Replies

1. 
   carlmccarty | May 13, 2009 11:02am | #1

   I have no personal experience with the woodmaster, but I do know it is a well made tool. If you were considering a new one, read below.

   ATTENTION!!!

   Bushton Manufacturing has purchased Hawk Woodworking Industries. Parts are available and production will resume in the near future.

   Contact: Nilus Orth: 620-562-3557 email: [email protected]

   Please continue reading…

   Over the years, Hawk Woodworking Tools has become a major manufacturer of industrial equipment and stationary power tools for woodworking professionals and hobbyists.

   For those years we would like to thank you for your customer loyalty and support here at Hawk Woodworking Tools.

   Effective March 2, 2009 Hawk closed their doors due to challenging economic times. Effective April 13, 2009 Bushton Manufacturing purchased the company along with all rights to resume operations. Parts, materials, and plant equipment are currently being relocated.

   Stay tuned to this website for further announcements.

1. 
   JMartinsky | May 13, 2009 02:34pm | #2

   What does your reply have to do with the question?John

2. 
   Cincinnati | May 13, 2009 02:52pm | #3

   Hawk doesn't make the WoodmasterGreg

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   Exo 35:30-35<!---->

2. 
   dustymctevish | May 13, 2009 03:42pm | #4

   The Woodmaster is a very good machine, well made and most importantly American made.  As with any multitask machine there is some down time associated with the changing of functions.   

   I have an RBI machine, very similar to the Woodmaster, ran all my moldings for my home and others and ran all the lumber thru the planer for the past 20 years.  Only had one problem with it and that was a spun bearing in the planetary gear system that feeds the lumber, found the part on the web, for under $5.  Unfortunately the company closed their doors this past spring, but I’ve found that most parts are standard off the shelf items and can be found on the web. 

    

    

    

    

1. 
   Domer | May 13, 2009 05:36pm | #5

   Woodmaster is a design and sales company. I don't think they make
   anything. They contract it all out or at least they used to.All that said, the equipment I have seen looks good.Domer

1. 
   dustymctevish | May 13, 2009 06:33pm | #6

   I disagree; they have their own manufacture facility in the <!----><!----><!---->Kansas City<!----><!----> area.  Give them a call 1-800-821-6651.

   There are still a few companies true to the <!----><!---->USA<!----><!---->.

   <!----><!----> <!---->

   <!----> <!---->

   <!----> <!----> 

1. 
   Domer | May 13, 2009 06:38pm | #7

   It has been quite a few years since I had contact with them so they
   must have changed. Good for them.Domer

2. 
   Cincinnati | May 13, 2009 06:44pm | #8

   "... Unfortunately the company closed their doors this past spring," I have been receiving regular advertising from them every few months. Are you sure we're talking the same company?Greg

   <!---->•••••••

   Exo 35:30-35<!---->

1. 
   dustymctevish | May 13, 2009 06:52pm | #9

   I was talking about RBI not Woodmasters. 

3. 
   BOBABEUI | May 14, 2009 12:06am | #10

   PJW,

   I own a Woodmaster 3726 Drum sander, granted not the multi-fuction machine you are asking about, but I would think some of my observations would still hold true..

   Woodmaster machines are built like tanks, my 2675 has a 5 HP Leeson motor, I think the machine weights in at +350lb, all of the covers are fairly substantial steel, no plastic on this machine. The paper attaches to the drum with hook and loop, which seems to work pretty good. The drum itself is a large 6" steel drum.. The provision for dust collection seems pretty good.. The conveyor belt speed is infinitely variable..

   I have e-mailed tech support about a question on the machine, they e-mailed me with an answer within hours of the inquiry..

   On the downside the scale used to determine the thickness of stock is a joke (a magnetized ruler), but I am sure that a digital height gauge (like a Wixley) would solve that issue easily..

   Hope this helps

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/13/2009 5:09 pm ET by BOBABEUI

1. 
   user-189774 | May 16, 2009 03:55am | #14

   It's funny that you mentioned the Digital Height gauge. That opition was not available when I purchased mine in 2005, so I ordered one from Woodline USA. I installed it on my planer, took pictures and sent them off to Woodmaster, no real response. Six months later they starting selling them as option. 

                                           Jay

    

   "Quality is not only right, it is free. And it is not only free,

   it is the most profitable product line we have". (Harold S. Geneen) 

4. 
   airhead007 | May 14, 2009 03:01am | #11

   I have the 20" Woodmaster with all the attachments.  I have used the planer and sander options.  The machine was sufficient for me to completely build a set of kitchen cabinets out of KD cherry.  I haven't used  the molding cutter and probably would not order it again as molded cherry is available commerically.  The drum sander works well, however you have to take reasonably light cuts to avoid shredding the abrasive. That ia an experience factor.  Making the switch from drum to planer  and vice versa is not bad.  It helps to frequently make the switch as it is easy to forget the sequence.   I recommend the variable speed feed.  I have had the machine for 5-10 years and would buy it again.  It does generate a lot of dust and shavings.  I recommend >1.5 hp dust collection.

