Features

• 1 HP, 120/240-volt induction motor
• Enclosed stand, dust collector connector
• Center-mounted fence, 3-knife cutterhead, cutterhead guard, push blocks
• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories

Reviews (14)

Very good for the price
My jointer arrived via ABF Freight about a week after I ordered it. Assembly was easy, took about an hour. As with any power tool, the initial setup is critical - on jointers, adjusting the outfield table to match the blade height is most important. The outfield table adjustment on this machine is not as smooth as I would like (hence the 4 stars instead of 5), but after adjusting and testing a few times I was able to get it set perfectly. My other (small) issue is the difficulty aligning the pulley and setting belt tension at the same time; Delta uses a double-slot motor adjustment that is not optimal, but is doable. The dust chute can clog if you are not using a dust collection system, so if you start the machine and chips start flying out from under the cutter head guard, it's clogged up -you can reach up the chute and pull out the clog farily easily (with it off of course). Overall however, for the price, it's a good unit.

Deltas 37-275X Xcellent jointer
Purchased this jointer over a Jet. Assembly was easy and the directions precise no missing parts. Degreasing the machine was a bear dont be afraid to spare the brake clean and shop rags. Set up after assembly was not bad. Belt alignment was a little tough because the motor moves up and down and laterally at the same time, but after first blood no problem. The fence was easily squared to table and the fence adjustments are simple and work well. The tables are flat to within acceptable tolerances (.005). The outfeed table was a bit tough to adjust, the adjustment wheel was difficult to move but once freed up the adjustment went quick. The knives from the factory were set perfectly. Once switched on you can hardly tell this machine is running. Smooth cuts are effortless and I have plowed through 16/4 maple and cherry with fine results. When working with 3/4 or 4/4 stock this machine isn't even breathing and the edging is flawless. I just completed two cherry tables and it is hard to tell were the joints are. I have had great results with up to 8' long stock for any thing over this the tables are short and snipe a bit. Overall it is worth the price and I do recommend this jointer, how can you miss with a five year warranty. My shop has a variety of tools and I will consider Delta for my next purchase.

Can you spell cheaply made junk?
I made the mistake of buying a Delta product thinking that there was some quality behind the name.

Wrong.

Out of the box it became apparent that the equipment was sub standard, the paint on the cabinet was stained, the edges of the machined surfaces were chipped and the fit and feel of the geared parts was rough.

I have not tried to use the equipment yet, sill thinking about returning it and buying a better quality item.

You have to wonder if the companies that market products in the US will ever stop placing profit over quality. Obviously Delta Woodworking Tools has not!

I had been looking at a high-end cabinet saw and after getting a load of this Delta Jointer, there is no way that I would even consider wasting my money on one made by this company.

Surfacing Boards in Under 90 Minutes
This jointer has forced me to reconsider my opinion of Delta tools. I've long suspected that Delta made some great products, but you had to take out a second mortgage to afford them. My experience with their lower priced tools has been less than satisfactory to say the least, but they've changed my mind with this jointer. The Amazon price is very competative with most of the Taiwanese brands, especially if you use supersaver shipping, and the quality and design are noticebly better.

The jointer arrived in good condition 10 days after I placed my order. Like many of you, I couldn't wait to use it. During assembly I quickly noticed build quility and design features that set it appart from the no-name jointers I had used in my buddies shops. The best feature, however, was that I had surfaced my first board just an hour and fifteen minutes after starting!

My Dewalt benchtop planer is the only tool I've ever purchased that was properly adjusted from the factory, but the 37-275X was as close as can be expected for a tool that requires assembly. The positive stops for the fench were the only thing I adjusted. The knives were a few thousandths out from one end to another, though consistent for all three. Normally, I would have tried to adjust this out, but I was curious to see what affect it would have on a board. I surfaced two sides of a 4/4 x 5" piece of pine and I couldn't detect a problem with my best straight edge and square. I'll be adjusting them soon enough as they wear from use, so I'm going to leave them as-is for now.

I may have gotten lucky, but I've never been more satisfied with a tool purchase.

Mine had problems, decided to return
Unfortunately, my 6" X5 jointer started off in bad shape. The motor would only spin up half the time. I adjusted belt tension and pulley alignment properly with no improvement. The fence was off by .008" after all possible adjustments. The fence handles never tightened properly, just spun in the cast iron. There were a few other more minor issues. Delta directed me to a local repair shop to fix the motor. This shop wanted me to load the entire machine instead of just swapping the motor so I decided that if I was loading it up I would do it once and return it. I own other Delta products that I am very happy with and plan to buy one of their drill presses this week. But, for this tool I decided to replace this jointer with the Jet unit which is working great. Given all the positive reviews of this jointer, I can understand if this was a one-off bad unit that I got. Hope it works out better for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Small shop? Limited budget? That doesn't mean you have to give up onowning a jointer. This Shopmaster model is perfect for either situation but still packsfeatures for precision woodworking. Variable speed offers 6,000 to 11,000 rpm,adjustable at the touch of a dial; infeed and outfeed tables adjust smoothly and easily.Though the 30-inch bed is shorter than stationary models, you aren't losing anything inwidth, because the JT160's cutting capacity is a full 6-1/8 inches. The fence, shorter andlighter, of course, than stationary models, tilts 0 to 45 degrees outward for beveling andchamfering operations. Positive stops are at 45 and 90 degrees. One sure advantage overits big brothers: the JT160 weighs just 35 pounds. Its cutterhead uses two knives ratherthan three, and the knives level with an easy-to-adjust jackscrew. Rubber base pads keepthis little fellow where you want him, and if you want a permanent home for it, a stand isavailable. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 10-amp, 120-volt motor for smooth, powerful cutting action
• Center-mounted fence adjusts quickly and easily for less down time
• Easy to adjust infeed table for fast set up
• Extra large table to support stock up to a full 6" wide

