Grizzly G9860ZX 12-Inch Z Series Jointer with Spiral Cutterhead vs South Bend SB1091 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with Helical Cutterhead

Grizzly G9860ZX 12-Inch Z Series Jointer with Spiral Cutterhead South Bend SB1091 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with Helical Cutterhead
From $8095 $3500
Tier Professional Professional
Motor HP 3 HP 3 HP
Cut Height
Cut Width
Table 80 x 12-1/2 inches, cast iron 83 x 8 inches, cast iron
Weight 1200 lbs 730 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

South Bend SB1091 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with Helical Cutterhead

The step above the Grizzly 8-inch machines, from Grizzly's own premium brand. You get an 83-inch bed, a digital readout on the infeed height, and a two-year warranty. It's for a shop where the jointer runs most days and setup time is money.

Buy at Grizzly $3500

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.