Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #52026 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Palmgren
• Model: 84261
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 12.00" h x 19.00" w x 29.00" l,

Features

• Adjustable cut depth on-in feed table
• 2-blade cutterhead with HSS blades for optimal cutting efficiency
• Easy to replace blades can also be re-sharpened for like-new cutting efficiency
• Solid cast iron bed and fence for true cuts with minimal vibration
• Dust collection system built-inch

From the Manufacturer
The Palmgren 84261 12-amp, 6-1/8-inch, 1-Horsepower Benchtop Jointer with Dust Collection (120-volt 1-Phase) is a workhorse. The cutterhead uses HSS blades for longer life while the cast iron fence, infeed & outfeed tables provide stability, true cuts, and long life. palmgren Jointers provide professional features and performance in a compact package. Joint and plane hardwoods or softwoods up to 6.125-inch. All work surfaces are ground for smooth , precise operation and the fence system slides across the table to use the entire width of the cutting blades. The fence and fence guide can be quickly adjusted from 45-degrees inward to 45-degrees outward, with positive stops at 45- and 90-degrees for bevel and chamfer cuts. The infeed table adjusts for cut depths up to 1/8-inch. This tool features Dustup, the patented dust collection system that is built-inch Dustup, found only on palmgren woodworking tools, collects chips and wood debris into a 30-gallon trash bag or can (not included). This feature results in almost no cleanup. A large, locking paddle switch helps prevent unauthorized use. This tool is CSA/CUL certified. Pre-drilled holes in base for mounting to bench or stand. Specifications: table size 28.5-inch-by-6.25-inch fence size 22.5-inch-by-3.75-inch blade width 6.125-inch max cut depth .125-inch (one-eighth-inch); cuts per min 20,000; overall size 28.5-inch x 18-inch x 12-inch (height).

Customer Reviews

best value
I have been buying woodworking machines for 25 years and usually I stay away from benchtop machines because of the poor quality. This machine was a pleasant surprise. The casting and fittings are more like you would find on large shop machines.The fence is heavy and locks up like a rock with the substantial levers. The motor appears to provide plenty of power . I planed a six inch piece of oak and got a nice finish.This is probably the "most bang for the buck" I have ever gotten. If you're running out of room and\or money I highly recommend this machine . I'm looking forward to trying some of their other products. rs

Works well, great first jointer, but be prepared for shipping damage
Like some others reviewing this item, it is my first jointer. I am very happy with its performance and features so far. Setup was fairly easy and I've already jointed/trimmed numerous pieces of lumber for a project I'm working on (a workbench).

Pros:
+ Small footprint - can be easily stored when not in use (as long as you can lift it!)
+ Heavy enough that on a sturdy saw-horse temporary table, it does not have to be bolted or clamped down
+ Cuts straight and smooth.
+ Dust collection works very well!
+ Responsive customer support: Per below, my unit came with several broken parts damaged in shipping. Palmgren was responsive to getting me replacements.

Cons:
- Packaging stinks: Though double-boxed, the unit and parts themselves were packed in flimsy styrofoam. The styrofoam was practically shredded in the box, and as a result, three of the four plastic parts on the external part of the unit were broken: the depth knob, the dust exhaust tube, and the cord strain relief piece. They would be better off using just thicker cardboard pieces and no styrofoam at all.

Summary: Great unit from my perspective of an amateur woodworker and first-time jointer-owner. I can't speak in comparison to other jointers. Solid, heavy unit that is more substantial than any other cheaper end or portable tool I've had before. Great support for getting parts replaced in shipping: important because based on other reviews here as well, you just might have the same problem! I took off one star for the damage: I was not going to take off any stars when I thought I had just one broken part, but with three broken parts, and what may be a pattern, I took off the star for the extra hassle/overhead.

Update on 3/22/06: I previously received the three replacement parts from Palmgren. However, two of the three replacement parts require almost complete disassembly of the unit: the dust tube is part of a manifold, and the cord strain relief requires actual disconnection of the AC cord from wire nuts, etc. For many buyers, the risk or hassle of this may not make the purchase of this item worth it. Buyer beware of a good product likely to come damaged due to poor packing.

Run Away!
This is made in China and apparently packaged for surface transport only in China. The packaging is so inadequate that it's a virtual certainty it will arrive damaged.
There were screws and bolts rattling around inside the carton, the styrofoam was crushed. Upon inspection, the power cord strain relief was broken off leaving the cord itself in a ragged hole with sharp edges.
After unsucsessfully adjusting the infeed table I discovered one of the leveling bolts was sheared off in the casting making it impossible to align. I took the machine apart and found that the entire casting that supports the infeed table was broken in half.
This very same machine is available from ShopFox and also from Sears Crafstman, I strongly reccomend buying it from Sears if you choose to buy it at all, One less trip in a truck might do it good. Parts should be redily available from Sears as well. They sell it for @249. every day.