Reviews (31)

Not Bad if You're Patient
In large part because of other reviewers' comments regarding their problems, I purchased this unit from a local supplier (sorry, Amazon). When I got it home and examined it, I found that both the infeed and outfeed tables were about 1/32 inch high in their respective centers. I called Delta customer service, and they told me that they didn't recommend my installing replacement tables myself, and that they were back ordered anyway. They suggested I return it to my local supplier, which I did the next day. My supplier sent it to the Delta factory service center across town. Three and a half weeks later, I still did not have a jointer. It turns out that the Delta factory service center couldn't get the replacement tables either.

My supplier brought in a complete replacement jointer for me, and we opened the box and checked the tables with a square. They were dead on. To be fair, the Delta technician said that he hadn't seen one of these "with bad tables right out of the box for some time now", and the first unit I got was a floor model that could have been sitting there for some time.

I agree with the other reviewers. The fence adjustment mechanism is laughable. It makes setting the fence to any angle at all VERY difficult, but with about 20 minutes of work I got it set to 90 degrees - where I plan to leave it!

Once past these little tribulations, the results the jointer produces are excellent. I'm just a wood hacking hobbyist and probably don't have "professional" expectations, but I'm very happy with what this little unit does for me.

Delta JT160 Shopmaster 6" Bench Top Jointer
ASSEMBLY: Assembly was straightforward and took less than 30 minutes.

SETUP: Blade alignment was acceptable out of the box. The infeed table indicator had a large error but was easily adjusted.

PROs and CONs: I've never used a jointer before, and it took a little while to get the hang of this machine. Performance was everything I had hoped for. But like most other Delta Shopmaster tools I've purchased, it's lacking attention to details. The speed control knob does not line up with the indicators and cannot be adjusted without loosening the control. Also, the blade exposure indicator is located forward of the exposed blade area. Finally, the fence has a very slight warp. Although other reviewers found it difficult to align the fence, I was able to adjust it easily by holding an engineer's square snugly against the fence while tightening the clamp.

NO, NO, NO!!!
This is NOT, IMHO, worth what it cost to manufacture the styrofoam it's packaged in. That fence drove me nuts, and plan on spending 1/2 hour trying (KEYWORD) to align it. I'm surprisd that Delta selected such a poor choice of materials for this Unit.

Save your money and buy either the next Unit up (I believe that is the 360?) and while it's twice the price you're getting 10X the quality. Likewise Ridgid's new Jointer: $399 and worth every cent.

You can spend $200 now on a cheaply made design or 2X and have a cast iron Unit that'll last you a lifetime.

Just my .02 (about the worth of the Delta JT-160).

I'd give it several "Negative" Stars as a rating but unfortunately, it's not an option.

OK for what it costs
I purchased this hoping I would be lucky enough to get flat tables, but willing to have it fixed if not. Well, that would be "not". Oh well. I wanted a light portable jointer that I could set up for a 90 degree fence, 1/32" depth of cut, and leave it there forever. The fence is a bit of a pain to set, but is reasonably stable when it's set, and with the aluminum tables it's light enough to easily move into and out of use. I will be dropping it by the service center (not too far away for me, luckily) to get new tables while I'm out of town anyway, so aside from the hassle of driving to and from, I'll have a hand-tuned, light jointer when I'm done. For the price, I guess that's fair.

Excellent choice for the Jobsite!
I've noticed with all delta tools, half seem to be pieces of crap and the other half seem to be real good quality.
This tool does just what I need it to do when i'm out on the job site. It's lightweight and compact, so I have no trouble fitting it into the truck. I've found it especially useful when installing kitchen cabinets.
However if i'm in the workshop I wouldn't even look at this tool. You definetly need a good quality floor model....I would recomend the Powermatic. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

When you're ready to step up to the professional woodworking scene, this jointer from Delta helps design your calling card. Materials up to 8 inches wide glide across the cast-iron infeed and outfeed tables. The fence adjusts with rack-and-pinion precision, beveling 45 degrees in and out with positive stops at 90 and 45 degrees to give you the angle your work demands. We appreciate the easy height-adjustment lever that keeps the guide close to the three-blade drum--no matter what the position--through its 1/2-inch range via a parallelogram support structure. Delta realizes the use of heavy machinery carries a great risk of injury; consequently, they designed this jointer with a large, easily accessible on/off paddle switch at shoulder height on the right side. Driven by a 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor for use with a built-in dust collector port, this jointer will complement any woodshop. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• 1-1/2-horsepower, single-phase motor delivers 16,500 cuts per minute for a smooth finish
• Extra-long 42-inch infeed table for supporting long work
• Cast-iron fence tilts 45 degrees in and out with positive stops for easy set up
• Built-in rabbeting ledge allows cuts up to 5/8 of an inch deep

Reviews (19)