5. 
   matt calnen | May 14, 2009 04:20am | #12

   I work in a small millwork and cabinet shop and we have two woodmasters. A 12 inch model that we use for moldings and a 24 model that we use for planing. They are decent machines for the money and the biggest plus they have in my book is the variable speed feature. The machine adjusts easy.  We found that the gang rip feature didn't work that well. Never used the sanding drum attachment.

6. 
   user-189774 | May 16, 2009 03:42am | #13

   PJW,

          I purchased the 25" planer in 2005 after going out to the factory to check it out, I really wanted to make sure it could everything that Woodmaster claims and see it all in action for myself. They are made American made in KC and it is still family owned and in terms of service, my opinion is there as responsive as Lie-Neilsen and Lee Valley.

        Those planers are work horses and will just take whatever you can throw at them. I have ran thousands of BFD Oak and Black Locust threw mine and it just keeps going. In my opinion the sanding option is the weekest link in the machine. You cannot take more than a 32nd of an inch or it will tear up the paper. It will work but you have to be patient.

       The molding opition is fantastic, it is as advertised. I have sent two different patterns that was not listed and they copied them perfectly. To my surprised one week after they sent me the cutters, I recieved a phone call to make I was satisified.

       I have talked to a few people who were not happy with the ripping part of the machine. The only time it is used in my shop is if thre is lots of board foot to rip and I have not had a problem. The reason it is not used more is the setup time, it's just easier to use the tablesaw.  I don't know where you live but if your near IL, I would be more than happy to have you come and take a look.

                                                     Jay

   "Quality is not only right, it is free. And it is not only free,

   it is the most profitable product line we have".  (Harold S. Geneen)

                                         

      

     

1. 
   philjohnwilliams | May 16, 2009 06:01am | #15

   I am glad to hear that you like the machine. I am most interested inthe planing and sanding options.  The small amount of material removal in sanding mode is not important to me, I mostly want to use it to level glued up panels, and i rarely have  more than a 32nd or variation from board to board.  If I was closer to you i would be at your place in a second to check the machine out (too bad I'm in Montreal.....)

   Thanks to all who have answered. I hear so little about these machines, so it was nice to hear from some who actually use them.

   -pjw

1. 
   B52BOMBER | May 18, 2009 12:16am | #16

   I have a 38" drum sander that is wonderful! Easy to adjust and stays true when running. It is used almost daily in our cabinet shop.  But a sander is for sanding, not thickness planing. You can do alot with 80 grit belts but you have to be patient. For table tops or when doing custom one piece jobs I like the reversing switch. The machine is heavy duty and the customer service is very responsive to trivial things too.

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 19, 2009 04:03pm | #17

   I don't know if they still do, but Woodmaster used to be able to send you the names of people in your geographic area who had bought machines from them, encouraging propspective buyers to check them out.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   Mackwood | May 20, 2009 03:21am | #19

   I visited their web site today and they still offer to send a list of local users if you are interested in their machines.

   Regards,

   Mack"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"

7. 
   sawdustdad | May 19, 2009 06:12pm | #18

   I've had a 12 inch woodmaster since the mid 1980's. It's a beast as a planer. Probably had 20,000 bf through it over the years. Use it mostly as a molder now since I got a 20 inch planer about 8 years ago. Does an excellent job on casing, base, crown, picture frames, etc. Mine is 5 hp, two speed feed.

   Nice thing about it is the planing depth of cut is not as restrictive as some planers--so if a particular board gets thicker at one end, it continues to feed, even if the cut increases to 1/4 inch. Reduces shut downs and refeeds when thicknessing stock. Much of my stock is from sawmills that I dry myself, so variable thickness boards is a way of life for me...

    

8. 
   user-189774 | May 21, 2009 06:50am | #20

   Just curious, have you made a decision on the planer? 

                                        Jay

    

   "Quality is not only right, it is free. And it is not only free,

   it is the most profitable product line we have". (Harold S. Geneen)

1. 
   philjohnwilliams | May 22, 2009 03:22am | #21

   I have decided yes, but the bank account has said no (at least not at this time).  I hope to order by the end of June because Woodmaster is having a sale. I can buy a 725 with propack for just a hair under $3000 (plus shipping, of course)

   -pjw

1. 
   JMartinsky | May 22, 2009 02:20pm | #22

   Dear PJW,
   I have been looking at the WM for several years. Don't feel rushed as they are ALWAYS having a sale. I was close to buying one and discovered the following:1) They will negotiate. Don't be afraid to push then a bit. They will lower a price, or throw in some shaper blades, etc. 2) They are responsive. My calls were returned and I always got a human when I called them. Let us know and post a few pics!Best,John

   Edited 5/22/2009 7:21 am ET by Jmartinsky