Thread: 16" Combination Planer Thicknesser Options

There's also the Minimax FS41... but that makes the Hammer look cheap. Perhaps used? Here's a 400mm jointer for cheap: https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/a...-400mm/465456/

Originally Posted by djeddy

There's also the Minimax FS41... but that makes the Hammer look cheap. Perhaps used? Here's a 400mm jointer for cheap: https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/a...-400mm/465456/

Thanks for the very quick reply!

Yes, I just stumbled across the Minimax FS41, and as you correctly point out, it's significantly more expensive than the other machines... definitely out of my price range.

I should have pointed out in my original post that I'm limited to single phase machines only. I don't have any particular issue with used machinery, but I do want to get a helical head and would prefer this to come with the machine as OE. I would be surprised to see many used 16" combo machines with a helical head.

I'm sure you're correct. I was speaking to the Felder Perth folk not long ago, and Con told me they only sell the occasional straight-knife machine these days, and apparently you practically have to give away straight-knife machines to move them on the used market.

Originally Posted by nhall

In relation to combo machines typically having shorter tables than standalone jointers, is there a reliable rule of thumb for the longest workpiece that can be flattened on tables of a given length? With handplanes, most people say that a plane can flatten a workpiece roughly double its length. Does this hold for jointers? Further, when trying to flatten long workpieces, what options are there for providing additional infeed and/or outfeed support? Hammer sell extension tables for their combo machines... is it practicable to achieve support with shop-made fixtures? If so, then the shorter tables on combo machines would seem to not be a significant compromise for most woodworkers.

2 to 2.5x the length of the outfeed table is pretty doable without extra supports, once you get past that a roller stand is a big help to support the weight of the piece and to keep it from tipping, especially with heavy timber. If you are able to hold long pieces level you essentially have infinite infeed table length, so support is not needed, but this does take practice to get right.

You could make up table extensions with sections of kitchen worktop cut to size, bolted/clamped to the table with a leg at the other end for support. The laminate surface is both slippery and hard-wearing.

Second hand Minimax here https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/a...joiner/464950/
You should be able to get a helical head fitted for $2k or less.

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

Second hand Minimax here https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/a...joiner/464950/
You should be able to get a helical head fitted for $2k or less.

Unfortunately, this is a three phase machine. Not an option for me.

Originally Posted by nhall

I should have pointed out in my original post that I'm limited to single phase machines only.

this could be a major issue for you
with 3 phase 4 kW and bigger motors appear to be standard (the Felder is available with a 7.35 kW (10 Hp) motor), single phase motors seem to be limited to 3 kW (4 Hp).

Hi Ian, thanks for your contribution. I should have been clearer in my original post. I am looking for a ~16" combination machine with a spiral cutterblock, and require it to be single phase. I don't think this is a major issue, apart from essentially limiting me to new machines, as it's very unlikely that I'd see a used machine the met my requirements. There seems to be only three options for new machines here in Australia: the Woodman 410, Hammer A3-41 and the Minimax FS41. These machines retail for approximately $5k, $8k and $11k, respectively. There's no way I could afford the Minimax, so I need to decide between the Woodman and the Hammer. I have some reluctance towards the Woodman due to some first-hand experience with poor quality on a Jet combo machine. It might be unfair of me to throw Woodman under the bus with Jet, but given that all machines are made to a price point, and the Woodman machines are in a similar price range to comparable Jet machines, I have some reservations.

Another thing to consider in your final decision is the back and support for the machine, not sure where you are but the guys at Felder/Hammer (WA) are pretty good. The A3-41 is an excellent machine, very easy to use and you will not be disappointed.

Robland SD410 will likely to be less expensive than Hammer A3-41, and it has spiral cutter block. I think it will be better than Woodman and it is made in Belgium.

I had a Robland NX410 full combination machine before, the build quality was good. I used it for 5 years. If I can travel back in time, will I buy it again? yes I would.

Originally Posted by Albert

Robland SD410 will likely to be less expensive than Hammer A3-41, and it has spiral cutter block. I think it will be better than Woodman and it is made in Belgium.

I had a Robland NX410 full combination machine before, the build quality was good. I used it for 5 years. If I can travel back in time, will I buy it again? yes I would.

3 phase = not useful. It's also well over $10k.

Originally Posted by nhall

Hi Ian, thanks for your contribution. I should have been clearer in my original post. I am looking for a ~16" combination machine with a spiral cutterblock, and require it to be single phase. I don't think this is a major issue, apart from essentially limiting me to new machines, as it's very unlikely that I'd see a used machine the met my requirements. There seems to be only three options for new machines here in Australia: the Woodman 410, Hammer A3-41 and the Minimax FS41. These machines retail for approximately $5k, $8k and $11k, respectively.

as standard, the Hammer (and Felder) combos are supplied with a 3 ph, 4 kW motor -- with more powerful motors available as options.
Single phase machines only have 3 kW motors. I'm wondering if a 3 kW machine will have the grunt you need.
I've a faint recollection that in the past, Hammer machines were available with a 4 kW single phase motor.

The underlying question is does your shed have the juice to run a 3 or 4 kW single phase motor plus the other essentials -- dust collector, lighting, etc. -- and if not, would the required power upgrade allow you to consider a 3 ph motor, possibly run off a VFD.

According to the manufacturer, the standard 3 phase motor on the A3-41 (and the A3-31) is, in fact, a 3.0 kW motor, with no more powerful options available. There is much praise on these forums and elsewhere for the Hammer combo machines and amongst the small number of negative comments, I do not recall anyone complaining about a lack of power. In fact, the manufacturer claims that the machine is capable of a 4mm depth of cut, and I recall some forum posts backing this claim.

With respect, I don't think the underlying question has anything to do with the wiring in my workshop. I'm not trying to boil the ocean. I just want to get a 16" combo machine, have narrowed it down to a Woodman and a Hammer, and am trying to draw on the collective wisdom of other forum members who have experience with one or both of these machines. Given that noone has jumped to the defence of the Woodman (or Jet) combo machines, I think I need to gather my pennies and pony up for the Hammer.

Just remember that 4mm is the theoretical maximum. You might get it on narrow pieces but at full width the motor will struggle with more than 1mm and even that depth might be pushing it.