Smile every time I use it
I purchased the DJ20 locally, and hauled it home in my station wagon. It was a chore to haul into the shop, but once up on the mobile base it moves around nicely. Decided to wire up a 220 volt outlet rather than run it on 110, which I think helps it start faster. The tool was in great shape, no dings or scratches, and it set up easily, once the preservative stuff was cleaned off. I too was disapointed with the lack of a dust collection port. The response I received from the Delta rep, after complaining, was that Delta left it off, because there were as many people who wanted a 4 inch port, as wanted a 6 or 8 inch. They couldn't satisfy everyone, so they left it off. I was a little disapointed with the primative ablilty to set specific angles with the fence, but once locked down, it seems to stay put. I have done a number of 45 degree joints and they turned out perfect time after time.
I found the machine to be extremely smooth and quiet, no vibration at all, in contrast to some of the other reviews. All I hear is a gentle hummmmm. The cut is clean with no hints of cyclic machining marks. I also regularly use it for small rabbets, on the order of 3/8 inch with no troubles, again in contrast to earlier reviews. I really like the parallogram setup for depth adjustment. I am always playing with depth of cut depending on whether I am just starting with rough wood, or taking my final cut. All I do is unlock, raise or lower the lever, and relock. It takes only a second or so. Everything comes out really FLAT. I know the table is long, but I sill use infeed and outfeed supports for really long boards. I looked at, and ran a number of boards through the Jet, Powermatic, Grizzley and Delta gib based 8 inch jointers before purchasing this one and after almost a year of use still feel I made the right decision. I really do find myself smiling after using it and having it perform as I expected. I would buy it again.

Poor Customer Service
I bought the jointer through Amazon/Tool Crib. Amazon was great - no problems at all. I had initial concerns about how I would get this heavy machine off the truck once it arrived. Consolidated freightways was excellent and couldn't have been more helpful. During the assembly process, I noticed that the jointer tilt gauge had been sheared in half. This is a cheap aluminum part on the fence. The fence was packaged under the heavy jointer and probably sustained the damage there (in crate). I called Delta for a replacement and didn't find them to be particularly concerned. They told me they would send me the part in a week. I called back after ten days and have now been told that it will be another week (I got the impression that this is a standard line). You would think that when you invest [so much] in a product that they would be a little more responsive and concerned than that. This has certainly given me cause to think about future Delta purchases.

Industry Standard
There are three primary requirements that all jointers must meet. 1. The in feed and out feed tables must be perfectly parallel. 2. The fence must form a right angle along it's entire length across both tables (if it doesn't form a right angle there's not much hope in getting it to work at other angles). And finally, 3. The in feed and out feed tables must be long to facilitate accurate straitening of lumber prior to being run through a thickness planer. All of these factors are met and in many ways exceeded by the Delta DJ 20. I've owned mine for 15 years and I can attest that this is the best jointer I have ever used. I've owned two combination jointer thickness planers in the past and neither of these machines came close to the DJ 20 for accuracy in jointing lumber. The mechanisms for either removing or lifting the joiner tables out of the way to use combination machines as a thickness planer effect the accuracy of the jointer tables, regardless of how well or heavily built these machines are (one of my combination machines was a 20" jointer / thicknesser and weighed almost 2000 lbs., horrible jointer, constant problems with table and fence alignment). I would never recommend combination machines to anyone other than a casual weekend warrior with very little workshop space.

The 8 inch capacity may seem limiting, but in reality this is not an issue. The parallelogram mechanism for both the in feed and out feed tables is superior to anything I've ever seen and it makes altering the depth of cut a snap. This machine is a beast as far as weight but a jointer needs to be heavy... really heavy. Nothing is more frustrating than a lightweight jointer "walking away" from you as you try and straighten lumber. My previous shop was in a basement, the DJ 20 slid down the stairs (with three people controlling it) like a dream. However, getting it out was interesting and took four strong men (three at the bottom pushing and one at the top pulling), ramps, dollies, tie down straps and a healthy amount of grunting... it was a miracle the three of us behind the machine came out alive.

One recommendation I would make for anyone considering the purchase of this machine is to get the mobile base. You may have the luxury of a permanent location for this machine, but the mobile base makes moving this monster so much easier. The mobile base also means someone is not reefing on your perfectly aligned in feed and out feed tables to get it to budge. Others have mentioned a problem with vibration. Mine had this issue when I first bought it, but I corrected this by ensuring that the motor and cutter head pulleys are in alignment. Dust collection is not an issue but don't buy the Delta attachment, as others have indicated it is for a 5" diameter hose. Instead buy a $5.00 plastic one and screw it to the cabinet, works just as well if not better.

When I purchased mine it was made in Brazil by Invicta. I'm not sure where the current models are made, but if Delta was smart they would not mess with something that was basically perfect and a standard piece of woodworking equipment in any shop dealing with solid wood. Highly recommended.

One great machine
Without getting technical, I will sum this machine up by simply saying that after one year of regular use, my DJ-20 has performed flawlessly, completing every task I have asked of it to perfection. I could not be happier with it. I've straightened and flatenned many boards with it and I enjoy using it immensely...it is a true pleasure to use and own. I would buy it again and highly recommend it without reservation.

