Thanks: 0
Likes: 0
Needs Pictures: 0
Picture(s) thanks: 0
Results 1 to 8 of 8
Thread: Combination machine
-
1st December 2004, 09:11 AM #1Novice
- Join Date
- Feb 2004
- Location
- Melboune
- Posts
- 15
Combination machine
I am investigating combination machines and have narrowed down my search to the Robland NLX310 and the Minimax CU300 Smart machines. I would welcome people's personal experiences with these machines to help me make my decision. In particular I would like your feedback on the quality of your distributor's support and any issues you had with accuracy, alignment, setup or usage. Note that the NLX310 is quite different from the LX310 or LX31 as it has a significantly more robust sliding table and is a heavier machine.
I have looked at the Felder and Knapp but these are outside my price range. I would also welcome any feedback on Holz Profi machines.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Martin.
-
1st December 2004 09:11 AM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
- Join Date
- Always
- Location
- Advertising world
- Posts
- Many
-
1st December 2004, 09:21 AM #2Senior Member
- Join Date
- Dec 2003
- Location
- Sydney
- Posts
- 173
Martin,
Have you looked at Hammer (which is a part of the Felder group)? This should be in the same price range as the Minimax. Also, I recall an article in FWW that reviewed five combination machines including the two that you're looking at.
Regards,
Mike.
-
1st December 2004, 09:28 AM #3Novice
- Join Date
- Feb 2004
- Location
- Melboune
- Posts
- 15
Hi Mike,
Yes, I have looked at the Hammer but have discounted it as I think the sliding table is inferior to both the Minimax and the NLX310. It has a much smaller section and tends to sag when fully extended. Also the saw carriage trunion assembly looks a bit weak.
Regards,
Martin.
-
1st December 2004, 12:30 PM #4SENIOR MEMBER
- Join Date
- Jul 2003
- Location
- Melbourne
- Age
- 53
- Posts
- 856
Hi Martin,
I have a smart 300, I have had it for about 6 months and its a dream to use. When I was researching combination machines about 6-12 months ago the Minimax was the most suitable in my situation.
I would rank the machines in the following order.
Best - Felder
- Minimax
- Hammer
Worst Robland.
The felder was an amazing machine but I couldnt afford it, I also didnt like the fact that there was no agent in Melbourne.
I bought the Minimax and Gabbet had it delivered , tuned and running by lunchtime the next day.
You should check out both the felder and the Minimax users groups on Yahoo.
Feel free to PM if you have any questions about the minimax.
Joe
-
1st December 2004, 12:46 PM #5
was talking to the felder guy at the www show, they are looking at getting an agent in melb before mid next year
-
1st December 2004, 01:17 PM #6
This is exactly the problem I wish I had.
Great minds discuss ideas,
average minds discuss events,
small minds discuss people
-
7th December 2004, 10:55 PM #7
I have been down the investigation path on this very subject myself. I have been everywhere and looked at every one. I could bore for Australia on the subject. I haven't acted on this investigation due to a lack of employment (
If you are dead set on a 5 function machine, buy the Mini-Max. They are far and away the best built machine in that price range. Fine Woodworking reviewed five function machines recently. Here is a link to that review http://www.minimax-usa.com/W161CH.pdf This is a slightly different model to that which is available ex-stock here (it has the ability to use a stacked dado set and the awful boomerang surface planer guard) but it can be ordered in. Hopefully with the regular surface planer guard!
Alternatively, consider buy two multi function machines. If you are able to this is the "best" option (best in my opinion for my circumstances anyway). Consider the Holz-Profi machines (www.holzprofi.com.au). I see that you are located in Melbourne so it is not a big problem for you to go and see them first hand but they are located up in the NE of Melbourne.
The saw-spindle combos are awesome and the surface planer/thicknesser options are very nicely made also.
If you want a Robland machine I see second hand X310's regularly at dealers. Sticker price way under $6k.
-
8th December 2004, 08:22 AM #8Novice
- Join Date
- Feb 2004
- Location
- Melboune
- Posts
- 15
Thanks for all your input. I'm looking at the Holz-Profi currently as they seem a more robust machine than the Minimax. I'll let the forum know how I go.
Regards,
Martin.