Planer -Thicknessers (combinations)
mcquade5 | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
“Ow yer goin mates” (and lasses)!!
Yair Im from down under and I would like some opinions on combination planer-thicknessers.
For space reasons I do need a combination machine and am attracted to the Electra Beckum, Metabo and Kity which are available locally and in my price range of under AUS$3000 for 260 x 200 max timber size. The EB and Metabo are almost identical but the Metabo is more attractive whereas the Kity appears to be more robust and I feel that the planer table is better made being a cast steel or alloy.
If any one of you (yers!) has had any experience with/of these I would be most grateful and will look out for your contribution.
Cheerio for now!
Dont take any notice of the Ausie slang — Im just showing off.
Ozzie 🙂
Replies
there was a previous disscussion of the makita 3040 combo planer about a month ago. See if that helps
Cheers
Mitt
Thanks, I will check it out.
Ozzie.
I have the 16" felder jointer/planer and like it. It was under 8,000 US and the minimax scm is around 5 or 6000.
They are both great machines.
Question better asked on a British or Australian forum. Those units aren't typically available here. I've only seen one EB in the states and have seen the others in British WW mags. The EB unit I saw was pretty light duty, in fact it was the lightest duty combo I've ever seen. Robland, Felder, Hammer, Rojek are more what's being sold here for Combo machines. A lot higher quality and price over the EB.
I saw a Minimax at a recent show. Had a Tersa cutterhead, which would be a pleasure for changing knives. Can't somment on its operation, but heft, fit and finish were quite good.
Edited 11/8/2002 1:02:35 PM ET by s4s
Tersa ,a Swiss company;has a patent on those heads. Look at the cost of the hss knives and you see why only large companies who have to look at cost of skilled labor use them(and even they complain about the cost).
Philip
check the web sites for Laguna tools, Robland, Knapp, Hammer, and SCM Mini max for comparisons. I am also shopping for combination machines and must admit am a bit overwhelmed at the many manufacturers. There are no nearby dealers in this corner of Montana, USA so I have no chance to inspect the machines f2f.
I owned two Minimax combination machines (which are made here)and 2 years ago when I changed machine I got a Felder. The Minimax for the equivalent machine was a bit cheaper but the Felder is a better machine and has a set of optional acessories that is unsurpassed for a one man shop. You get what you pay for.
Philip
Have not heard of the Felder brand and will do some research. I assume you sold your Minimax machines. I am interested in perhaps buying a used combination machine but live in Montana so shipping may be too costly. Nonetheless, I sure wish I could look at these items and "take them for a test drive" before deciding on purchase.
Minimax is made here in Italy. Felder is made in Hall Tirol Austria. So is the Knapp . With google you can find the web sites. If you look in the archives of this forum you can find a bit of info on various brands and the sales and service of the dealers in the US. For instance I've seen lots of complaints about Laguna tools who sell Knapp and other brands.
Philip
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