Thread: Carba-tec CTJ-196X

I have a 6" jointer and a small thickneser. I would like to upgrade to a combination machine. The added capacity of the jointer is very desirable. I have had to cut timber down to fit on the jointer and use alternate pieces of timber because of the 6" restriction. I am saving for a Jet 12" or a Hammer A3 31. One day.

According to the guy at my local store the combo machines that are in my price range (sub $1500) offer far less quality even though the jointer is 10". I guess I fall in between low rang and nearly scraping into mid range.

I have ordered the CTJ-196X, it's weird that it's not showing up in the current carbatec catalogue but it seems to be a well priced entry to the world of spiral head jointers. I managed to get mine for approx $800 and it should arrive over the next week or two.

Also picked up the carbatec 13" spiral head thicknesser. Had a bit of oil/grease appear for the first few runs but that soon cleaned up. Have run a heap of old tas oak wall studs through (they are going to be my new work bench top) and some cedar, celery top and huon pine and the finish is very impressive. Some minor tear away on the cedar but that was probably due to me taking too much off on each pass.

Looking forward to finally been able to build things knowing that they are actually square!

I've had the CTJ-196X for just over a week now. It's my first jointer/planer so I can't really compare it to anything else but I must say I'm very impressed.

I've run a heap of old Tas. Oak wall studs through it for my new work bench top and it is coming out so smooth I dare say it needs no sanding. Also ran through a 6" x 6" fiddleback tas oak metre long chunk and the finish is just amazing.

Will post some work bench photos once it's all together.