Hiya folks, Well I received my new G0586 jointer last week. I figured I'd set it up when I had some help given the weights they quote for it. Well my impatience got the better of me and I went ahead and put it together last night. They aren't kidding when they quote it at 550 lbs (shipping)! Anyway, the stand and mobile base were fairly easy. Lifting the jointer itself proved to be a real chore. I'm only 5'7" and tip the scales at about 150 lbs so trying to maneuver that thing around was kind of interesting. I am hoping to build a shop someday and this gives me good reason to incorporate some sort of a hoist in it!
Anyway, I haven't tuned it up yet but a few observations of it. Fit and finish were "OK". Not great on the paint as there are a couple of places where the paint was scratched/chipped during packaging/shipping. Grizzly's sending me some touch up paint under warranty so I'm not too bothered by that. The unit itself seems very solid and well built. Hand wheels turn easily and everything appears to be precision made. I will say this. As long as Grizzly keeps selling tools, the middle east has no worries about declining oil consumption. This thing was literally covered in the stuff. Dripping actually. Right down to the last lock washer. It cleans up relatively easily however so I'm not complaining, too much. The only real issue I had with the assembly was the electrical. Connecting the power cord into the motor was a bit of a pain. I almost recommend taking the motor off it's mount and wiring it up where you can see what you're doing. As well, there was no convenient ground to attach to but alas, it's together and I'm looking forward to using it. I still need a plug end for it so haven't been able to fire it up but hopefully in the next few days, I'll pick one up.
Well thanks for letting me rant. I was pretty proud I got this thing together by myself and just wanted to share. After putting together a standing drill press, 14" bandsaw, 1023SL cabinet saw, and now the jointer, I think I'll be safer in the future and get some help! Cheers, cc