Customer Reviews

DELTA 37-350A DJ-20 Precision 8-Inch 1-1/2-Horsepower Jointer, 120/240-Volt 1-Phase

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The DJ-20 has turned out to be one of the high lights of my shop. There was a minimum of assembly with the unit (only about 45 minutes). The first cuts with the machine were extremely smooth. Altering the fence to various angles is quick and accurate. The power of the unit made it possible to joint a 7"X 6' oak plank with out any strain on the motor. The surface of the jointer was finely polished. Long stock is a joy to joint with this machine. This machine is a real value.

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.

Pros:
I purchased this tool ... over a year ago and have enjoyed flawless jointing since that time. The tables and fence adjust very smoothly & the large infeed is very nice on bigger boards. The entire machine is very precise and has maintained its settings over the past year. Blade changes are fairly easy if you know what you're doing.

Cons:
- dust chute not included & Delta part is pricey
- The fence does not extend far enough to use the rabbeting ledge accurately. With the fence at maximum extension, there is about 2+" of exposed blade (i.e. 2" is the smallest rabbeting width). I've clamped a 2x4 (with a notch cut to clear the blades) onto the fence so I can cut any size rabbet (i.e. 3/4" deep by 3/4" wide).
- My machine had some minor finish issues (not an problem for me since my shop isn't about fashion/looks).

I recently purchased this jointer, and overall I am extremely satisfied. It runs smoothly, has excellent power, and is quite accurate. I have two beefs with the unit though. First, Delta does not include a dust collection port. You have to buy it for around [$] bucks and it is a 5 inch hook up and nothing more than a stamped piece of tin. Save your money and just buy a 4" plastic hood instead. Second, I read the reviews before purchasing and could not understand how the fence deflects in another persons review. Now I do. The fence although beefy is not as rigid as I would have believed. It is an excellent machine, but if you have the money go for the 8" Powermatic.

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.

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.

Sure it's a little expensive compared to a 6" or some other 8" jointers on the market, but this jointer performs second to none, plenty of power and the extra width comes in handy. The long infeed table is great for jointing the long ones. The parallelogram design means the infeed table moves effortlessly and a handwheel is not needed, and if bed adjustment is ever needed, this design is superior for quick, easy adjustment. Using shims to adjust other gib style jointers is an excersize in fustration.

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.

A great machine, once it's set up. Mine took over 3 weeks to arrive and the base was dented in shipping. Also had to re-tap two of the bolt holes. Requires 5mm and 8mm hex wrenches (not included). Pre-wired for 220V 8.5A but easy to change to 110V 17A.

Now that it's assembled and cleaned, it does a beautiful job. Alignment is perfect, routine adjustments are easy, and power is very adequate.

Great jointer! Easy to adjust, I had a jointer with handwheels before but I perfer the speed and repeatability of the levers. The long infeed table is great if you are running long boards by yourself. It came perfect from Amazon.com and was easy to set-up. This is my third and last jointer. I am very happy with it and it is just the right size if you make large pieces of furniture. The blades are easy to remove, sharpen (Tormek) and re-set. Plenty of power even for face jointing. It is the one to get.