Thread: Advice on Planer Thicknesser

I haven't re-read this thread - but there was a discussion on the Jet JPT310-HH vs Hammer A3-31 a while back: Hammer A3-31 vs Jet JPT310

Originally Posted by Midnight Man

I haven't re-read this thread - but there was a discussion on the Jet JPT310-HH vs Hammer A3-31 a while back: Hammer A3-31 vs Jet JPT310

Midnight Man I read the thread and the Hammer A31 appears to be a proven product that has only one downside - cost!

I noticed Felder has an Oktoberfest coming up and will make some enquiries......

The Jet could also be OK if you get a good one - my experience with a few Jet products is they have been reliable and fairly well made - but definitely not in the Felder/Hammer class

If you’re after second hand hammer machines, check out this site : Combination machines

It’s run by Felder/Hammer and I’ve seen some good deals recently. There was a Hammer N4400 for $1000 a few weeks ago. There was also a A3 31 with straight knifes also, from memory around the $3000 to $3500 range.

You can’t go wrong with the A3 31, it’s a beast. I’ve owned both the straight knife and silent power/spiral models and you’ll be happy ether way. The silent power obviously gives a nicer finish and is very quiet, but both great machines.

Originally Posted by groeneaj

If you’re after second hand hammer machines, check out this site : Combination machines

It’s run by Felder/Hammer and I’ve seen some good deals recently. There was a Hammer N4400 for $1000 a few weeks ago. There was also a A3 31 with straight knifes also, from memory around the $3000 to $3500 range.

You can’t go wrong with the A3 31, it’s a beast. I’ve owned both the straight knife and silent power/spiral models and you’ll be happy ether way. The silent power obviously gives a nicer finish and is very quiet, but both great machines.

Thanks I was unaware of this site.
i would prefer a good used Hammer A3 31 to a new Jet or Rikon Planer Thicknesser!

The Jet is a nice machine, I was close to getting one a while back as Hammer didn’t have the silent head back then (2011). I do recall some owners having issues with table flatness on the Jet.

But I ended up waiting a few months when the silent power head was released and I haven’t looked back. I initially took delivery of a straight knife A3 31 as they stuffed my order up, so I got to use it for a few months while the S/P model came from overseas. I’m glad that I got to compare the two, plus they gave me a good discount on a bandsaw for the stuff up.

It might even be worthwhile to call your local dealer and ask if they have any second hand machines for sale. I recently visited my Felder dealer and they had a few used machines for sale, presumably from customers trading in their older models for the latest machine.

I am currently awaiting a call from James at Felder following a visit to the Nth Coburg showroom last week.
it will be interesting to see what deals are on offer. I know they have a used A31 for sale but it is the non helical head version. I wil only go for the helical head version.

The FB510 is also under consideration - a very serious bandsaw!

I will also explore the NSW Oktoberfest discounts........

Note that the factory/agents cannot retro fit the helical head on the A3-31 with straight blades. It remains straight blades only or possibly an aftermarket Byrd kit. Persevere and get the A3-31 with helical heads. It is worth it.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Note that the factory/agents cannot retro fit the helical head on the A3-31 with straight blades. It remains straight blades only or possibly an aftermarket Byrd kit. Persevere and het the A3-31 with helical heads. It is worth it.

Regards from Perth

Derek

This is correct as advised by the Felder Tech last week - but I cannot understand why this is the case.
If Byrd can develop a replacement helical head for the straight blade machine why can’t Felder?

WT, the reason is, I imagine, that all the Hammer/Felder machines are built to order. Few machines are purchased off the agent's floor. The factory in Austria is focussed on getting personalised machines out the door, and an order can take 3 months (or more) to complete. They likely lack the capacity to do re-fits.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Just out of interest is anyone using the Powermatc 15 inch Thicknesser?
An option for me is to supplement my Jet 8’” jointer with a Byrd cutter and just buy a good Thicknesser keeping the total cost under $5K.

The Powermatic seems to be proven and well built @$4K.

Have you tried Robland? I used to own a Robland combination machine, I think it is a good alternative to Felder/Hammer/SCM/Minimax if you are working to a budget. My Robland combination machine is made in Belgium. when new they are about half price of Felder combination machine.

I now operates separate machines, I have only sold the Robland because it can no longer keep up with my working pace, I really wanted to keep the Robland but I have no space.

Robland also offers spiral cutter cutter head.

In terms of noise reduction, you really have to go Spiral cutter block to reduce the noise. my thicknesser planer on my Robland had a Tersa 410mm wide cutterhead (straight knife). it was very noisy compare to my current JP combo (AD951 with silent cutter block). The noise from the silent cutter block is so little under load that it is almost the same as my 8 yo $399 Ryobi floor standing drill press I bought from Bunnings.

Albert thanks for the heads up!

I am considering all options as I have noted that the fence design on the Hammer A3 31 is a tad underwhelming at the price point. I am investigating Robland and SCM alternatives - SCM older machines appeal for their build quality. Trouble is retro fitting a helical head is prohibitive especially to larger machines.

Did I say parting with 5K plus is not an easy decision and I want to make the right investment.

I agree that the fence on the A3-31 appears "light weight" since it is extruded aluminium. However it is more than satisfactory and I have never had an issue with it moving - either twisting or losing position. It has reinforcing at the appropriate sections. What you have to keep in mind is that it is designed for light weight because it has to be lifted when changing over from jointer to thicknesser, and in reverse. A heavy cast iron fence might not work in this design.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

I agree that the fence on the A3-31 appears "light weight" since it is extruded aluminium. However it is more than satisfactory and I have never had an issue with it moving - either twisting or losing position. It has reinforcing at the appropriate sections. What you have to keep in mind is that it is designed for light weight because it has to be lifted when changing over from jointer to thicknesser, and in reverse. A heavy cast iron fence might not work in this design.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Derek thanks for the soothing assurances - I have high expectations when being asked to part with over 6 grand for a machine.

I have asked a Felder if I can see one in action