Anyone ever use a Rockwell/Delta Jointer?

Dave H (MI) · Dec 2, 2019

Been expanding my shop. I am looking at an 8" floor model with something like a 1.5 hp motor. Listed as 110/220. Are the old Rockwell Delta power tools quality machines? I know they are older machines but that can be a good thing. Wondering if the woodworkers around here have any opinions?

Bob Harvey · Dec 2, 2019

Yes. Just make sure the blades are sharp and trued to the bed.

4wdtom · Dec 2, 2019

Can you hear it run? bearings OK? If so and there is no way to lube them I would take it apart and figure out how to add grease to the sealed bearings if that is what it has. After years in a dusty environment the grease is probably sort of dry. Older Rockwell Delta are good tools.

kencombs · Dec 2, 2019

There are two common models. Both good but one much better . If the tables slide on machined ways to adjust height. It is the cheaper. Still ok.

Dave H (MI) · Dec 2, 2019

As in dead even with the out feed side of table or...?

whereswaldo · Dec 2, 2019

The blades need to be about .004 thousandths above the outfeed table. Dead even it won't cut properly. A straight edge on the outfeed table that touches the blade along with a feeler gauge at the mouth of the outfeed will get it set.

Bob Harvey · Dec 2, 2019

I agree. Sorry I wasn't more explicit. They do have to be dead level (side to side) with the outfeed.

teddy52food · Dec 2, 2019

So do you get a .004 snipe at the end??

Dave H (MI) · Dec 2, 2019

Is this something that falls in the category of "can be adjusted" if it is off or is it age wear that has no adjustment?

Jim in rush co · Dec 2, 2019

Dave H, Do not get this one if possible. I had trouble with the bolts that clamp the blades stripped in the holder bars and not available from Delta. The far end of out feed table was low and had to shim to get no snipe when coming off of in feed table. I did some redesigning to get cutter fixed, I can get an after market spiral cutter but have not done so yet. The Delta DJ 20 is completely different on how the tables are mounted and adjusted, but may use the same cutter bolts as this one.

Dave H (MI) · Dec 2, 2019

Nope, that isn't the one. The one I am looking at is a Rockwell Delta. Probably older machine. It does say Rockwell along with Delta on the front and has the logo.

Jim in rush co · Dec 2, 2019

This one of mine is made across pond, I think anything with Rockwell/Delta should be USA made, The original Delta was before the merger. Not sure if the older Delta had two 8" models or not The Delta DJ used a parallelogram arrangement on the tables instead of machines dovetail ways. Delta kind of went cheap with the Rockwell association. As far as hp a 1-1/2 motor is enough. Would be great if you could come up with one with spiral cutter head. A lot easier to change to another side of the knife and no set up involved.

CGID · Dec 2, 2019

I've got an 8 inch Powermatic jointer with the spiral head and I've installed a Byrd "Shelix" cutter on my planer. The spiral cutters are worth the money. They are among the few machine-tool, up-grades that make an undeniable difference.

Jim in rush co · Dec 2, 2019

I had this one repaired before I discovered I could get spiral for it, even comes with new bearings. When these knives are toast I'll make the change.

Bob Harvey · Dec 2, 2019

Cut is determined by the level of the infeed (adjustable). Depth of cut is determined on how much you want to abuse your machine. Small is better = more passes.

Bob Harvey · Dec 2, 2019

Blades should have adjusters, and yes wear is factor, but unless the unit has been abused (silly), the adjusters should not be affected. Most are precision made (otherwise dangerous) so get a manual or google for set up. HTH P.S. I have had my Craftsman 6" for more than 30 years and used it yesterday, nice smooth cuts. Heavy cast iron construction and true bed(s).

Janicholson · Dec 2, 2019

I have used them from about 1970 to 3 days ago. They are ridged and stable machines. Learn to set the blades and make them perfectly flat to the table. New Delta machines are not USA made. Jim

whereswaldo · Dec 3, 2019

Mr. Harvey is correct. That 4 thousandths of an inch is the thickness of a sheet of paper. In other words, barely measurable. If you're getting a noticeable 'snipe', your cutters are too high. That 4 thousandths allows for the wear that occurs when you begin using your jointer; it becomes immeasurable once you've made a few passes due to the razor sharp edge becoming a sharp edge. My Craftsman jointer is almost 50 years old, along with its 'mate', a Craftsman shaper. Yes, I miss the Sears of old.

anallisguy · Dec 3, 2019

I've got a older Rockwell Model 6. Probably 60's or 70's vintage.
Bought it at an auction in Gardner, Kansas about 1985. Good quality and I
like it.

Stephen Newell · Dec 5, 2019

The older machines are made a lot better than what they make today.

Anyone ever use a Rockwell/Delta Jointer?

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