Hello out there, I don't have a large shop but would like to have some kind of jointer. I recently returned a Craftsman benchtop model because I found out that the tables were not coplaner (thanks to Ed Bennett's TS-Aligner Jr.)- see topic "Jointer Troubles". That said, I'm looking for a replacement. I see the Shopfox benchtop is exactly the same as the Craftsman benchtop with different labels. I want to stay away from Sears for the rest of my life.
I have a Delta drill press and table saw, both of which are absolutely outstanding all around and their customer service (at least in my experience) has also been incredible, so naturally I'm leaning toward the Delta JT160, but I've heard bad things about it. Now, are these things by people who use the larger stationary jointers and are irked at the difference? I can't tell. I've heard great things about the Harbor Freight which just looks cheap and appears to have none of the features Delta has. I haven't heard anything about the Grizzly but figured I'd include it and ask if anyone knows about any other benchtop models as well.
I know a benchtop jointer can't compare to a stationary one but if you had to pick one, which would you choose and why? Also, if you know of one with a blade lock let me know. Thanks for your input!