Watch Out!
The stand that accompanies this tool is not necessarily made in America - don't let them tell you otherwise. The base and motor are also manufactured in China. I called Delta and Amazon specifically to ask if the stand and motor were manufactured in the US and they said yes. I asked who made the motor for the 37-350 and they told me one of two american companies. Wrong. I now have paint chipping off of a stand purportedly made in the USA which has "Manufactured in China" printed plainly and clearly on the plates. I give Delta customer service a 1, the base a 2, the motor a 1, and the jointer a 5, resulting in a very favorable score of 2 stars. I buy products made in America, well, I did. WATCH OUT!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Here’s a top-of-the-line jointer that’s equally comfortable in the professional’s shop or the home woodworking workshop. Its weight offers the stability the professionals and dedicated woodworker demand, and you can’t help but admire its bounty of high-end features. Our favorite feature is probably the extra-long infeed table, at a remarkable 42 inches. Like others in its class, it has three cutterheads, rather than two, but unlike others we’ve used, these knives adjust quickly and easily, thanks to Delta’s jackscrew arrangement. The 5-inch-high fence tilts smoothly and easily, and the rabbeting ledge makes a nice generous 5/8 max rabbet. You won’t be short on power with the 1-1/2 horse single phase motor that’s completely enclosed in the cabinet, where it stays clear of shavings and sawdust. We like the placement of the power controls, right where you need them should you have to shut down quickly. The bed is smooth as glass, and using it is an absolute pleasure.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Center locking fence
• 3-knife cutterhead module
• Cutterhead guard with wrenches
• Rabbeting ledge, tilting fence
• Push blocks and two pulleys

Reviews (3)

I should have bought this jointer in the first place!
This jointer is priced at the high end of the 8" class - a fact I had to come to terms with before I finally made the "plunge". In my mind, I've always downplayed the role of a good jointer until I started serious woodworking last year. When I set up my shop I purchased a 6" jointer with a short bed, in an attempt to save some money. I've wanted a larger, more precise jointer ever since then. After quite a bit of deliberation, I finally decided not to risk another disapointment and purchased the X5.

Be ware - watch who you listen to. A salesperson at one of the local woodworking stores told me that the X5 units were made in the USA to tighter tolerances than the standard units. I can't speak for the tolerances but, my X5 was not made in the USA and it turned out that their floor model wasn't either!

The main jointer casting was crated and packed extremely well. The base was cardboard boxed with little packing, making the sheet metal easily subject to shipping damage. Fortunately, mine made it through the shipping process just fine.

I did have to work out one problem: I noticed a large "knot" at drive belt, at the seam/joint when I first assembled the unit. The knot in the belt contributed to an extremely high vibration. I installed one of those red link belts. I'd read about their ability to drastically reduce vibration and folks who use them, swear by them. Again - I'm a believer! Nearly all the vibration went away after installing the new belt.

As I said, I haven't measured the tolerances but I am pleased with how this jointer operates. In my mind, it's been worth the cost to move up to this unit.

A new favorite in my workshop
I own several woodworking machines by Delta, Powermatic and others. This is one machine, however, that I really felt compelled to write a review on. I recently upgraded to this machine from a Delta 37-195 6" Professional Jointer which I was, for the most part, very happy with. I made the switch for two reasons; length of the infeed/outfeed tables and weight of the unit. At only 200+ pounds, the 6" jointer had a tendency of not staying in its place when edge jointing larger boards and securing it permanently to the floor in my basement shop was not an option. The only real issue with the DJ-20 was getting it into a basement workshop based on its bulky size and overall weight of around 500lbs. This was done with 3 people and a large capacity appliance dolly. With minimal setup time, I was absolutely amazed at the difference between this jointer and the 6" Delta I was used to. Overall, depth adjustments are much simpler and more accurate, due to the smoothness at which the infeed table moves. The accuracy and power of this machine makes even face jointing 8" hardwood stock a simple task. The amount of chipout as compared to other jointers is minimal. I am amazed at how quickly I can square up a board to a near perfect 90 degrees EVERY time no matter how rough the stock initially was. The bottom line is that I purchased this mahcine for its weight and infeed/outfeed length, but ended up with the larger capacity and an entirely new level of accuracy. The possibilities that this jointer have opened up to me will bring my woodworking to the next level. The free mobile base (mail in coupon included with the unit) is a great feature as well.

Top of the line
I have only had this jointer a short time, but it is great. It will face surface full 8" wide boards effortlessly. Edge joints are exactly 90. Proper setup takes some time and you will need someone to help you lift the jointer onto the stand. Overall, it is a great jointer. I would purchase it again. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The first time you run a workpiece through this jointer, you'll know thesatisfaction that precision brings. You'll be surfacing pieces as wide as 6-1/8 inches witha maximum pass depth of 1/8 inch over a 2-1/2-inch, three-blade cutterhead. If you'veused a benchtop jointer in the past, you'll love stepping up to the JT360, with its 46-inchbed and 4-7/8-inch fence that tilts to 45 degrees--in and out--for beveling and chamfering.Positive stops are at 45 and 90 degrees. The bed is cast iron, and the infeed and outfeedtables operate smoothly on the gibbed dovetail ways. What's nice about moving up to thismodel is its 1/2-inch rabbeting capacity, perfect for picture frame moldings and lots ofother projects. We're even impressed with the stand's solid, wide footprint andcomfortable 33-inch height. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Heavy duty 3/4-horsepower, 115/23-Volt, single-phase induction-type motor
• Cast iron wedge bed design for solid support with fully adjustable infeed and outfeed tables that operate on gibbed dovetail ways to compensate for wear
• Lever-actuated infeed table, with lock handle, for quick, easy height adjustment
• Removable on-off switch to prevent unauthorized use of machine

Reviews (9)

Outstanding
I took this machine home, had it set up in an hour or two and was on my way (TAKE YOUR TIME). I decided to really put it
to the test by face jointing two 5' lengths of 6" wide jatoba (brazilian cherry... One of the hardest woods in the
world). This machine was able to smoothly take 1/8 inch from the jatoba with one pass for a perfect joint. Also,
out of the box this jointer was perfectly configured. Fence was right on, infeed and outfeeds were perfect as
well as absolutely flat. Since this test, I've used the jointer extensively and am still using the factory blade edges.
Another "should-mention" is the fact that there is absolutely no vibration at all, and this is with the standard poly v-belt.
I just can't say anything negative about this jointer. One of my most confident and satisfied purchases yet!

