Replies

1. 
   JerryPacMan | Jan 03, 2009 11:21pm | #1

   Combo machines get discussed quite often here.  Below is a link to a good discussion also do a search for lots more info.

   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=31172.1

    

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans.

   "Life is not a success only journey."  Dr. Phil

2. 
   Hastings | Jan 04, 2009 01:21am | #2

   Sand:

   I have a Felder combination machine (saw/shaper/jointer/planer). You can add a horizontal mortiser attachment to make 5 functions in all. You can also get saw/shaper machines and jointer/planer machines. The saw typically comes with a slider. These vary in length and may have an outrigger for additional support.

   Once you get used to a "slider", you will wonder why you ever bothered with the "american" table saw. The good quality machines are very accurate and have safety features not typically found in US/China/Taiwan made equipment.

   If space is tight, you might find the combo a good answer. The downside is that you have to change the configuration to use a different function. At first it may seem a little tiresome, but you soon get used to it and it helps to plan ahead as well as cut a few "extras" so you don't have to keep going back.

   I have had my machine for about 2 years and I have never regretted it for an instant.

   Hastings

1. 
   sandlcustom | Jan 04, 2009 06:14am | #4

   Hastings, thanks for the info.  I can see one in the future. 

   How expensive is the tooling?  Blades, jointer/planer knives etc..? 

   sandlcustom

1. 
   Hastings | Jan 04, 2009 07:04am | #5

   I cannot remember the exact pricing, but I have had a lot of use out of the blades that came with the machine and I still have a spare set. It's not something that has been a worry. Some of the accessories are quite expensive, but on the other hand they tend to work as advertised.Hastings

1. 
   sandlcustom | Jan 04, 2009 07:52am | #6

   I think I like the idea of a sliding table saw/shaper combo.  I would hate to have to start over from ground zero.  I don't have a sliding saw or a shaper, so I think this would likely be the option for me. 

   sandlcustom

3. 
   Woodman41 | Jan 04, 2009 06:12am | #3

   The Felder that Hastings recommends is an excellent machine. I have a Minimax and am very happy with it.

   My conversion from standalone machines to combo is recent and it has taken a little getting used to in terms of my work processes but I am adapting. I do love the sliding table saw, it's a real treat to work with.

4. 
   ring | Jan 04, 2009 08:36am | #7

   I've used stationary machines for many years in a professional shop. But getting ready to move to my "retirement shop" I'm now considering getting a combination. Probably go with Minimax because I've had very good experience with their other products.

   One thing you need to consider with a slider - the length of travel. Less than 8' of travel means that you cannot rip the long side of a sheet of ply using the carriage. (You can rip it along the fence just as in an American TS). If you're making boxes, this is an important capability.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   Hastings | Jan 04, 2009 03:41pm | #8

   David:My slider's travel is about 6" shy of 8 foot. Although I could get a longer one fitted to my machine, it was just going to take up too much room.While it would be great to rip an 8' sheet, I have managed to work around this by first doing a cross cut (with a jig saw) thereby getting to a length that will work. I have found this to be a minor inconvenience compared to the ramifications of a longer slider.If one was doing sheet stock all day, every day it would be a different kettle of fish, but I am not.Hastings