Grizzly Jointer

When I started back into woodworking after about 15 years away I went with Grizzly.  I have their 1023slx TS, 17HD BS, and 12" Jointer.    After 7+ years of use they are all still going fine no issues.   The TS & BS were from Tiwan and the jointer from china.    The jointer came with a nick in the cast iron right at the blades that was pretty ugly.  Should not have passed Q but they sent me the piece to replace it.   To do that, it meant taking the top (big and heavy) off, replacing the tip which is bolted on and then re-aligning all.  Did not fool with it since it did its job.  I've still got that piece in a box.   

Now with that being said, I'd suggest you looking for old american iron.  I went with griz because the price point and they are ok tools.  They have served me well.   Since then I had the opportunity to get a good education (thanks Jeff) and I've been moving to old American Iron.  It's better and can be had cheaper than Griz.  I've got an 18" northfield planer that cost 1500 thats a freaking beast (1/4" at a pass).   An old jointer can be had less than griz and will be 10 times the tool.   That's my two cents worth and I've got a lot of griz..   Since that Planer I've picked up two old bandsaws for a song.    If your interested in old tools I can shoot you some links to sites you just have to be patient and Jointers are pretty common.   I'm tellin ya once you have had an old piece you will not want anything else.    However in fairness the grizz will get the job done.   I think I paid 1500 form my 12" with HSS knives with the intent to upgrade to the shelix head but never did you just don't need it, unless you plan on doing a ton of higly figured wood.   I went with the parallel tables for the money instead instead of the dovetail design.  Good luck.