Thread: Planer/Thicknesser Returned, What Next?

About 4 years ago I bought the Jet 10 inch planer/thicknesser and found it impossible to get the tables coplaner, even after spending hours on the attempt, and getting a professional woodworker to try as well. I returned the machine, and bought the 12 inch model, which did not have any problems. At the time, Jet did not sell them with helical cutters, but a year or so later, I had a shelix retrofitted - I got the distributor to do this for me - although the total cost was considerably more than you would pay now for the JPT310HH. Nevertheless I am very happy with the machine. I note that Carbatec recently became the sole distributor for Jet in Australia and New Zealand, so I would certainly give a Jet serious consideration. I would also go for the 12 inch model - the 10 inch does not seem to be available with helical cutters, and my memory of speaking with the shelix people some years ago was that it could not be retrofitted to the 10 inch model. I hope this helps.

Ron

Hey mate,
Sorry to hear about your combo machine.

I'd take a close look at the Jet combo with the helical head. I've seen them in person and they look the goods, I've also never heard anyone complain about their unit.

There are a few members with the Jet who I'm sure will be happy to give more info.

Good luck,
Andy

Thanks guys.

Jet models are certainly near the top of the list although since my post Hammer have dropped the prices a fair bit and seem prepared to negotiate a warranty. I'm awaiting a formal quote.

Minimax also came back,although there models seem even pricier and don't come with a helical option. Plus they only give a 12 month warranty, seems a European thing.

I suspect I'll go either Jet or Hammer, one of the 12inch models. Unfortunately Jet in NZ will not be selling the helical version until sometime early'ish next year.

It's all going to have to wait until after Xmas though. My biggest worry is getting these heavier models on wheels. The Hammer probably not so much with the wheel kit, but the Jet?

Thanks again, input appreciated.

G

Gareth,
I have just recently purchased the Hammer (A3 31), it's a brilliant machine and I'm very happy with it. The reasons why I chose the Hammer over the Jet was because you can add extension tables to the Hammer which can also be used on their bandsaw and other tools. The wheel kit can be installed on the Hammer and it makes it easy to move around into position, particularly handy in a small shop. I also really liked the digital hand wheel which you can add with the Hammer, it's accurate to 0.1mm (although you can buy after market ones for other machines).

The build quality was a bit better and I also got a great price which wasn't much more than the Jet. Regardless I'm sure you will be happy with either machine.

Plus one for the hammer as well, I just got my A3-31 with silent power cutter head before Christmas and have been most impressed. I have the extension table as well as the digital hand wheel and mobility kit. I have been using lots of Redgum through it and it does not even bother it at all, it has heaps of power and is extremely quiet as well. Have not touched a thing from out of the box except for a minor adjustment to the hand wheel which took about one minute. It cuts beautifully in the hard Redgum with very little tear out, is smooth square and spot on. Yep it did not treat the back pocket all that well but I do not regret the decision to buy it for one minute.
Stewy

Originally Posted by GarethR

Last week I received a new Scheppach hms2600ci and today decided to return it. Three things led to me returning the unit:

1) tables were not coplaner, the manual was not very helpful in describing how to rectify this problem, in fact the manual left much to be desired and is very poorly presented

2) outfeed table had some give on the hinge side so when passing from infeed to outfeed the outfeed table would give way downward, this appeared to be related to the hinge mechanism which while tightened still showed some slop

3) the wheel for lowering and raising the thickness table was inconsistently stiff and it was pretty much impossible to get any fine adjustment, the mechanism in general sounded and felt very clunky

I'm pretty gutted with the outcome but it seemed the best solution. So, where to next? The Hammer's while they look great are horrendously expensive and the local agents in NZ are poor in responding to queries. The units also only come with a 12 month warranty, which I find odd given that the likes of Jet give 5 years, Scheppach 2, Carba-Tec 3! Add to this a shipping cost of NZ$400-NZ$500 and it all doesn't add up. I've also made some inquiries regarding the 12 inch Minimax unit but have not heard back. My other choices include the 10 and 12 inch Jets, Carba-Tec's AW106PT and the PT300 which comes in a variety of colours from different sellers.

