Thread: Jet vs Carba-tec 15" Thicknesser

The Jet is made in Taiwan. I think the Carba-tec models are made in China. I have the Jet and have had no problems with it. I would however wait until the Working with Wood show as they alway have discounts at this time that you dont have to bargain to get.

In Sydney try Major Woodwooking, they are good to deal with in my experience.

www.majorwoodworking.com.au

G'day,
I am unable to compare the 2 thicknessers, but I do own the Carbatec 15" thicknesser (CT381 - the one on wheels with the table that raises up and down). I have also installed a digital readout system to it. I have only done a moderate amount of thicknessing - excellent results. I will soon be putting some more timber thru it (Euro Beech and recycled Jarrah). The snipe is almost non existent.
Regards
Les

Hi. i have just bought the 20" as the price was a little to good to let go I had actuially purchased the 15"but when it came time to pick it up i swapped at the last second when i was told the price for the 20"
Curious to know how much drama you had setting up the Didi readout. And even better the cost.
Sinjin

Sinjin,
the cost of the digi readout was not cheap. Cost = abot $340. However extremely handy - do not have to use my reading glasses. It is fairly easy to attach. Just requires to threads to be tapped into the cast iron (1 on the side of the table and 1 on the main body). If you have the 20" it is even easier. Better space for the gadget.
Regards
Les

Don't own either (would like to though), but was in Carbatec today talking to Jeff the owner he assures me that their 15" model is a Delta X5 (Industrial with 5y Warraty in the States) painted green. I think from memory that the Carbatec is about $1000 cheaper than the Jet and has solid cast iron infeed and outfeed tables. It just looks like a very well built machine and it's cheaper. I know what I'd do.

Hello. I have the 15" Carbatec version and have also made the digital readout conversion (not too bad on price, got it on a special).

From originally looking at both the Carbatec and the Jet I did not see where extra $1000 was going. Apart from colour I couldn't really see any meaningful difference in the main body.

Mark

Hi,
in fact , in the latest FWW mag (#177) on page 93 there is an ad for YORKCRAFT machines. The 15" planer look exactly like the Carbatec 15" and in fact all the other machines look exactly like the Carbatec machines. makes one wonder how many makes come from the same factory.
regards
Les

Yes, I came to the conclusion some time ago that most of the 15" planners around the traps were badge engineered clones of the one design. I have one of these, a 'CAV' model SA-380 (circa. ~'93) virtually identical to the Timbecon and Carba-tec models.
This is my first post to this forum and indeed it is a problem with this machine that prompted me to join up. Although I have a reasonable idea about how to adjust this machine, I originally bought it second hand and have no adjustment manual. As it's basically the same design as many other brands, I thought someone in this forum might know of where I could get a copy. I would be very grateful for any help.
thanks,
Frank

bought it second hand and have no adjustment manual

Try the Delta Machinery website.

Frank,
send me a PM thru the forum facility and i can help you wit a maual in this regards.
Les