Rick Hogue
I purchased this jointer about 6 weeks ago and I'm returning it to Lowe's tomorrow. First, this thing vibrates so bad when running there's no way it could make a smooth cut. I adjusted the belt several times, no help. Second, it wouldn't cut a straight line for anything. I checked all the settings, everything is right on, blades are the right height, tables are parallel, everything is as it should be. It just won't make a straight edge and the more you run the piece through the more concave it gets. I even ran a perfectly straight piece through it and it did the same to it. The tables are out of flatness a little but not enough to cause this I wouldn't think. At least I don't have to dissassemble it before I return it. Think I'll give Jet a try.

Still building...
This takes a little time to assemble. As a favor to other purchasers of this unit, I am recommending the following. Be sure and have on-hand a good socket set w/ 12-14mm sockets and an extension; preferably one of those hinged automotive ones. Small wrenches are included, but I have absolutely NO idea how one would accomplish final tightening of all bolts w/out a socket. Also, be sure and read thru the steps, then think them thru and reorganize them. If you simply followed steps exactly as laid out in the manual, you would end uo covering up important bolts that are used in later steps for adjustment. My two cents. Can't wait to get it running. Along w/ the Delta mobile base, this has become a significant assembly project. My table saw was nuttin' by comparison... I give 4 stars because everything is there, nothing is busted, and the unit is built like a brick latrine. WHile a long-time Amazon customer, I too bought this at WW. Their price is presently a hundred dollars less than toolcrib.

good machine for the price
Purchased this machine at woodworkerswarehouse. They had on sale for $349.00 and got 10% off that with credit card purchase. ($317.27) Not bad. Of course when I got everything together on the machine a small piece of the outfeed table adjuster was cracked and useless. Took everything back to the store even though I live near a Delta store and they took it back with no problem. Got a brand new machine with no questions asked. The machine is great to use and have no problems as of yet.

JT360
I just purchased this jointer on the weekend, and have only had time to set it up and make a quick test cut. The set-up took me a couple of hours alone, and I had help lifting the jointer body onto the stand. All of the parts were there, and nothing is missing. There is a lot of grease on the table and blades so it can be a bit messy getting everything assembled.
The price of this unit was a pretty good deal. As an average home woodworker I expect it to last a very long time. I wish it was 1hp instead of 3/4, but I don't know yet if that will make a huge difference for me.
I ran a piece of maple through it an was very impressed by the clean, true edge that was produced. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 1 1/2-hp induction motor for powerful cutting
• Large cast iron 72-inch infeed and outfeed tables to support longer stock
• Will handle a full 8 inch wide work piece for face jointing
• Center-mounted fence for easy adjustment

Reviews (11)

An Aircraft Carrier in the garage
...P>The jointer was very well packaged and would likely suvive an around the world trip with no problems. Steel tubing embedded in the styrofoam packaging ensured this.

Setup took about 4 hours, most of it spent cleaning protective grease and inspecting parts. It was an easy process requiring the assistance of at least one other fit person to place the jointer on its stand. I'd recommend four total people do this lifting to do it safely and easily. Only one issue was found. The pulley on the motor was found to have excessive runout, and Delta quickly shipped me another under warranty.

Tha machine works beautifully once assembled and aligned. Only minor adjustments were needed, and the knives were set perfectly out of the box. I have no dust collection connected to this unit yet, and it creates massive piles of chips.

As a test, I face jointed an 8" piece of Walnut with some figure at one end and the machine created a perfectly flat, smooth surface in two passes. Edge jointing went very well also with the massive infeed and fence system.

I am very glad I decided on this machine. It compares favorably price-wise with Jet models, and much cheaper than Powermatic. The American made motor is very quiet and powerful.

Overall a great machine, and I gave it a 4, but the bent pulley is all that kept it from being a five.

DJ20 too expensive? Consider this one...
If you talk to anyone with a six inch jointer, they will most likely tell you: a) they don't know how they got along without it, and b) they wish they had a 8 inch machine. I do woodworking solely as a hobby, but was considering Deltas top of the line DJ20 8" jointer when they released this wedge bed unit in the fall of 1999. Although not cheap, it should fit the budget of many serious woodworkers looking for a larger 8" jointer. The benefit of the lager machine is not only the ability to face joint boards wider than 6", but the long tables as well. The motor and stand are built here in the USA while the top unit is assembled in China. I was concerned about its Chinese origin at first but haven't had any problems thus far (expect to have a couple of strong friends help you lift the upper unit onto the base, it's H-E-A-V-Y). It has a huge rack and pinion fence (slightly larger than the DJ20 even) and I really like the location of the on/off switch on a raised pedestal. The outfeed table is locked in position by a smallish looking screw but seems to hold its adjustment just fine (that's my only dislike about the machine). The cutterhead has a jackscrew knife adjustment like any other top of the line jointer. Some people don't like lever adjustments for the infeed table, but I can easily and quickly set mine in increments of 1/64 " and prefer the convenience of a lever over a wheel (the outfeed table is adjusted by a wheel for precise alignment with the blades). A bit of advice: The fence guide rail sticks out quite a bit, and can be a bit of a hazard when rolling the machine around on a mobile base. The cap from the leg of an old ironing board fits over it perfectly and offers a little bit of protection. I was even able to get a brand new cap at a very well stocked hardware where I live (Turner Hardware in Dallas). If you desire an 8" machine, this one is well worth the money. If money is no object, look at the DJ20...

