Feedback on Harbor Freight Jointers

[yellofins]

I was given a "New in the box" 6" jointer by a friend as a thank you for helping him with some work. It is one of the Central Machinery jointers sold by Harbour Freight for $289.00.
I'm looking for tips and pointer from any problems these units may have.
I did assemble the unit and after getting through the cryptic Chineese instructions, the unit actually worked.
I was surprised with the finish and alignment of the beds.
They were level and true without any adjustment.
I will have to order new cranks to replace the plastic ones and a better blade guard.
Any known pitfalls with these units?
thanks,
yellofins aka ron

 

[DaveO]

I don't think that there is any "pitfalls" with any free tools. Nice stealth gloat BTW. The only problem I see with the HF jointer is the end mounted fence. I had an old 4" Shopsmith jointer that's fence mounted at the end of the infeed table, I got a lot of deflection at the blade end. But the HF may be made more stout, then you wouldn't have any problems.
My .02, Dave

 

[D L Ames]

Nice score Ron.:icon_thum Its great to get gifts like that in exchange for work even if nothing was expected. Having never owned a HF jointer I can't offer you any advice...........other than You Suck!:lol:

D L

 

[gator]

I don't think that there is any "pitfalls" with any free tools. Nice stealth gloat BTW. The only problem I see with the HF jointer is the end mounted fence. I had an old 4" Shopsmith jointer that's fence mounted at the end of the infeed table, I got a lot of deflection at the blade end. But the HF may be made more stout, then you wouldn't have any problems.
My .02, Dave

I have often heard that comment. I really wonder if it is really a problem. When you use a hand plane, you generally skew it to cut at an angle, one of the ways to reduce snipe on a planer is to feed the board at an angle (skewed). If this is true, then skewing the board across the jointer knives is good. The end mounted fence that deflects a little just helps the process. As long as the fence remains vertical to the bed, the deflection may be a good thing.

George

 

[yellofins]

The end mounted fence seems to be solid.
I use my setup squares to check square down the lenth of the fence and it is perfect.
I cannot deflect it by pushing on it so I hope I never have to force a board hard enough to flex it.
I have found better blades for it when these get dull. It uses a standard size knife.
I'm jointing a bunch of rubberwood tomorrow so I'll have a better idea of how it works.
I'm just worried that this gift will turn out like the time share that was given to me.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[sapwood]

Yep, I got feedback.

YOU SUCK!

Sapwood

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

what model jointer is it from harbor freight? Also, no pics, it didn't happen!!! :slap: I will reserve my congratulations for when a picture of said jointer pops up on my screen :eusa_danc

 

[Travis Porter]

You will deflect it. I have no doubt about that. I have an 8" Delta DJ-20 and I can deflect it with 8/4 boards. IMO, it is because the fence is not braced the entire length. Isn't a big deal, but it is something to be aware of.

 

[cpowell]

"If a jointer is received as a gift and there's no pics, does it make a gloat?"

Good philosophical question to ponder.

Nice stealth pre-gloat for sure!

Chuck

BTW let me know if your friend needs some help next weekend. Does he have a new router? :lol:

 

[Travis Porter]

No pics, didn't happen, no gloat.

 

[McRabbet]

Picless = gloatless = suckless....

 

[yellofins]

can I get my You Suck reinstated now.......

 

[NCPete]

ok, now YOU SUCK

 

[D L Ames]

Its official now Ron.............YOU SUCK!!!!:lol: Great price on the tool too.

D L

 

[jeff...]

wow looks like you got a case of tool envy going on. Did I mention
YOU REALLY SUCK!

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

nice looking jointer! YOU SUCK!!!

 

[McRabbet]

PICs = GLOATage = SUCKage!

Rob

 

[NCPete]

...sadly, my Duke Blue Devil men lost, but maybe the Duke women will win the NCAA Ladies Tournament!

had been waiting for that for a day and a half, now.....

 

[sapwood]

Hmm, free tools

Considering depreciation, you'll have to pay someone if you decide to sell it:lol:

:crybaby2::crybaby2::crybaby2::crybaby2:I want a jointer!
Sapwood

 

[McRabbet]

had been waiting for that for a day and a half, now.....

I'm sure you noticed the red tear in the Blue Devil's eye before I went back to my Great Pyrenees avatar (my dog Badger was starting to complain that he wasn't getting enough web time)!

Rob