Thread: Thicknesser Question

Originally Posted by Don Burch

That aside, if the stock Carbatec CTJ-508X-1PH, 3HP, spiral can take a maximum 1.5mm cut, why can't yours?

The "maximum cut" spec is the biggest cut the machine is theoretically capable of, it does not apply across the full width. Our 10hp thicknesser at work has a max cut of 10 mm and it will handle a 10mm cut on narrow pieces, but there's no way it would do it over the full 24" width. See the power comparison in my earlier post; 0.3mm over 500mm is about the limit for 3hp with no dedicated feed motor.

You said the motor stops. Does the motor stop (trip), or do the belts slip? Are the belts adjusted/tensioned properly?

The motor stops. There's no way 3hp is going to cause 3 belts to slip unless there is no tension on them at all.

Lastly, I would be concerned that 3HP might be a bit light for a 20" spiral.

It is, but without 3-phase power it's the most you can get.

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

The "maximum cut" spec is the biggest cut the machine is theoretically capable of, it does not apply across the full width. Our 10hp thicknesser at work has a max cut of 10 mm and it will handle a 10mm cut on narrow pieces, but there's no way it would do it over the full 24" width. See the power comparison in my earlier post; 0.3mm over 500mm is about the limit for 3hp with no dedicated feed motor.

Sounds then like a conditional specification which requires confirmation from the manufacturer. Powermatic, also sold by Carbatec, use the term Full Width Cutting Depth for all of their stationary planers. 1/8" for their 3 hp 15" and 3/32" for the 5hp 20".
My 15" says 1/8"/pass, not /X inches of width/pass.
I would fully expect the machine to meet or exceed it's published specification, unless said specification is clearly conditional.

The motor stops. There's no way 3hp is going to cause 3 belts to slip unless there is no tension on them at all.

OP say head stalled, not a motor trip. Does happen.

It is, but without 3-phase power it's the most you can get.

This planer is available in 5hp, Powermatic sell a number of single phase, 5hp units.

Originally Posted by Don Burch

Sounds then like a conditional specification which requires confirmation from the manufacturer. Powermatic, also sold by Carbatec, use the term Full Width Cutting Depth for all of their stationary planers. 1/8" for their 3 hp 15" and 3/32" for the 5hp 20".
My 15" says 1/8"/pass, not /X inches of width/pass.
I would fully expect the machine to meet or exceed it's published specification, unless said specification is clearly conditional.

Powermatic specify full width. Most others do not and will not get full depth at full width in anything harder than balsa without a serious motor upgrade

OP say head stalled, not a motor trip. Does happen.

A 3 hp single phase motor doesn't have enough grunt to slip 3 new belts, it takes 10 hp to slip the 3 belts on our rip saw and even then sometimes it stalls instead of slips

This planer is available in 5hp, Powermatic sell a number of single phase, 5hp units.

The 5hp is 3-phase in Australia, don't know about the US