An Adventure in Assembly
I picked up the unit at the truck terminal because their forklift could load it on a pickup which can be backed up to the shop door. No shipping damage whatsoever that I could see. The mobile base was a big help. We set up the base cabinet and mobile base first and then took everything except the jointer out of the long box. We slit the box sides and were able to turn the jointer on its side to clean it up and get rid of the styrofoam. Using cardboard, we slid it from the truck bed onto the base to save on lifting. Uh oh, the motor was supposed to be mounted at the factory;It was not and hard to get to as well. The manual and pics say to adjust the belt tension with the motor mounts--not true. The frame bars are moved, not the motor mounts. Never could get the spring on the guard to tension and will ask for a replacement for that. Just a simple adjustment to square the fence at 90 deg to the table. The tables were in perfect alignment as were the knives. I had a scrap piece of alder bowed on 2 sides. The jointer took almost all of the bow out before I decided to cut a few inches off the ends. All 4 sides are smooth as glass. Even though the beast is made in China, it's very good quality compared to some of my other machines made there. I'm very happy with it and would have given 5 stars if the motor had been installed and the manual written correctly. Yes, I read the manual and think that it should be written correctly and the pictures, too. The machine is very stable on the mobile base which is really a heavy duty model. I did buy mine from ToolCrib via phone because I had some questions which were answered okay. This is a much better place to write reviews rather than trying to search for them on the various woodworking forums. It's oh so much easier to find the reviews here than other places. Hope y'all will help us out with your review as well. Thanks!
Update: I got a replacement spring for the guard assembly in less than 24 hrs. from Delta. Now that's service!

Rock solid and worth the money
I have had my DJ-380 for about 8 months and have nothing but praise for it.
It was packed well and arrived in great condition. I did feel as though I had pulled a double shift at the local Jiffy Lube by the time I removed all the grease and oil from the machine.
Assembly was straight forward and easy.
I never had to contact Delta on this machine, however, when I did contact them in the past, I always found them very helpful and prompt.
The dust collection system could use some improvment - only gets rid of about half the chips.
Adjustments are easy and precise and the location on the off/on switch is great.
I would recommend this machine in a heartbeat.

I only wish I could report to you.
Unforutnately I can't tell you how this jointer works. The second time I turned it on after assembly, the motor burned out. An extremely surly and unsympathetic woman at Delta told me I had to detach the motor and take it to an approved repair store 40 miles away. The last repair job I entrusted to this outlet took three months. So, I sit with an unusable piece of equipment and am out the money to boot. Wish I had gone for the Powermatic.
An update: It took six weeks to get the new motor. When I hooked it back up, someone had cut away some of the power cord so I had to rig an extension to get the on/off switch to fit the support arm. The jointer works fine now, but what an ordeal! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

For those seeking a midsize jointer for the long haul, this 6-inch model is a great find suitable for the professional workplace or serious home woodshop. Powered by Delta's trusted 1-horsepower induction motor, the three-blade drum spins quietly in its cast-iron bed. Adjusting with rack-and-pinion precision, the fence tilts 45 degrees in and out with positive stops at 90 and 45 degrees for beveling and chamfering applications. Delta realizes the use of heavy machinery carries a great risk of injury; consequently, they designed this jointer with a large, easily accessible on/off paddle switch at shoulder height on the right side--a feature for which we have much respect. Thanks to industrial-grade infeed and outfeed tables, even longer 6-inch-wide planks get the support they need as you remove up to 1/2 of an inch of material to the collection port on each pass. So you want to increase your edge on the competition? Delta feels the same way. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Powerful one-horsepower motor for efficient cutting
• Extra large center mounted cast iron fence with rack and pinion adjustment
• Three knife cutterhead provides 14,400 cuts per minute for a smooth finish
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (38)

Good Idea, Mediocre Execution...
This jointer is well-thought-out. But... when it came time to manufacture the unit, Delta obviously forgot the Quality Control part of the equation. My unit has a twisted fence that's also cupped from top to bottom. I'd recommend not ordering this machine unless you can actually see the one you're going to receive and spend some time on the fence with a good straight-edge.

I went through 4 separate fences and kept the "straightest of the lot." It's still not straight, and I finally got tired of dealing with Delta on this matter.

Having said that, the rest of the machine is great. The tables are flat and coplanar, and the motor, stand, and switch are all great. The overall finish of the unit is good.

Having the fence ground flat at a machine shop makes this a worthwhile option in the jointer market... but c'mon... how hard can it be to get 'em right to start with? Apparently very hard, 'cause Delta's sure let a lot of warped fences hit the streets.

Bottom line? If I were buying another 6" jointer, I'd consider another model... In fact, my advice to you is to avoid this unit until it earns the reputation for quality.

