Photo Index - Northfield Foundry & Machine Co. - 24 H.D. Jointer

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Northfield Foundry & Machine Co.
Northfield, MN

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Jointer
Machine Size:	24 inch
Submitted By:	Todd Brotherton

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	24 H.D. Jointer
Date of Manufacturer:	1963
Serial Number:	633487-J
Last Updated	8/1/2008 8:25:49 PM

Comments:

I purchased this jointer in 2005 from a dealer in the Midwest. It came to me painted a non-original green by the previous owner. While it has clearly been used over the last 45 years, it is in very good condition. It has a 7.5 hp, 3phase, Reuland direct motor drive (DMD) and a 4-knife cutterhead. It still has the original Allen-Bradley starter that came with it. It appears that was a specification from GM to Northfield for most, if not all, machinery they purchased at that time. This is a critical machine in my business. It is in constant use and the most appreciated tool in the shop.

As I understand it from Jeff Machacek at Northfield, they have made less than 100 of the 24 inch HD jointers since they started this size in the early 1960s; though the precise number is uncertain. He thinks this one would have been among the first few made. It was originally sold to General Motors; Pontiac’s “Experimental Division”. If we have any question about how times have changed, think about when the last time that sort of title (Experimental Division) would have been used; probably around 1963. I previously owned a 16 inch jointer with adjustable tables and didn’t particularly like it. The setup seems too fussy and, in relative terms, unstable long term. If the tables are flat and the condition is good, I decided the wedge-bed style is the way to go. The Northfield has cored tables that should stay flat forever given good foundry-work and initial milling; they are quite flat. I have a six foot long Starrett machinist’s straightedge for set up. As close as I can tell, it is still within .002”-.003 maximum tolerance it left the factory with.

I was looking for a 16 inch when this turned up. I use a lot of wide stock in my furniture-making business, so this has been a blessing. The stock 24 inch guard is quite clumsy to use as it has no “outboard” cutout for the operator and is quite heavy. I run a 16 inch guard on it most of the time. It is a sweet machine; smooth, flat, accurate, cuts great; eternally stable.

For me, it is the best jointer on the planet.

Photo 1:

Comments: main view
Source: me

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Photo 2:

Comments: front view
Source: me

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Photo 3:

Comments: 24" & 16" guards
Source: me

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