Best Benchtop jointer?

I was in your shoes a few years ago ... oddly enough, craftsman. They were the only ones who made a cast iron EVERYTHING (base, tables, fence) 6 1/8" jointer. Lowes sells one that has some cast iron, but some of it's aluminum, too. That delta variable speed one, i've heard, is kind of a lemon - the whole thing's aluminum and it's just too lightweight.

Here's the one i had: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921788000P

I sold it about a year later because i was doing projects that really needed longer beds. That jointer would do okay with parts shorter than 36" or so. Maybe a little longer.
 
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I have the Delta that Jason didn't care for. It has been a nice little unit within a benchtop jointer's abilities. I love the variable speed and it is light enough to lift to wherever you plan to use it and heavy enough to stay there resting on a sanding / routing mat; no clamps required.
 
I have the Delta that Jason didn't care for. It has been a nice little unit within a benchtop jointer's abilities. I love the variable speed and it is light enough to lift to wherever you plan to use it and heavy enough to stay there resting on a sanding / routing mat; no clamps required.

You make a good point, glenn. The weight of the craftsman was a huge issue. I actually had to build a dedicated stand for it because moving it was just rediculous. May as well have just got a stationary one. How are your aluminum beds holding up?
 
How are your aluminum beds holding up?

I keep the beds and the fence waxed and have no wear problems at all. This was a concern of mune as well. I had some issues out of the box with the cut and at first blamed my novice technique or the tool and almost fell into buyer's remorse. Then thanks to the forum, I gained a little knowledge and checked a few things. After shimming the front right corner of one of the beds ever so slightly, my problem was solved. Either that or I just suddenly got better (yeah, right).
 
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I keep the beds and the fence waxed and have no wear problems at all. This was a concern of mune as well. I had some issues out of the box with the cut and at first blamed my novice technique or the tool and almost fell into buyer's remorse. Then thanks to the forum, I gained a little knowledge and checked a few things. After shimming the front right corner of one of the beds ever so slightly, my problem was solved. Either that or I just suddenly got better (yeah, right).

Hehe

Good to hear a favorable report. I completely spouted off on my impression but may not have considered all factors. That delta machine sounds like it's a fine machine!

I always wondered if the variable speed would see much use, too. Do you ever use any speed besides "WEEE!!!"?
 
I don't think you'll be dissatisfied, Kerry. It's not gonna joint 6' long boards, and it weighs a ton, but I never had a single issue with mine while I had it. I used it like crazy and only went through one set of knives. If i see the guy I sold it to, I'll ping him on how it's doing. He's had it almost 2 years now
 
If you're in a pinch for space, you can use your router table to joint edges. I've done it quite successfully for several years now. With a good blade, you can also use your table saw. I just saw an article on it in one of my mags. Use a sacrificial fence like that for cutting rabbets. Glue plastic laminate to the outfeed half of the fence and adjust thte blade so that it is level with the outfeed half. Should work quite well.
 
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