 8" with helical head?

I am thinking about adding a jointer to my arsenal. I was considering one of the J/P combo machines (in particular, the hammer a3-31, or the one of the grizzly G0633/G0634 models).

I have a reasonable lunchbox planer (ridgid 12"), which I just finished making a flip-stand for, and a few extra blade sets for, so I don't feel the need to replace it. Also, the SCTW wouldn't (immediately) require a new 220 line, as I could swap with my tablesaw (where the combo's require a higher amp circuit). And the granite bed intrigues me.

Anyway... Any feedback on these models? I found a few threads on the granite fences, but nothing on the whole bed (I am guessing they are relatively new). I would love to hear any comments on them, or their brethren.

Thanks!

(in particular, this one: http://www.steelcitytoolworks.com/products_tools.cfm?section=2&category=7&tool=40660)

 

[DaveO]

No experience to offer, but I am glad to see that they are offering the jointer with granite tables, now. I think that a granite surface is a brilliant idea for woodworking machines, but when it was only offered in the fence on the jointer I thought it was quite a waste of the concept. If you have the space for the stand alone machines that would be the way I would go. The J/P combos are great on saving space but some functionality is left out as a sacrifice.
A helical or spiral head is a must, I am so happy I got one in my new 8" jointer. The cut is superior, and you don't have those pesky sharpening and alignment issues to deal with.
MTCW,
Dave

 

[jamie]

I am hoping to get out to woodcraft today or tmo to check these out. They have the 6" on the floor according to the person I spoke with. I am very interested in it.

It even has a built-in mobile base

 

[Travis Porter]

Granite beds. Sweet!

 

[jamie]

So, I went to woodcraft today. I knew that they didn't have the 8" granite in stock, but they did have a 6".

Seemed very sweet to me. The 8" with Helical Head is $1050. Unfortunately, it is backordered until the end of june

 

[PeteQuad]

When I was buying a jointer, I was very tempted by the Steel City jointer with granite fence, because it was very large (the fence) and I have a Steel City drill press I like very much. In the end it cost a bit too much for me for the features - I ended up with a Grizzly G0490x because it was a great price with the helical head.

However, with the new reduced prices on the Steel City models, I think I would probably lean in that direction.

 

[Glennbear]

I have no experience with a granite bed jointer but the limited experience I have had with my Ridgid granite topped TS has been very positive. The sheer mass dampens vibrations and no worries about warping or rust/corrosion. :wsmile: