handwheels vs levers

On 14 Oct 2005 10:26:20 -0700, "No" <[email protected]> wrote:

>I'm not looking for a recomendation on a particular jointer, just the
>pros and cons of handwheels versus levers.

I don't know the real history, but as I reflect on the question, it
strikes me that the parallelogram table mechanism Delta uses (used) on
their DJ-15, DJ-20, DJ-30 jointers probably doesn't lend itself to
handwheel adjustment, thus the lever adjustment was introduced.

Having owned two of the three on that list, I will tell you that DJ-20
answers all of the jointer questions you could possibly have.

--
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net

Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997

The lever type are more responsive, but more difficult to adjust. The
dial type are picky, at least on my old jet 6". When you turn the dial
you don't necessarily get a response. There seemed to be play in the
gearing. It may have been a problem with my jointer, but it was
annoying. Just something you might look into. Whatever you get you will
eventually get a feel for. So I don't think it really matters in the
long haul.

Don

No wrote:
>
> OK - i was just wondering something as I was browsing the Griz online
> catalog. While day dreaming about my real jointer purchase I figured I
> wanted 8" with handwheels. Now, while looking at
> http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.aspx?itemnumber=G1182Z I see the
> description describes the handwheel version as "old-fashioned".
>
> I have been under the impression that handwheels are preferred. What
> gives?
>
> Which do you prefer and why?
>
> Keep in mind I will be moving up from a Delta Shopmaster 6"x30" jointer
> http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=942
>
> I'm not looking for a recomendation on a particular jointer, just the
> pros and cons of handwheels versus levers.

I don't see any real advantage either way...it's as much or more
marketing as anything imo. Although I don't really know, I've always
supposed there's a manufacturing cost advantage w/ the lever mechanism
as a prime reason for introducing it.

This might fit into the category of the "left-tilt" vs "right-tilt"
tablesaw. I worried about this when I bought my cabinet saw. When I
started my selection process for a new jointer I was used to wheels. After
using my right tilt saw and lever-adjusted Powermatic a few times I forgot
about the difference.

RonB

I tried both types and ended up with handwheels. I found them
far easier to adjust.

Art Greenberg wrote:
> On 14 Oct 2005 10:26:20 -0700, No wrote:
>
>> I have been under the impression that handwheels are preferred. What gives?
>>
>> Which do you prefer and why?
>
>
> When I was shopping for a jointer, I thought I wanted handwheels, too. That
> was based on opinions posted here, and playing with a few machines at stores
> and shows. In the end, I bought a DJ-20, which has levers. I haven't been able
> to compare levers to handwheels extensively. But I can say, I have not had any
> issues with the levers on the DJ-20. I have no regrets.
>

rickluce wrote:
> The lever type are more responsive, but more difficult to adjust. The
> dial type are picky, at least on my old jet 6". When you turn the dial
> you don't necessarily get a response. There seemed to be play in the
> gearing. It may have been a problem with my jointer, but it was
> annoying. Just something you might look into. Whatever you get you will
> eventually get a feel for. So I don't think it really matters in the
> long haul.


I have an 8" North State which is a Taiwanese clone of the older model Delta,
back when the Deltas all had handwheels. Mine work nice and smoothly. The
sales guy... an older gentlemen who'se been there forever... told me that Delta
and others went to the hand levers because it made for easier and/or less
expensive manufacturing. I don't know if that's true or not, but I have no
regrets sticking with a wheeled design.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

[email protected]

On 14 Oct 2005 10:26:20 -0700, No wrote:
> I have been under the impression that handwheels are preferred. What gives?
>
> Which do you prefer and why?

When I was shopping for a jointer, I thought I wanted handwheels, too. That
was based on opinions posted here, and playing with a few machines at stores
and shows. In the end, I bought a DJ-20, which has levers. I haven't been able
to compare levers to handwheels extensively. But I can say, I have not had any
issues with the levers on the DJ-20. I have no regrets.

--
Art Greenberg
artg AT eclipse (remove this) DOT net