Thread: Mutli Combination machine options/reviews

Are you aware that the Sicar is now made in China? Whilst this is not necessarily a bad thing it is something to keep in mind if you end up getting reviews from users who have machines that were made in Italy. The same machine is sold in the UK as the iTECH C300.

Good morning Alex

I found your letter rather perplexing; the Minimax is a great machine, and excellent value for money. But then you state: "And also comes with functions that I don't need but will find a use for; sliding TS, morticer, moulder, scriber blade...."

Sliding table saws cost roughly double the price of conventional bench saws. Why would you even consider a sliding table saw if you were not enthralled by its advantages? Use one once or twice and you will be confused as you have to re-learn all you know; its disconcerting, then slowly you realise how much better they saw and how much safer they are.

Hi Adlav,

Yes I'm aware that the Sicar is made in China and I'm sure that quality wise it wouldn't compete with the Minimax/SCM machines. I was hoping there would be some Sicar owners in the forum that would be willing to share a review

Hi Graeme,

I didn't choose my words that well. I'm looking at replacing a TS with a saw of some kind. As well as my combo thicknesser jointer. The fact that it is a slider isn't really the overriding factor. The reason i'm look at multi combination machines was the functionality within my work space. The other functions that the machine comes with are bonuses to me.

Regards,
Alex

Hi Alex, I have been using my C26 for a couple of years now after replacing an old Lab22. I had a Cabinet saw, jointer and thicknesser before the Lab22 but space restrictions meant i was always trying to manhandle these machines to get space to work. The combination has limitations but i find i can work around those and switching between functions is a breeze with the C26. After the cabinet saw i find the sliding table on the C26 is very useful especially since i replaced the standard mitre with an Incra - see old post of mine. I have found Minimax quality generally excellent, although dust extraction from the saw leaves a lot to be desired. Hope that this helps, happy to answer any further questions.

Regards Owen

Owen,

Thanks for the insight. I think i have narrowed down to the Minimax brand, price + quality = Value for money. I put Sicar out there hoping someone had first hand experience. I'm not necessarily concerned that the Sicar is made in China, as my Harvey TS is made in China and i cannot fault it.

I dont think you can go wrong either way. Minimax may have better resale value compare to Sicar?

Have you looked at Robland combination machine? they are made in Belgium. and about within your budget of $13k.

https://www.ronmack.com.au/products/...n-machine.aspx

I have owned a Robland NX410 before, great machine. Robland is not as famous as Minimax/SCM/Felder/Hammer. but I am pretty happy with it. I sold it because I need separate machine due to increased workload.

Thanks for the tip Albert. I will do my research into them. Did your combo sell quick?

Hi Alex, I have a Minimax slider ( SC4E )bought at the start of the year, a really quality machine.
I would vote for going with the larger Lab300, the extra cost will be forgotten in time.
The Lab would give you the ability to "straight line" 1.6m boards and has the scoring blade included, much higher quality flip stops and I'm sure other things.
With the way Euro machinery has been appreciating recently you won't be sorry down the track for getting the top of budget machine now.

I have MiniMax CU300.

I have posted before about my problems with MiniMax after sales "service". Suffice to say, I'm not happy.

The machine is fine, the SCM company [rhymes with] bucks! However, if you are not making a living from the machine and can handle very occasional contact with SCM, it may still be okay.

The slot mortiser from MiniMax is fine but if I am being perfectly candid, I bought it out of spite over the cost of a domino machine.

I now own both. Feel free to draw your own conclusion if that was a wise purchasing decision. I know I have...

Spiral thicknessers are all the rage right now and I am sure they are great. I've never owned one.

I can tell you that the standard thicknesser head with disposable double sided blades is also very good. If you are looking for a place to economise, this may be it. You can always upgrade it later.

I really like the saw unit with scriber. It is first class. Buy a split scriber blade.

If I was to buy it over again, I would buy a combination machine again. However, I would be inclined to spend whatever extra it took to buy a machine made by the Felder group so I didn't have to deal with SCM!

Thanks Mark, at roughly $850 for the mortiser table I wonder if it is more wise to purchase the domino for more versatility. I'm not too sure what you mean by a 'split' scriber blade. What are they?

Originally Posted by Alex N

I'm not too sure what you mean by a 'split' scriber blade. What are they?

Pretty sure that Mark is referring to one of these CMT Industrial Adjustable Scoring Blade (Scribe Blade) - 11800 max RPM | Carbatec

Originally Posted by markharrison

I can tell you that the standard thicknesser head with disposable double sided blades is also very good. If you are looking for a place to economise, this may be it. You can always upgrade it later.

Just be wary Hammer will not upgrade to a factory spiral head, you either have to fit an after market item or buy a whole new machine.

A split scriber comes in two pieces which can be shimmed to suit different thickness blades.