My father and I are considering purchasing a Woodmaster model 718. I have reservations about a machine with so many different performances. I just wanted to know who has them and what do you think about it. My concern is the precision of the planner. That really is the only thing I would use it for. However the machine is going in his building so he has the ultimate decision. He as well is wanting feedback on what those of you who own or have ever owned one think about it.
Thanks in advance for any of your opinions
Scott T
Replies
I have purchased and used frequently a woodmaster 718 since 1997. At that time it was offered with an option to convert it from planer to sander. I did get that option, I used it once, and found it too cumbersome and therefore useless. The planer, on the other hand, has been working without any problem It is rugged, simple to adjust and able to plane dry oak for hours on end.
John Cabot
My father has had one for years, it's one heck of a rugged machine and makes some serious noise when it gets going. If I had one I think I would end up using the drum sander as much as the planer, it's really useful. There is a gang rip option as well that is useful, but the setup and changeover time is not trivial so getting it just for the planer is probably a good way to look at it.
The planer has a lot of snipe so you have to railroad the pieces in and/or plan on extra for waste. But this may just be my father, he never takes the time to setup or maintain his stuff.
I purchased the 725 two years ago and could not be happier. My wife and I went to the factory in Kansas City to see it in action before plunking down that kind of money, the folks at Woodmaster are great, it is as advertised. Woodman41 is right, unless you take some time to adjust things there is some snipe, I have called the factory for a few questions and they will help until the problem is solved (take time and read all the directions, I did not). The sanding option is by far the weakest function on the machine, this was even stated when we were at the factory, everything else is top notch. I own three machine from Steel City and as good as their customer service is, WoodMaster is the best I have come across. They are still a family owned company and made in the U.S.A. Give them a call and see if they have someone in your area that owns one, most WoodMaster owners are happy the showoff their machines. If you have any other questions let me know.
Is the jury still out or have you guys decided?
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