I’m about to lose my present shop space and move into a smaller space. I presently own a separate PM 6″ jointer, a JET 10″ cabinet saw, and a Hitachi 12″ planer (heavy floor model) and most of the other floor model power tools except a shaper. I have been considering a multi-function machine such as a Mini-Max, a Laguna, or Hammer. I don’t want to purchase blindly, so I would appreciate any feedback, first hand or second hand, about any exposure to such a machine. I presently share shop space with a family group who own and use a SCMI saw and have also been exposed to a Felder saw at the Marc Adams school. Both of these machines seem to be very well made, and capable of more precision than most American, Chinese, or Taiwanese tools, but they are expensive. Your observations would be appreciated. I would classify myself as an advanced hobbiest who depends more and more on good hand tools as I gain age and experience in my retirement!
Edited 12/21/2006 9:25 pm ET by Stumper
Replies
Stumper, Request DVDs from Hammer and MiniMax. The Hammer demo is especially intoxicating! They are expensive machines, but not much more expensive than the combined price of the lesser, individual machines they replace. Like the Hammer salesman said to me, "This is your last table saw." You should compare the Hammer C3-31 Kombo machine to the MiniMax CU 300 Smart (Sliding table, Jointer/Planer, Shaper, Slot Mortiser). Rich
A very affordable combo is the Kity. Do some internet research for used prices. They may small but they are tough as nails as tolerances are to European standards. aluminum no warp tops and the use of linear bearing help seperate this from the competition.
You must be in Europe...the Kity isn't available in the states. Rojek would be another inexpensive on for the states. Used Roblands are more common as the Robland has been offered in the states longer than the others.
I did a lot of comparing before I settled on the Hammer. I found Hammer and MiniMax to be far superior to Robland and Rojek. More expensive, yes, but worth it. The Robland and Rojek are quite a bit more expensive than "standard" North American market saws, and have enough problems with their design and execution that their price is not justified.
Rich
Do a search on yahoo for user groups for these machines. No new questions on the net just new folks asking the old questions so simply go to the old answers. There are probably folks near you with these tools to check out. Very old technology. Combos have been in Europe since probably the late 50's so it's well developed technology.
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