Excellent Quality & Value
After months of comparisons, I finally bought the Delta 37-195 last week. The fence on this jointer is taller and longer, as is the infeed-outfeed beds than the nearest competitor. The width of the table bed is wide and supports 1/2" rabbetting cabability. The fence adjustment mechanism glides effortlessly. The fit and finish of the Delta 37-195 is superior, and the easy lever action adjusts the depth of cut smoothly. You will be most satisfied with this machine!!

Fence Biggest Drawback
If it were not for the cheap, cast aluminum fence I would recommend this. I think if you search enough you'll see that this is the single biggest complaint about this.

Suggestion: hold off until you can afford the next Delta model up (I believe that is the 360). It may be 2X the price, but well worth it. Also, the Ridgid is an outstanding buy at $399.00.

works for me.
i,ve been using this jointer for about two months now and it is a real joy to use. i,ve heard the other reviews that were not to good, but mine is just great.

What's with the pulleys not aligning?
After doing my homework (reading many reviews of 6" jointers in woodworking publications as well this forum), I settled on the Delta. The Jet had caught my eye (I have 3 other Jet machines, and have been impressed with their Quality Control), but in the end I opted for the Delta.

There is no question this is a great 6" jointer, as other reviewers have said. However, there is a design flaw (are you listening, Delta?) mentioned by other reviewers.

Why should I have to reverse the pulleys to get the belt properly aligned? ESPECIALLY SINCE SETUP INSTRUCTIONS EMPHASIZE THE NEED FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT! There, I feel better.

I also have another minor complaint with setup. The third bolt that attaches to the base through the dust chute could be a challenge for big armed, big handed guys. I managed, with very little wiggle room.

Overall, results with this jointer are impressive. Out of the box, the Delta performed flawlessly. No question, I'd give this product 5 stars, if not for the above-mentioned gripes.

I highly recommend purchasing a Delta 22-580K 13" planer to complement the jointer. I did, with no regrets. Now that's a fine product, worthy of 5 stars.

At the end of the day, the jointer and planer make a fine team.
Get past the setup, and this jointer will perform very well for you. No question. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 3 hp, 230V, single phase induction motor for powerful cutting action
• Delivers 15,000 cuts per minute for a smooth finish
• 12-inch width capacity for larger projects
• Center-mounted, rack an pinion fence for easy adjustment

Reviews (4)

The General is Better for the money
I have looked at several 12" joiners, even though all my aspiring cabinet maker friends say I will never need more than an 8" joiner. (fools that they are!) Only the General (Canadian, not taiwanese )offers the helical head cutter as an option in the 12" joiner. Add to this the General reputation for qualtiy and dependability and the same approximate price point and you have an unbeatable value. I would wait to set if Powermatic comes out wih a 12" with helical cutters but why hope for something in 2004-5 when you can have it now?

Oh, Grizzly makes a 12" joiner with helical head also, but who wants to take a chance on them? I can't "bear" the thought of wasting my money. (Ha Ha)

Awful
This product gets horrible reception, I can barely make out shapes and colors. It costs a fortune and almost killed my dog!

Pretty basic for the money
first off, I have to say that the notion of getting the widest jointer you can afford is absolutely correct. I had a 6" Delta for several years, and was always an inch or two shy of being able to easily flatten the typical board. Now - no problem - its rare that you run across anything more than 10" wide.

I've had this jointer (single phase motor) for a couple of years now. After considering several brands in and around this size, including the new line of Grizzly, General International, and a Brazilian brand that made jointers for Delta (I believe Invicta), even with the added cost I decided to get Delta because . . . well, its Delta. They've been very good anytime I've had a problem with one of their machines.

So, this machine is very solid, and does its job well. But - the blades are relatively difficult to change, particularly when compared with other brands. You can't get it with a Tersa cutter. The dust collection is poor; for fine cuts its constantly clogging right below the cutter hed. The lever action height adjustment is more difficult to fine adjust than a wheel. On the up side, the cast iron came in flat to a couple thousandths, and had pretty much stayed that way (cast iron continues to shrink for a couple of years after its been cast and machined - inexpensive cast iron needs to be continuously adjusted, and occasionally remachined).

So, if for a lot of money you are OK with a very solid jointer, this works fine (even if made in Tawain). But in retrospect, I'd take a much closer look at the other brands that offer more features and have improved their service.

The DJ-30 Is A Man's Machine....
The ability to take WIDE rough stock and eliminate all cupping prior to planing makes this machine, second only to my table saw, the most useful in the shop. Greatly increases overall accuracy. The huge infeed/outfeed beds make even the longest board easy to manage. I had a 6' Delta jointer prior to this one and wonder how I lived without it. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Center mounted fence adjusts quickly and easily for less down time
• Easy to adjust infeed table for fast set up
• Extra large table to support stock up to a full 6" wide
• 10 amp induction motor for smooth, powerful cutting action

Reviews (24)

Good For Small Stuff
I've used this jointer every weekend for approximately 8 months now. My opinion of this tool is that it works well, if the operator uses it to do what it's designed for. This is not a large project tool. If you do a lot of smaller projects and don't need a stationary jointer, this is a good value. I've been using it in conjunction with one of Delta's benchtop planers and have been able to square rough stock pretty easily. Just remember, this is not the best choice of tools for larger boards. Buy a BIGGER JOINTER with a LONGER BED if you use LARGE BOARDS. If you try to feed long boards over a small bed, you're just asking to be frustrated and will wind up wasting stock.

Out of the box, I had no problem in setting up the machine and getting the fence square to the table. It has stayed put since the initial setup. This little machine has plenty of power for it's size and has served me well.

