Thread: Carbatec 15" thicknesser

Ya link didnt work.

Al

does it now? it did for me

worked OK for me.

Nice machine. lucky chap.

Good question......I am also wondering about the two models in the Carbatec catalog, tho I lean towards the model with the 205 high infeed...just in case.
I also am in the market for a jointer & have more or less decided on the Carbatec 6" model with the 1410 mm table.
I am interested to hear comments for or against these or suggestions for alternatives.....best thing about these from my point of view is that Woodworks in Toowoomba sell them & are only about 2 1/2 hours away.
I dont want to highjack your thread but will watch for replies with interest.
Regards, Bill

The link works ok now.

I have a similar 15" thicknesser and it works a treat, the only thing I would change, if I had the money, is the cutter head to one of these.
http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPR...ARTNUM=120-047

Al

Joash, I use and prefer the model with the motor underneath and rollers on top, over the model with the motor on top. I find when machining timber it is much more convenient to pass the timber across the rollers. Admittedly it is $200 dearer, but much more convenient. Mine is a hafco but is almost identical to the Carba-tec model. And, no, I do not have any interests in or with Hafco.
Jim

Joash,
I have the other 15" Carbatec model. My view is as follows:
the finish will be the same. The model you are looking at has the fixed table height. I am told this is advantageous, but I have never needed any increased length of infeed/outfeed with the CTJ381. I may be wrong, but having the motor down in the cabinet should be a little quieter. Also the increased height of timber that can be cut by mine is 200mm vs the 150mm. There is also of course the matter of $200 as Powderpost has stated.
I have had mine for 2 years now, and it has been excellent in what is does.
Regards
Les

I have the same as Les above. Glad I got that one.

Heavier base and easier to adjust height of cut, no motor to lift.

If the timber is a bit longer and I don't have a helper I just start the feed then
wander round the other side and take it as it comes through. Easy peasy

The rollers on top are good one person or two.

EDIT: I see that model is $100 off right now. When I got mine the same one was on sale
price but when asked they just nocked the same amount off the one I wanted

Joash,
I have the same as Les also. Only mine is a different colour. I looked at the model you are looking at and decided on mine for the same reasons Les gave plus the blades are a whole lot easier to change with the motor below. I also agree with Greolt about the outfeed. I work on my own all the time and it never is a problem.
Hope this helps and good luck with which ever you choose.

Regards
Vasco

Hi Al,

I read a US magazine review of these spiral cutter heads a month or so ago, and the upshot was that they were a little better in the finish produced, but nowhere near what the extra cost implies - just give the boards a final swish with a decent smoother after they've been through the thicknesser, and voila!

I was thinking about the noise mostly.
The finish from mine at the mo' is really good, some carbide blades would really help out so there is less sharpening, but I can get carbide tipped ones in Oz at a reasonable rate.
Maybe they would be better at curly grain too?

The noise, the noise.

Al

Originally Posted by Auzzie turner

Hi, we are thinking of buying this thicknesser, and was wondering what you guys thought of it, what are your reviews and comments about it? Do you think it is a good deal, if not, what , we are looking for something around that size or bigger, but around the same price.

Regards..........Joash

I have the Carbatec CTJ-680 15' thicknesser it works fine I have had no problems with it and am very happy the only thing that I have changed is I fitted a digital ruler to it.

Regards

Phil

Hi,
The only suggestion I would make is that you consider going to the next size
machine........ 20inch........... I purchased one of these approximately two years ago at the Woodwork Show in jeff's shed. (saved about $800 on the day)
Have used several times for various types of work and it is excellent!
I also have a 12inch Cabitec buzzer and spindle moulder; these are also excellent machines. I am waiting for the woodwork show this year to purchase a panel saw, with scriber saw blade, which is normally priced at around $5,000
hopefully, I will get $500 - $600 off that also.
Prior to going Carbitec, I had an 8inch Artisan combination, which I purchased 20 years ago when I was a builder and a Woodwork teacher at the Tech school. They have come a long way with machinery over the last three to four years.
Anyway all the best with your choice and eventual purchase, but in my opinion you can't go past Carbitec.

Kind Regards, Ron.