The Powermatic PJ882 is the most affordable jointer with a parallelogram base made by Powermatic. It is nearly identical to the PJ-882HH, which has helical head cutters instead of the standard blades found on the PJ882.
Parallelogram Base
Powermatic sells two types of 8-inch jointers: One with a parallelogram base (the PJ882 and PJ-882HH), and one with a dovetailed wedge-bed base (the 60C/60HH). Parallelogram jointers are considered to be slightly better. Parallelogram beds are less susceptible to wear and will maintain their position better. Dovetailed wedge-bed jointers can sag over time making the two tables unable to be set parallel.
Longer Tables
The PJ882 also has longer tables and a longer, more stable base than the 60C and 60HH. This also makes it heavier. All this combined means the PJ882 is a more stable and sturdy machine.
The PJ882 uses standard straight blades, which is a downside because these are much more cumbersome to replace and last less long, and are also louder than helical head cutters. It also (for some reason) lacks quick-set blades found on some cheaper Powermatic jointers.
Rabbeting Ledge
One advantage the PJ882 has over its Helical Head brother is that it can be used for rabbeting. This is not possible with the helical head model.
Replacement Blades: Because this machine uses standard blades, you can choose to use either authentic Powermatic blades, which can be found on Amazon or eBay, or blades from other makers, which are quite a bit cheaper. For example, these blades from Xcalibur on Amazon.
