Second hand jointer & planer problems?
kentmich
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
Before I hit Craig’s list for second-hand jointers and planers, I’d like some advice on what to look for or avoid. If I assume there’ll be some cutter sharpening or replacement needed, how much would that cost? I want to factor in the cost of possible cutter replacement when figuring out if it’s a “really good deal” or not.
What other problems might I find in older jointers and planers? What do I need to look for that you wouldn’t have to consider in buying a new one?
Replies
Speaking from experience working in a number of shops, equipment can have many changes made. I've found wrong switches, broken studs, galled nuts and bolts, cracked and broken parts, wrong motors. Many of the damages are internal, caused by someone that didn't know what they were doing. I would want to see and inspect any used machine, some can be a real chore to bring back to original specks. It helps if you have experience with a wide variety of machines. Each manufacturer has things about the machine that may be unique.
I had an older Oliver planer that developed motor bearing problems. The motor was not removable, you had to make the fix by pulling the cutterhead, a major job. I had a jointer with the on button projecting proud of the shroud on a magnetic switch, almost unoticable. The same jointer had every gib bolt rounded off and the underneath of the guard had been hit hard by the blades.
Smaller size shop equipment is in demand. Sometimes you can find a piece that has had hardly any use, from a one person shop. Equipment from larger shops may have had too many inexperienced hands on it. Sharpening or replacing straight blades isn't particularly expensive and it's part of normal maintenance. Fixing broken or stressed parts is another matter. Since a lot of this equipment commands prices close to a new machine, and new machines often have modern up grades plus a warranty, I'd be cautious.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
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