Thread: New Equipment the pointy end

What's your dust extractor like?

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

What's your dust extractor like?

My immediate reaction as well , but not just the extractor, but an extraction system. The ducting/junctions/gates for a mens shed size operation etc can easily cost about the same as an extractor.

I had a thread in the dust extraction section. Basically we have 7.5 hp 3 bag extraction system. Once we have the tools we will set out the workshop and run the extraction system. There will be a main of about 225 mm (250) from there we will branch down to 150 mm to each tool with a short flex hose 600mm or there abouts. At various locations up at the junctions above each tool we will have blast gates, I am hoping we are able to have this all automotive.
Our current drop saw only has 50 mm outlet so was looking at building a box / shield when I get the time, to be able to connect to a 150 mm outlet.

I am am pleased to say as part of out tool purchasing was to include a full extractor system. Yes it is going to cost lots of $$$$$. At this stage looks like around $2000 - $2500 in piping and fittings, this has not allowed for putting it all in place or blast gates and electrical to the tools. Installation of the pipe work will be done by the members.

Brian

When its all set up it will be a fantastic playground to work in

Yes — I agree when done will be rather cool. Just want to get it right. Hence why I’m asking about the tools as I would like peoples opinions before we commit to any purchase. At this stage looks like it will be rather soon.

Wish I had the coin and room to put this stuff in my shed.

Brian

With regard to the sharpening system, I would suggest you could be better off with the Sorby Pro-Edge sharpening system.

https://www.robert-sorby.co.uk/sharp...proedge-system

I myself have a Tormek 7 which I've had since just after they were released, excellent machine, but with the original wheel(s) you could be in for interesting times.

It only takes one bit of hard pressure with a small turning gouge to put an indentation in the wheel, which will then require truing. Not an issue to true it up, but this takes time and I would suggest in a Men's Shed environment, this may be an issue.

I saw a demonstration of the Sorby unit by a Sorby factory representative local to me. He was doing a world tour and is a wood turner, so he of course demonstrated the sharpening capability for sharpening turning gouges. However he then did a quick demonstration of a standard carpentry wood chisel. Sharpened in a few seconds and perfect.

If you look carefully at some clips on the web, you should be able to see all the different kinds of stuff you can quite easily sharpen.

We have a set of wheels on a dedicated bench grinder for sharpening everything, but the Sorby unit is far easier to use with greater accuracy for whatever each tool is used for.

Cheapest way is to get the more expensive unit, there is the standard unit then one with a few accessories. That is the one to get and then you need three accessories to enable sharpening of all turning and non turning tools.

If you decide on this route, give me a notification and I'll delve further into what we did.

In a Men's Shed we have found having the easiest to use system is best, trouble is, it can be a bit demanding trying to find what is the easiest for your particular shed.

My own Men's Shed decided to go this route.

Mick.

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, I initially when the Tormek path as I did with the other tools so I had a rough guide in $$ value for our grant application. While I feel the Tormek is a good system, it is not a cheap system when you start adding all the other bits and pieces.

I am very interested in the Sorby system as I'm not set on any particular system, I was just after a system so we can sharpen our tools. I also like to keep things simple.

So happy to hear what your system consists of at least I can put it forward and let the members decide on what they would prefer. Which of course will be down to only a few who sharpen the tools. .

Had an interesting chat today with Carbatec as I was chasing a Powermatic 20" Thicknesser and I now know there are only 5 in Australia. and they will not be stocking Powermatic any more.
They had one on the floor and offered a fair price to purchase however would only place it on a pellet and plastic wrap for transport . It has to travel 3500 KLM to get here, would rather have it packed way better than wrapped in plastic. I did find out they will be no longer stocking Powermatic tools. Of course finding this out I asked the salesman who would be looking after any warranty claims, he was unable to say. Talk about a deal breaker. My understanding Carbatec were the Australian agents not any more it seems.

Oh well looks like the Laguna 20" four post thicknesser will be the go.

The Laguna sander is now my issue and the one I felt would do the trick is not in stock and would be at least 3 months on back order .

Guess I will continue looking for a sander.

Have you considered second hand?

