Thread: New Combo Thicknesser/Jointer

Well - I am not sure what the prices range of these machines is, but i have just stumped up for a Hammer A3 26 planer/thickneser... I looked at many, but when i walked into the Felder showroom and saw the machine, it was instant hyperventilation... excellent build quality, finish, and fitted with a spiral cutterhead, it is quiet and gives a fantastic tear-out free finish... Price is a bit steep, but, we're talking woodwork here!! Also, am thinking that it will hold its value, never see them used and for sale on e-bay... or anywhere else for that matter

G'day Mate,

Personally, I wouldn't buy any of them, or any other combo jointer / thicknesser.

if you do, straight away, you are limited to thickness width of 10", or 250mm. One of the most common sizes of pine is 290mm, just under 12" wide.

There are other options, to overcome both space & financial restraints.

you can buy bench to thicknessers' that start at about 12", or 300mm.

I have Leda 15" similar to the MB 380. Wonderful machine, as are all my Leda machines. I started off with a Woodfast 6" jointer, that was made in Australia, - Woodville SA, many years before these Asian machines were being imported. I now have a 12" Waldon with a 3HP motor. I bought it for $400, all rusty & in pieces. One of my very best investments.

I love the Leda machines and nearly all my machines are from Leda, But, I would have an old cast iron 1/2 ton Jointer over a new one any day of the week.

That's what I recon anyway.


Steve

Originally Posted by justplanesilly

Well - I am not sure what the prices range of these machines is, but i have just stumped up for a Hammer A3 26 planer/thickneser... I looked at many, but when i walked into the Felder showroom and saw the machine, it was instant hyperventilation... excellent build quality, finish, and fitted with a spiral cutterhead, it is quiet and gives a fantastic tear-out free finish... Price is a bit steep, but, we're talking woodwork here!! Also, am thinking that it will hold its value, never see them used and for sale on e-bay... or anywhere else for that matter

Believe its a very good machine...even so far as probably into the pro range, but you should certainly be pleased wih i. I guess the only place I have seen Hammer gear listed 2nd hand is Machines4U..most of which likely come out of workshops when they are upgraded or served their time.


Cheers, and enjoy!!!

G'day Ticky,

I guess its horses for courses. I have one of those "1/2 ton" (not quite) cast iron beasts you mention, and it has given me pretty good service. I guess though, that there comes a time when one wonders whether the maintenance on the older machines is worth it. As far as size goes, I have not found the need for anything bigger than 10" have been quite satisfied withat the size. Yes, I suppose there are items that one makes that are more than 10" but joining boards is not difficult. I could well go to a Leda 12", but just don't see the need for it.

As far as bench top thicknessers are concerned they would not fill my need, as I want a planer/jointer as well, and don't want 2 machines. But of course, each to his own; I guess that it's what one is used to at the end of the day. Thanks for your advice, you are honest in your choice.


Cheers

Yeah mate, I agree. Horses for courses.

It would be a pretty mean old world if we didn't have the choices that we have.

Good luck with your selection.

BTW, I have 6 leda machines, all bought new & I am wrapped with all of them.

Steve