I would say that it's drawbacks are that it is quite noisy if used on the higher rpm settings and the dust collection chute is inadequate. Otherwise, I would have happily rated it higher. Overall, I'm very happy with this tool and would recommend it.

Nice little machine
I have owned this machine for about 2yrs.If you have a small shop it works perfect. I set the fence once and it has stayed true. I cant count how many times I have used this little machine and fineley have to replace the blades. It is very portable.I have it hooked up to my dust collecter and it takes all the wood chips like it is soposed to. For the money it is a nice little unit

DO NOT BUY
I gave it one star becuase Zero was not an option!

I plead with you not to waste your money on this Jointer. The fence adjustment construction is unstable and the fence wobbles giving you out of square cuts every time.

Maybe I'll use mine as a food processor!

Delta makes great products but they missed the boat on this one. Spend a little more on a floor model.

Okay for small stuff
Like probably a lot of its buyers, the low price and compactness of this jointer attracted me. For boards less than 3 feet long, it does a good job once you get it aligned. But the short bed makes it almost impossible to joint stock longer than that. Definitely don't attempt what I tried to do and make a pair of French doors with it! I perfected snipe to a fine art.

Replacing the knives was considerable aggravation. There are probably a few tricks to make the job quicker but my first effort took two hours.

That said, it's a pretty cool little machine, like a toy locomotive. Fit and finish is good and it's pretty beefy for its size (except for the fence). But all it did was whet my appetite for a larger pedestal jointer, which is my advice. Unless you make strictly toys and jewel boxes, if you need a jointer you probably don't need this one.

Works for me
...The tool arrived on time in good condition and took about 45 minutes to assemble and setup. The test piece I ran came out flat and square.

To avoid breaking those adjustment ears everyone complained about, don't move the set screws against a locked fence. Loosen and move the fence away from the set screws then adjust the set screw. Move the fence back in, lock it and check the adjusment. If it is off repeat the process. It took me three tries and they are included in the 45 minutes.

This unit will do what it is intended to do, joint short (less than three feet) boards. I haven't tried but it looks like if I set up a roller support to the infeed height you could do longer boards.

This unit lost one star for ... the price of the dust collecter adapter,... I'll make my own. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Powerful 3/4-horsepower, single-phase induction motor for smooth cutting
• Three knife ball bearing cutterhead provides an even finish of cut
• Provides 14,400 cuts per minute for smooth results
• Full 6-by-46-inch table to handle long and large stock

Reviews (12)

Delta 6" Jointer Review
I have now purchased two 37-190 Jointers both mail-order. My Dad, had a Jet Jointer which I used extensively until he gave it to my brother, and I had to buy my own. I recently bought Dad a new 37-190, so I could use mine. The Delta machine is less expensive than the Jet and offers a superior fence system. From the time both Delta jointers came out of the box (I helped him set his up) they were square, knifes adjusted properly at the factory, and the table and fences were straight. My Dad has been building cabinets for his new house and says the Delta fence is superior to the Jet in ease of adjustment and lack of movement. The Jet reviews that talk about the problems with Delta Jointers must be Jet Factory Reps. I have never had a problem with my 37-190, and I have owned mine for 6 years now. The fence is the best part, it is far superior to any other 6" jointer fence for the major brands on the market, that's why I bought the Delta. The fence is extremely stable and never moves unless moved, and is very easy to adjust for different angels. I have several Delta machines and have never had a problem with any of them. I would highly recommend the 37-190 to anyone looking for an excellent value with superior quality.

This is a wonderful tool for the money
I have had my Delta 37-190 jointer for only a short while, but it has turned out to be a wonderful item. A real life saver in cabinetry.

Yes, the knives on my unit were not in spec when out of the box, but it is an easy thing to fix if you take the time to do it right. You should realign the knives anyway when new out of the box.

The fence is a sturdy piece. You have to wrench the handle down good to get solid lock up. If you don't, it wants to wobble. If it wobbles, turn the handle a bit more until it stops.

Out of the box the fence was not in zero, but a quick fix solved that. My fence has held zero since I set it up with the square. Can do 45's then swap to 90's without it ever going out of zero.

This is a tool that I would recommend. You have to get to know it to make it work properly, once you do, it is a tool you can't be without.

Great little Jointer, at a small price
This is a great little jointer. It works well, is easy to set up, with one small exception (the belt which I upgraded to link belt), and is small enough to fit into my garage workshop. So far it has handled cypress and red oak, making my jointery perfect. If you're interested in a small jointer, this is the one.
I purchased this jointer in July '04 as a floor model clearance sale and saved a bundle. They're not hard to find and a little talking saved me $150 on the jointer and wheeled stand.
Don't wait!

A great small jointer!
This machine handles it's work load very well. It's only draw back is a poor dust collection system. The enclosed stand makes this machine rate a 5.

better for the money
I agree with all the observations, but not the conclusions...1) side to side movement in the fence means nothing, the only important thing is that the fence remain perpendicular to the blades. If it stays square, a little wobble along the length will not affect the cut. 2) Yes, hand wheels would be a little easier to adjust but to date, i have have had no problem making fine adjustments with the lever. You might have to try once or twice, but it works fine. 3) And the blade adjustments?? Please. Show me a jointer where the blade adjustments are easy.....anyone?? Didn't think so. You're working in tolerances of a few thousandths. How easy did you think it was going to be. Overall.....great machine, great price. Long live Delta. ... Read more