Grizzly G9860ZX 12-Inch Z Series Jointer with Spiral Cutterhead vs Powermatic PJ-882HH 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with Helical Cutterhead

Grizzly G9860ZX 12-Inch Z Series Jointer with Spiral Cutterhead Powermatic PJ-882HH 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with Helical Cutterhead
From $8095 $4499
Tier Professional Professional
Motor HP 3 HP 2 HP
Cut Height
Cut Width
Table 80 x 12-1/2 inches, cast iron 83 x 8 inches, cast iron
Weight 1200 lbs 732 lbs
Dust Port 4" 4"
Voltage 220V 230V

Grizzly G9860ZX 12-Inch Z Series Jointer with Spiral Cutterhead

Grizzly's Taiwan-built Z Series, and the machine owners point to when they argue Grizzly can build to a high standard. It takes a 5/16 inch cut, which is deeper than anything else here, and it's quiet for a 12-inch machine. You're paying for build quality rather than horsepower.

Buy at Grizzly $8095

Powermatic PJ-882HH 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with Helical Cutterhead

The 8-inch jointer people buy when they've decided they're done shopping. Nearly seven feet of table, a helical head with 54 four-sided inserts, and a fence that tilts with one handwheel. It costs about a thousand more than the South Bend and the finish shows where that went.

Buy at Woodcraft $4499

Specs sourced from manufacturer documentation. Owner feedback reflects community reports from r/woodworking, Sawmill Creek, and Amazon verified reviews. Prices may vary by retailer and change over time.