6 in. Midi‑Bench Jointer

I began using the Delta jointer the same day I received it. It was very easy to assemble.Each side of the feed table was level, and both sides of feed table were level to one another. The cutter head setting were perfect right out of the box, the fence, easy to use. It is very easy to adjust depth of cut.I have run many 2x6’s, 4x4’s, and 2x4’s through that I am using for two different projects in the six days I have had it, using it in to 4 hours at a time, shutting off, turning on, with each board I ran through it. Time between feeds varied from roughly two minutes, up to roughly five minutes. Board lengths were up to 8 feet long, with most varying between 3 1/2’ and 6 feet long. This jointer is not too heavy - a little over fifty pounds - yet the cast iron table and fence are hefty enough to run the longer lengths.Dimensioning lumber is a very important for correct measurement and fit. If you have a jointer and a planer, you have two tools fundamentally important to furniture making, and other projects.My workshop is in a single car garage bay, so, size is an important consideration for me. The jointer does not take up much room when being stored, and can be used on your workbench up to mid sized lumber lengths. Longer pieces should run through on a stand (or workbench) where it allows easy access to the feed and output sides.If had to buy a jointer again, knowing what I now know, I would buy it again. It is solid, very well made, easy to setup and use, and a workhorse.

First & foremost: the first jointer I got was missing the Hardware Package (the bolts & washers). I called Delta and the rep said they don't carry stock of items "commonly available at a hardware store", so either I had to find the appropriate fasteners or return the item. I returned the item because I didn't want the hassle of trying to find appropriate cap/hex bolts that fit the recessed holes and won't bottom out. I was also afraid it would void the warranty. I'm glad I did the return because the measurements in the manual differed from what came with the jointer and two of the bolts had washers that seemed to be put on before the threads were made (I don't think I could take the washer off).Make note how things are packed in case you need to return it. I didn't and it was a pain to get things packed so they didn't move much.The second jointer came everything, but it had a broken grommet (package was not damaged during shipping). I haven't called Delta yet, but I'm anticipating the same answer: return the item. I've waited long enough for this, so I'll attempt to glue or tape it back together, rather than return it.The fence had a bow to it, but that won't affect anything. It had no cup & that's what is important.Setup went OK. The instructions were a little vague at one point, but it was pretty easy t figure it out. Also a note about the dust collector chute: the outside diameter is 2 3/8" (not 2 1/4 in the manual--UPDATE: they mention 3/8 outside diameter in the picture) & inside diameter is 2 3/16". I ordered the wrong size 4" adapter because of that. For now, duct tape is holding it on.As some reviewers noted, the clamping bolts holding the knifes are on too tight. I don't understand this. The company I worked for always used drivers with integrated torque adjustments--don't they? Plus, you have to adjust it anyways, so why not just leave them loose? Probably a legal/safety thing. Unfortunately, the wrench they supply is a bit too small. I was afraid to use this to break the bolts free--worried it would round out the hex cavity in the bolt. I bought some hex drive bits and borrowed my friend's impact driver. They came right out--I didn't even bother with the penetrating oil on the second set. I strongly suggest you go this route.Knife adjustment was tedious, but it appears they all are. It has jack screws, which to me is a nicer feature than springs, but I am a noob. The Allen/hex key they supply has a T handle which is nice. It's still a learning in progress for me, but some tip you may find helpful: snug the other clamping bolts a bit more if the other side of the knife moves when you clamp the first one down; press down a bit on the knife before you tighten the clamping bolts; when you need to adjust the jack screws in the opposite direction you last screwed them, you need take the slack/play out first before the knife will move.I only edge jointed one small board as a test. Nice and smooth & flat. Overall, I think this is a nice jointer. They just need to either get better quality control or be able to ship you the missing/broken parts. I hope Amazon didn't pay for the extra shipping charges. Because of this need for multiple returns, I subtracted a star from the rating.UPDATE: When I unpacked, I found a small machine screw/washer. Luckily, I saved it. It belonged to the underside. All but one screw was hanging on by only one or two threads. I suggest you tip it over and make sure they're all snug.I found that the fence is twisted, which can be bad. My thinnest feeler gauge is .02 mm and it just started to slide in the widest part of the gap. My gut says it's NOT bad enough to worry about it. We'll see after I use it more. If it is a problem, I'll update this review.

Years ago, I purchased the Delta jointer back when the indeed and outfield tables where made out of aluminum. They ended up warping, ruining the function of the machine (no replacement parts were available). So this time I sought out steel tables. This works fine and came perfectly calibrated producing excellent jointing. The only downside is weight. I have a small shop and have to move things around. This thing is heavy, but to me it's worth it. The set up manual is terrible with poor images, but I eventually figured it out. Delta needs a link to a you tube video.

I assume this unit is the epitome of entry level. You get what you pay for....?As mentioned in other reviews the assembly instructions are borderline useless and the opposite of user friendly.The unit I purchased was a 'warehouse deal'. The packing carton was badly damaged upon arrival and the interior styrofoam was destroyed........the tool weighed 90 lbs !I am unable to repack and return so will chalk it up to a bad experience and muddle through.Bottom line.........if you can afford a better (more expensive) model go for it.I am a long time happy customer with Amazon but this was a bad experience. Actually my first.(Makes me wonder why it was returned in the first place.. ) ??

Very solid and simple. The table and fence are machined very accurately. Does take some time to get the fence square and aligned, but once you do, it stays that way. Very simple to use. I use it for small to medium crafts and furniture. It helps make pallet wood join up perfectly (meticulously check for nails or staples when working with pallet wood). Has plenty of power to join up to a 2x6. Dust collection port works great and have it connected to a 5 hp Ridgid shop vac. It's also easy to change the blades if need be. Lives up to Delta quality and performance. I've very pleased with this tool.

Works perfect! Nice solid feel. A bit heavy but the weight is a good thing, keeps it in place. Nice smooth feel and a good cut. You can use WD40 to get the shipping oil gunk off of it (a tip I got from Grizzly Industrial when I bought my metal working lathe) and then clean the WD40 off with a household cleaner. I just left the WD40 on it and kept cleaning it with paper towels until they came out clean.