Thread: Combined jointer/thicknesser advice

1... I cant tell the differences between these models. probably all the same but when it comes to machines, you pay what you get. and if you really want something you will have to pay a premium for it
2... Avoid light machine.
3... depends on what you make... minimum 1.8m
4... Helical? I choose helical/spiral because its quiet, if noise is not an issue, Tersa can be considered, My previous model has Tersa and the knife changing is uber-fast, no setting required. . go traditional if you dont mind spending time setting up the knives on the cutter block...
5... dont know much about these machines. buy something reputable, do your research...

I am going through the same process as well. but I am going from TP to separates, because the bed length on my TP combo (Felder AD951) is only 2250mm.

Thanks Albert.

Out of interest what combo TP do you have at the moment?

This used Sicar caught my eye but has traditional knives and was hoping for something that could be moved in a pinch - this one looks like an absolute battleship!
Used sicar FS 41 Planer Thicknesser Combi in AIRPORT WEST, VIC

this is my current TP combo...

Felder AD951.

IMG_4142.jpg

The Sicar you posted looks very grunty. made in Italy. easily converted to single phase if needed.

can’t compare different machines but i have had a hammer a3/31 for several years …. i have the standard blades which perform well and are dead simple to change (they are also double sided so you turn them around before you need to replace them)

noise is not an issue for me so i didn’t convert to a helical head when they came out

changing over is pretty simple taking a few minutes …. i always check for square when changing to planer and it always just needs a nudge to set it square

i got the digital height gauge and consider that money (from memory about $50 at the time) extremely well spent …. i also got an extension table which i have set up on the outfeed of the thicknesser …. i didn’t get the mobility thing because i had one with the bandsaw which i considered next to useless .. i bought a heavy duty mobile base from timbecon instead


i had some difficulty getting it set up originally but with phone and email help from felder managed it eventually…. they were quite happy to be helpful .. had i been closer i would have paid to get them to come out to help

i find it an excellent robust machine that performs very well

regards david

I had the Carbatec one for a job here on the river and it was great. Needed a bit of tuning up to get tge fence sorted, ( it was fine from the shop, but I’m fussy) 45 seconds to change modes, enough power(just) and helical head gives a good finish. I’d rate it 8/10. Good value for what it cost.
the Italian machine you’ve seen at JC Walsh is a tank, solid, grunty machine, but extremely heavy, probably 400 kgs. nothing wrong with straight knives if they are kept sharp, I’ve used them for 45 years and never had an issue. They are a bit noisier but it’s not like you’ll be planing timber 8 hours a day 5 days a week.

I can’t post a link but there’s a Wadkin Bursgreen 12” under and over down the coast on Gumtree.
For your $4k you could buy it and fit a spiral head.
It is 3 phase and they do run 2 motors.
H.

Thanks. Looks like a real beast. Spoke to the guy and apparently has no dust extraction so that's kind of a dealbreaker for me. I've seen what my little thicknesser does when blocked and I'm cleaning up for days!

I have had a Hammer A3-31 for several years. Spiral helix blades, digital gauge. Changes over take 1 minute. Carbide inserts last for years and years.



However, you are unlikely to find one under $4K, unless second-hand. They are ultra reliable and do not come up often. If one does, grab it!

Regards from Perth

Derek

So are you keeping your Felder or moving it on? Looks like it's in new condition. I'm sure even used it's out of my budget but one can dream...

Thanks Derek. I heard nothing but good stuff about the Hammer.

Originally Posted by bluenose

Thanks. Looks like a real beast. Spoke to the guy and apparently has no dust extraction so that's kind of a dealbreaker for me. I've seen what my little thicknesser does when blocked and I'm cleaning up for days!

A box wot sits on top whilst thicknessing and underneath whilst jointing works quite well.
Made of ply with some basic shape inside to direct the chips to 100mm or bigger ducting.

I had this set up on an 18” Wadkin Bursgreen U/O and it worked ok.
If you did convert it to spiral cutterhead the chips are smaller from what I’ve read.

It might be worth taking a close look at the extraction set up on the Hammer etc I think they are basically a fancy box set up.
H.