Hafco thicknesser vs carbatec?u

[timtamsNcoffee]

Hello,

I am in the market for a thicknesser, I would like to up my game by using nice hardwood, but everything i can find is rough, thus requiring new toys :D.
So far I have narrowed down to two contesters:

hafco http://www.machineryhouse.co.nz/W815
carbatec http://www.carbatec.co.nz/carba-tec-13-spiral-head-thicknesser_c22174

My requirements would be the weekend warrior kind, budget is limited and space is very limited, that's why i'm looking at a benchtop model that i can stash away after i am done. The carbatec seems to have good things said about it from my research, but i couldn't find any user info on the hafco.

Has anyone tried the hafco? I would love to hear any advice from you guys out there.

Cheers,
Umar.

[Karl Robbers]

I have an earlier model Carbatec with the straight knives. Not a bad little thicknesser, emphasis on little, but as your planing width increases they do heat up and trip the overload. Even on quite thin cuts. It seems that once the thermal overload gets warm it likes to stay that way for quite a while.
I am semi actively looking for a larger thicknesser for this reason.
If you are only planing a few boards in hobby type usage with limited space to set up a larger unit then I would say go for the Carbatec as they seem to be a step above the H&F machinery.
I don't know that I would want to part with $1000 odd dollars for such a small unit though. A 12" JET (looks like my old Carbatec), can be had new for less than half this price and while I know spiral heads are meant to be the ducks guts, I would take some convincing that they are over twice as good for hobby usage.
Will you invest in a jointer as well to true your rough sawn timber? If so, then perhaps a combo unit could be a better option. Entry level seems to be around $1600 AUD.
I don't know what the market is like for second hand units around your way, but that is another option too.
My 2c worth anyway.

[hiroller]

These are pretty similar machines and probably come from the same factory.
However, going by the versions sold by Steel City in the US (they sell both models), the Carbatec model is sold as the Deluxe version and is substantially heavier. As the motor and cutters are the same, I suspect that weight is in the frame.
See details here:
http://www.steelcitytoolworks.com/index.php/standard-products/planers/40200h-13-deluxe-portable-planer-with-helical-head.html
http://www.steelcitytoolworks.com/index.php/standard-products/planers/40300h-13-portable-planer-with-helical-head.html