Decent Value
Written: Sep 10 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Light weight, easy to reach controls, low noise at reduced speed.
Cons: Flimsy fence, poor chip clearance without buying an accessory.
The Bottom Line: The Delta JT 160 is a good choice in light portable jointers. It isn't flawless, but it is a good tool with Delta's reputation for quality.
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| farmerea's Full Review: Delta Shopmaster Bench Top Jointer JT160 |
I have many tools that I chose because of their portability. I often need to "set up shop" at a job site and light weight tools are a must. The Delta JT 160 jointer fills the need quite well. It is light and easy for one person to move - either a few feet in the shop or out to the van for transport to a job site.
The jointer arrived well packed in a sturdy carton with plenty of packing material to protect from shipping damage. It was easy to unpack, there was some minor assembly required, assembly instructions are reasonably clear and assembly was quite straight forward. Unlike many inexpensive jointers, the Delta JT 169 was delivered with sharp knives that were free from nicks and dings.
In day to day use, the Delta JT 160 performs much as one would expect from a Delta tool. Depth of cut adjustment handles are conveniently located and the JT 160 has an easy to read depth of cut scale that eliminates most of the guess work in setting the cut depth. The jointer also has a variable speed motor with a conveniently mounted control. I'm not convinced that variable speed is a necessary feature in a jointer, but it does allow me to reduce the noise level sometimes. The noise level of the JT 160 seems to be about average at the highest speed setting, but slowing the motor to its slowest setting reduces the noise dramatically. When making small cuts in soft woods, it is a welcome change. Just remember to speed it back up for heavier jobs.
The JT 160 has a solid, safe blade guard that boasts a rugged return spring and a good mount. The guard is also easily removed when access is needed to change knives.
The Delta JT 160 jointer has a fence that is, unfortunately, quite typical of benchtop jointers; weak and flimsy. Maintaining a true cut is nearly impossible when handling large or heavy workpieces because the aluminum fence and its cheesy mount are simply not strong enough to handle such jobs. The fence does have adjustable stops for 90 and 45 degree positions. The stops were set accurately right out of the box.
Most Delta jointers have a problem getting rid of chips, and the JT 160 is worse than most. Without connection to a dust collection system, using the machine is virtually impossible because chips will collect in the chute and soon plug the chute and begin flying in the operator's face. An accessory is available for $15 or so that will allow connection to a vaccum system and allow the machine to get rid of chips. I can't understand why the dust collection fitting is not included with the jointer because it is essential to the operation of the machine.
All in all, the Delta JT 160 is a good tool and the price is right. I can recommend it for those who need a portable jointer, but if a stationary will work for you, I'd suggest something a bit bigger.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
farmerea
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Location: Vermont
Reviews written: 46
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
Contractor and part time farmer.My expectations are high. Anything I recommend, I tested well.
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