Thread: Combination machines?

If you have the space and the budget, individual jointer/thicknessers are generally better, mainly because you don't lose time swapping from one mode to the other. But, a 10" combo isn't too expensive, but a 10" jointer will cost a few $$$. On the other hand, if you're pushed for space as I am, a combo may be the vehicle of choice.
The new helical cutter machines are the duck's guts, but I don't know of a combo one yet. They're quieter and give a better finish.
I have an old Carba-tec 10" combo. They originally had a pretty ordinary drive train and bearings, but I've pretty well upgraded mine to current specs now and I reckon it's OK. It gets a fair bit of work on hardwoods.

Thanks Brother

Always happy to get other's perspective, especially those who have walked the path
before.......thanks again appreciate.

Woodsy11

As Alex said, I also prefer individual machines, no swapping over from one to the other, also you can leave a setup on a machine while you go off and do the next part of the job and then if you need to come back (after a f@&% up) to the previous setup it's all there ready to go

Pete

Combo's are a compromise, basically a waste of time, adjusting adjusting, set up individual machines, best option!

Oddjob1

alexS what sort of combo do you have?

Originally Posted by AlexS

If you have the space and the budget, individual jointer/thicknessers are generally better, mainly because you don't lose time swapping from one mode to the other. But, a 10" combo isn't too expensive, but a 10" jointer will cost a few $$$. On the other hand, if you're pushed for space as I am, a combo may be the vehicle of choice.
The new helical cutter machines are the duck's guts, but I don't know of a combo one yet. They're quieter and give a better finish.
I have an old Carba-tec 10" combo. They originally had a pretty ordinary drive train and bearings, but I've pretty well upgraded mine to current specs now and I reckon it's OK. It gets a fair bit of work on hardwoods.

Real good advice here, your question regarding combination machines leads me to think that you might be limited for space.
There are some good 2nd hand combo machines around with functionality at 5 or more applications that will more than accommodate your needs .I have a 7 function Lab30 that caters for my needs and they can often be had for around K3 these days a lot less than what I paid.
They do have the problem of limitations with having to reset a function if moving obviously from one function to another ie. saw set to planer.

Having individual machines is a definite bonus but can be costly particularly if you want to avoid the cheapies and the problems that may surface.

Cheers

hi, i think the main thing is, with respect to you, to learn how to use the machines first,
they are dangerous
separate machines keep the work moving faster

I don't have the space for the dedicated machines, so I bought a 2nd hand Hammer combo. 3 phase, bucket loads of power, more than I could afford but worth every cent and more. Will do me for the next 20-30 years I reckon. 12 inch table saw, 12 inch jointer/thicknesser, plus spindle moulder (which I haven't used yet - it scares me!). And yes, you do have to change over from jointer mode to thicknesser mode, but it isn't really too much bother because with this level of machine the settings stay where you put them. Wish I got more time to use it...

There are some good combo's on the ebay from time to time. I like the heavy duty italian style ones. I've got an SCM mini max but I only use the mortice function now. Robland make some nice ones as well.

I changed mine from 3 phase to single without much trouble.

Can't help you with the new machines.

Hello Woodsy

Don't readily accept assertions about the inconvenience of a combination machine without looking at the current crop of these. The Woodfast, Hammer and Jet at least, (and there may be others) have very rapid changeover.
Previously I used an Elektra Beckum for over 20 years and there was a bit of inconvenience in the changover, the fence and outfeed table had to be removed and the swapover of the dust port was not the most rapid. Now I'm using the Helical Head Jet, JPT310HH. Changeover from planing to thicknessing and back takes mere seconds. An accurate numerical readout on the thicknesser table adjustment means repeatibility is absolutely no problem. It really is a pleasure to use and as convenient, say, as using the bandsaw. And to top it all the price now is $850 less than the initial asking price for this model. It costs far less than a dedicated 12" jointer.