Thread: Magno 260 Planer/Thicknesser

Sorry to revert back. The original question was whether there was some compromise using a combo machine, as opposed to a dedicated joiner and thicknesser.

The answer seems to be there is no compromise, except for
a) time spent switching between modes
b) dust extraction capability
And the amount of compromise seems to depend on the model.

So overall, combos are just as good as separate machines. And are much cheaper than buying 2 machines of similar capability.

Correct conclusion?

- What about the relatively short tables and fences on combo machines? Does this make it harder to plane longer lengths?
- Is adjusting the table heights harder on a combo machine?

John G.

Time to switch modes is very quick. Dust extraction works well in both modes. (I'm referring to the T-260 types)

On my unit, only the infeed table is adjustable. Blades are set to outfeed height.

I guess that the longer the beds, the better the results.

Gordon.

Originally posted by zymurgy
Still problems with fence.

Found a couple of set screws (not mentioned in manual) to align outfeed rail so it's in-line with infeed. Now aligned.

Manual further stated that the blade should be no higher than 1.0mm or .4" above outfeed rail. Thought that's abit much, turned page and decimal points had moved, picture shows .01mm and .004"! It needed adjustment, now adjusted.


Gordon.

Hi Gordon,

I recently bought one of these machines too and I can't see which "Set Screws" that you mentioned. Can you provide more details.
As for the blade setting against the out feed table, there is some confussion between the manual and the SAFETY label on the machine. I intend to e-mail Hare & Forbes to get the correct info.

Thanks,

Glen

Glen,

I'll borrow the daughters digital camera and take a picture.

The manuals are really bad. I just purchased a bandsaw (BP-16A) from H&F. Section 6.1 in reference to changing the blade, states: "Make sure switch is in off position and unplug the SANDER..."

How does the manual differ from the safety label? It's all in garage at the moment.

Can you do me a favour and remove the fence (completley, it's the aluminium extrusion) from it's mounting hardware and verify if it sits flat. Mine rocks.

Gordon.

Gordon,

I just checked my fence (Carbatec version) and it is dead flat - no rock. Be interesting to hear if Glen's is flat.

Have you asked H&F about it - they should replace it IMO.

Glen,

Here is the setscrews in question. Mind you, not mentioned in the instruction manual, but since infeed tray is fixed, there MUST be a method to align the outfeed. These setscrews (on on each side), do just that.

Gordon.

Hi Gordon,

Thanks for the photos, makes things a bit clearer.
I still haven't use the machine, I've been waiting until I can clear up the Blades Setting procedure. I e-mailed Hare & Forbes and Robert Drury (Service Manager) replied to clear up some things.

The Bade is set Max 0.1mm (0.004") above the Outfeed table.

The Blade is set Max 1.0mm (0.040") protuding from the cutterblock (the spinning bit that holds the blade). This is the measurement which is stated on the SAFETY label on the side of the machine.

He said he will make the factory aware of these issues.

I just check the fence against the outfeed table and it TOO wobbles. I fitted it and set it square at one end and the other end is out. I will take it to work next week and measure the wobble on a surface table. I might even take in the infeed & outfeed tables and check them as well. It does appear that the fence is twisted.

I'll let you know what I find.

Thanks,

Glen

Glen,

I can set my fence square in middle and it's out at both ends. If H&F resolve this issue for you, let me know. The service bloke here in Melbourne basically said "What can you expect from an extrusion". I haven't pressed it yet, but will. Any ammunition from your end will help.

It's a shame really, as the rest of the machine is actually quite well built. But the fence is critical to performance and this is where it falls over. I had a look at a Electra Beckum machine and it also uses a aluminium extrusion.

Gordon.

Gordon, my 2c worth about your problem.
It is still under warranty so take it back and demand a replacement fence or machine...ie it it does not come up to scratch get 'em to bloody well change it...it's your $$$$ and being the buyer you're entitled to a modicum of satisfaction.
Don't take NO for an answer there is no excuse in shoddy workmanship for a dealer to pass off,they don't check it that much being only the onsellers but they DO have a responsibility to the buying pubic irrespective of the amount of trouble they have to go to....makes the difference between a good dealer and one who's not!
I've had me bitch but in your shoes and if'n it was me I'd be down there wif me problem.

Cheers

Hi Gordon,

I have sent an e-mail to Hare & Forbes informing them of this problem. I'll let you know what their reply is about the twisted fence.

Glen

Hi Gordon,

It took a while but I have some info for you.
Firstly, I measured the fence with a DTI on a surface table and the fence was twisted 0.025" across the diagonal.

Secondly, I contacted Hare & Forbes and Matt Hare e-mailed today saying that they have checked all their stocks and all are the same. They are contacting the factory to discuss this matter. He suggested for the mean time to attach a piece of plywood to the fence and shim it square.

So far Hare & Forbes have been very helpful. I suguest you contact Matt Hare yourself and inform him that your fence is also twisted. Here is his e-mail address

[email protected]

Hope this helps,

Glen

Glen,

Thanks for that, have duly emailed the 'me too'.

Gordon.

I have just purchased the combination planer thicknesser from Carba-Tec (ML-392). I waited 2 months for the back order and now its here I have the same problem with a twisted aluminium fence (not happy :mad: ). I have written to Carba-Tec (A week ago), and I am witing on a reply. Will let u no the result.

Hi Guys,

I have seen a picture of the Carba-tec version and it looks identical. I'm guessing that they are all made in the same factory and have been produced in the same batch.

I suspect the problem is when they have machined the 'Outfeed table clearance step' along the bottom of the fence. The machining marks on the fence indicate it has been cut with a 'fly cutter' in a milling machine while the extrusion has been held vertical. It was probably not held firmly enough and the milling cutter has twisted the extrusion.

Lets wait and see what happen next.

By the way, I have already considered other options because I thought that the fence should be as long as the table anyway. I faxed a profile of the extrusion to Capral and they do not have
anything close. He said it would be a 'special' order to the
factory. A couple of ideas are to just use a rectangle extrusion and face it with an MDF panel. The other was to use a piece of flat alloy extrusion 100mm x 10mm thick and also face it with an MDF panel. I have to check the price of each from Capral.

I let you know how I go.

Glen