Thread: jointer or planer under 50Hz (50cycles)

A 60Hz machine at 50Hz will often run just a little slower, and maybe use a little more or less power. Voltage is the thing to look out for, and since the US is 100-120V and Europe runs at 220V, the US items are unlikely to work.

I know the 50/60Hz isn't a problem, since northern Japan uses 50Hz, and southern Japan (where I am) uses 60Hz, and using one appliance/tool north to south is rarely a problem.

I'd be looking at what available in the UK or Germany, since the power system is the same, and there is probably more choice for smaller woodworking power tools than what you might find locally.

Thank you for the advice!

the europeans make some wonderful machinary, many of us in Australia covet euro machinary like Holz Profi, Felder, Kity, Mini Max, Altendorf, Sicar etc etc... look up any one of them. Kity i beielveisa french brand you may want to look them up.

Try searching the internet for suppliers and manufacturers. When you have found something you like the look of do some searches for product reviews. Don't forget to check locally as product support and advice is also important. You could also pay a visit to some local cabinet makers etc to see what brands they are using and their recommendations. Also see if there are any woodwork clubs in your area to get advice.

Sophitus, don't go for one of the cheap thicknesser/planers from the USA, as they are mostly just inferior Chinese machines. Like Zed said, you are in Europe and have the opportunity to buy good quality European gear that you won't regret. I am in Australia and also want to buy some European machines, but it is proving a night mare to organise anything.

Originally Posted by FlyingDuck

Sophitus, don't go for one of the cheap thicknesser/planers from the USA, as they are mostly just inferior Chinese machines.

:eek: I did not know! even Grizzly?

Yep, even Grizzly. In fact, they are probably the biggest seller of Chinese machines in the States - that's why they are so cheap. If you have a look at the various machines that the USA outfits sell, you will see that they all look pretty much the same and a lot come out of the same Chinese factories, just with different labels. Just about no small scale woodworking machinery is manufactured in the USA.

Do yourself a favour and get an Austrian or Italian (or other Euro) machine such as Hammer, Felder, Minimax, Holz Profi etc. I have been researching these myself here in Australia, and one of the best thicknesser/planers is the Holz Profi 310 STP or 310 STP-V. Check out their web site, it is even in French. These may however be overkill for your fine guitar work.

It is true that a lot of the larger machines sold in the States come in 220V versions, as 110V can not handle the hp required, but of course like you mentioned they will be 60Hz, and running a 60 Hz induction motor at 50 Hz is not recommended. You won't have this problem with a Euro machine.

You are very lucky to come from an area where they make the great machines which everybody else in the world who wants quality is after, so don't waste time on Chinese junk via the USA.

thank you for the link, FlyingDuck !

Originally Posted by Schtoo

A 60Hz machine at 50Hz will often run just a little slower, and maybe use a little more or less power. Voltage is the thing to look out for, and since the US is 100-120V and Europe runs at 220V, the US items are unlikely to work.

I know the 50/60Hz isn't a problem, since northern Japan uses 50Hz, and southern Japan (where I am) uses 60Hz, and using one appliance/tool north to south is rarely a problem.

I'd be looking at what available in the UK or Germany, since the power system is the same, and there is probably more choice for smaller woodworking power tools than what you might find locally.

Anything from NA like a planer and or jointer will be running at 240volt. There maybe the odd home hobbiest stuff (cheap crap) that runs at 120volt but it would be rare.

G'day Ppl,

Me??
I'm happy with some of the 'Cheaper" Euro Equipment.

Just got ANOTHER Elu; a PS174
Been cutting Wafer Thin slices thinner and Thinner,
Arh!!
The Music of the Saw Blade,
The Aroma
The feel of the "THINNESS" of the wood