Palmgren 84163 6-1/8-Inch 1 Horsepower Jointer with Dust Bag, 120-Volt 1 Phase  Product Reviews

"An item not to be sorry that you purchased! In all my years of buying various tools have I ever seen such a complete packaged powered tool layed out like your grandfathers erector set. To be sure you learn your purchased item, this had to be assembled. If you can't think outside the box this is not for you. What a delightful way to learn a power tool. The Palmgren floor model is a great addition to a small shop with limited space with plenty of power. If you think the infeed/outfeed is too short there are plenty of supports on the market to make up the difference."

"Despite there not being any reviews of this machine on Amazon I took a chance based on the generally good reviews of Palmgren's benchtop machine. I needed the longer table, and am glad I took the chance. First, there was the $100 discount, then I got free shipping and to top that the machine was eligible for a temporary additional $80 discount. In the end I paid $320 delivered and would say this is one of the better deals I have ever received. The packaging was in good shape when it arrived, all the parts were present except for a manual. Palmgren was great about sending a manual quickly and after receiving it I found one broken plastic part (part of the switch) which was sent immediately as well. Nothing else missing or damaged. Set the machine up in about 2 hours, although I had to get help lifting the table out of the box - - it is heavy. Adjustments were perfect from the factory and I had no problem setting the fence to exactly 90d. The only complaint I can come up with is minor; an allen screw which holds on the motor pulley did not have a corresponding wrench, but I was able to use one of my own. I have tested the machine on both soft and hard woods - - it performed flawlessly. Smooth surfaces consistently, just be careful to feed slowly. I tested the depth guage and it was right on. The chip blower works well, just be sure not to leave it exposed or your shop will fill quickly; attach a dust collector or use the included bag which works fine even if a little bulky. Although I do not have a lot of experience with different jointer brands, I can't see how anything in the same class could be a lot better. Fully satisfied. I've now been using this machine for several months and a couple of minor issues have arisen that I thought customers may want to know about: First, the arbor on both the motor and the cutterhead is too short to allow the pulley to seat against its base without the drive belt rubbing against the blower pulley. I had trouble keeping the motor pulley stable unless it was against the base of the arbor although the cutterhead pulley tightened and secured well half way down the arbor. I finally just put the motor pulley at the arbor base and the cutterhead out about a half inch - - not recommended but at least the motor pulley stays put. Either the motor mount could have been a half inch or so further toward the back of the machine or the arbor could have been longer. I suspect I have added to the wear on the belt and the blower pulley, not to mention increased the noise, but this seems to be the only workable configuration. Second, the chip blower is powerful, but I have also had trouble keeping a seal on the collection can. I do get most of the chips in the can, but a small proportion blow all over the shop. This is probably fixable with a different can or hooking it up to a dust collector with a sealed hose. Else, the machine continues to produce nice straight edges and faces. The fence stop at 90d sets slightly off and I always use a square to make sure it is accurate before using - - but this is good practice with any machine; I have found that few are perfect when using their preset markings."