Given that you're looking at $6k for the Laguna 4-post, you'll be able to find used industrial level machinery for around that price. Here's 2 of them:
https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/a...r-sale/383919/
https://www.machines4u.com.au/view/a...nesser/448843/

I'm not familiar with the Robland one, but we have the previous model of the SCM (same generation, just some minor changes) and I can confidently say that it's one of the best thicknessers ever made, possibly even THE best. Don't worry about a warranty, these things straight up will not break.

If you want stuff that will last, go old-school. No sheet metal, its all solid cast iron

Hi,

Yes. I have considered 2nd hand, always do in fact and I have seen some great buys however when you factor in the cost of transport to Darwin its just a killer. I mean I received a quote for a thicknesser from Melbourne to Darwin and it was just on $1500 .

The issue is members have been using donated 2nd hand tools for a number of years and when I joined so 14 mths ago I have repaired the bench thicknesser, at best it could be used as a rough thicknesser. Currently we are using mine. The bandsaw needs new rubbers on the wheels and a few other things need attention, as it stands at the moment you could be working for an hour or so with no issue then all of a sudden the blade come off and it freaks me out. So will look at this and replace the rubbers and a few other minor fixes and we may keep it as a 2nd bandsaw. The drill press chuck has dropped out on me twice while drilling (bloody unnerving that is). I cannot figure out why it keeps doing that but it just bloody dangerous and is not in use. So at the moment these 3 pieces of equipment are not currently being used.

So members want to get some new equipment and to be honest I cannot blame them. If we get what is planned we should be rather well set up for a long time.

Then there is issue I have raised EVERYONE will need to be shown how to use ALL the equipment correctly and

safely

and this will not be any small task or popular for that matter.

The Roland looks a cool machine that's for sure.

Hi,

Anyone have any Ledacraft machinery and if so what's are your thoughts, good, bad, whatever. They have a local distributor which is handy in any warranty matters.

I've used both a Leda "Big Boy" edge sander and a 12" tablesaw before and they were both very good. The tablesaw was a heavy older style of solid build 240v and easy to setup or change settings. The fence could have been better though.
I'm unsure about current models though as these were both 15 year old machines.

Stewie

Good Morning Brian

Very interesting project, but I am not certain that you are asking the right questions.

Noting that you live in Darwin, with many fewer agents/suppliers than in Melbourne or Sydney, perhaps you should consider:

• Who are the best agents/suppliers in Darwin?
• What brands do they supply?
• What are the most popular models locally? What do joinery shops use?
• Which agents/suppliers would you prefer not to deal with?

Remember, you are about to enter a long term relationship.

I would not like to have a minor problem in Darwin, and the nearest source of advice or spares in Sydney or Tokyo!


Fair Winds

Graeme

Hi,

I know where you are coming from.

Its bloody hard having moved here from Brisbane where I was spoilt with tool shops, here we only have one main dealer who sells Leda Craft and I cannot find anyone that uses their gear, mind you its a hardware store not a dedicated dealer. Don't get me wrong someone must use it or they would not have it. I would have liked to use their gear I'm not sure it fitted our needs and quality was a bit of an issue for me. Hence why I asked the question in an earlier post, who has used their gear. Also no stock is held no matter what it is, if we order gear its at least 3 - 6 weeks away. I mean no one even stocks Titebond glue and its a 2- 3 week order from Adelaide.

We don't have the pleasure to just go look at tools or any variety, its all on the net and looking at reviews and people opinions like forum like this. As for joinery shops what they use and brands are way outside of our league or $$$ point of view.

I know whom I don't want to deal with.

I'm pleased today our Men shed had a meeting and have selected our list of tools and the companies we will be dealing with. There were a number of factors that influenced the decision, quality of the tools, warranty, back up support, transport costs, ease of use, members wants and needs. Buying as much as possible from one company was also a factor.

As for our nearest support or spares will be Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney. Sydney will depend on if we decide to go with their compressor.

I'm flying into Brisbane Thursday and will be visiting the supplier for a full run down on our tool list and I will place our order. Pretty excited. I'm still guessing will be 4 - 6 weeks before we see anything.