My concern is that with the cheaper units I could end up with the same issues I had with the Scheppach. I'm okay spending more money but to pay around 5K (Hammer) for a unit with only a 12 month warranty seems counter intuitive. I'm getting and reading mixed responses regarding helical head cutters on the Jet machines. Some seem to think you can retrofit a cutter block, others not.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

G

I found Robert Gregory fromWoodcraft Supplies very helpful when it came to retrofits. He is the person who introduced the Shelix into Australia so he has extensive knowledge on woodworking machinery available and also machines that can be retrofited. I did not have a machine so he advised me on what I could by for my usage and also advised on machines that have helix cutters already in them. He is interesting to chat with and worth a call. 0418 184 048. Good Luck Trude

Thanks again guys, and gal.

After some serious toing and froing with the local NZ seller for Hammer I was about to hit the green button only to be told at the last minute that the next A3 31 with spiral headcutter would only be available in April!



Somewhat miffed that I wasn't informed sooner that there was no local stock. Anyhooo, I've asked them to try and track down an Australian unit but this will cost extra due to freight, etc There is a standard 3 blade cutter block version available but these are unable to be retrofitted with spiral cutter heads, which I find surprising. This seems to be common though, I've been told the JET is similar.

I've been getting along without a P/T combo so far, so perhaps it won't hurt to wait a little longer.

Gareth

Lead time for them does suck but I can teel you one thing for certain it is worth the wait you will not regret the purchase.
I had a similar wait time in Aus if it makes you feel any better
Stewy

Originally Posted by Stewy

I can teel you one thing for certain it is worth the wait you will not regret the purchase.

I'll hold you to your word Stewy

Placed an order earlier this week and should be getting it sometime toward the end of April. Not too long to wait and have heaps to get on with in the shed before it arrives. I'm expecting great things.....

Thanks for all the advice folks.

Have you taken delivery yet?. Please let us know, I am interested in the Hammer 31 but haven't spoken to the dealer yet. I take it you are going through MachinesRus? They are advertising the 31 for NZ$ 5.4K with the normal cutter block, what is the price for the Silent block? I am assuming its at least a grand so I will have to look at the Jet again as its 4.5 with the spiral head, but have to say the quality of the Hammer makes it a difficult decision. Look forward to hearing your feedback on the new machine. regards Chris

Chris,

I inquired earlier this week (or was it the previous week?) as to the whereabouts of the shipment and was told it was still on the water and that they'd be in contact with an update. I've not heard back since and will chase them tomorrow as I was originally told the items would be available at the end of April for delivery (this may still happen).

Not sure the price I paid as I don't have access to those docs right now, it was less than the number below (trademe?). I'd suggest getting hold of them directly for pricing as they were willing to drop the price somewhat. The cutter block from memory was around $900 extra. I seriously considered the Jet but after reading about the spiral cutter decided to stick with the Hammer. The guys at Machines R Us were not too bad, unfortunately they are/were the only Hammer dealers at the time of purchase. I would have perhaps expected slightly better service than I received, especially given the price tag of the goods.

I'll also warn you that the shipping they quoted from Auckland to Wellington was very high (roughly $800-$900 for bandsaw and PT), and did not include insurance which is another ~$300-$400! I could get cheaper shipping and insurance myself but either way it was substantially more expensive than shipping from Carbatec for Jet gear which includes insurance. I think Carbatec and other suppliers must have agreed rates with freight companies, for some reason MRU don't! I'll be looking to source alternative shipping or perhaps fly up and drive a van down myself.

Will let you know when it all happens.

Gareth

Approximately another 2 weeks

Originally Posted by GarethR

Approximately another 2 weeks

You'll love it! I've now owned the A3 31 with the silent cutter head for a little while now and it's amazing. Very quiet, great dust extraction and it leaves a brilliant finish.

Andy

Just spent an hour on 8 x 2 Redgum and it loved it. I didn't they are to bloody heavy when 8 foot long
Stewy