Thread: Readout scale for thicknesser

I have a W
oodfast 16 inch thicknesser which is the same as the UK Axminister and the digital readout is an excellent feature. The shaft size is 20mm. The other factor is the length of the shaft. In order to attach these units you will need 40mm or so of shaft outside of the cabinet and many units do not have this .Local available from (CE.82133-rb | Mechanical Counter Elesa CE.82133-rb, Revolution 5 digits Top Coming | RS Components
I have previously looked into these digital units that I think are made by a specialty Italian company and I think they were around $130. I am also trying to get them fitted to our woodclubs Powermatic machines but they have short shafts and will require an extension to be machined. I have also used digital units that Carbatec sell but these are more tricky to fit as well as requiring regular battery changes.

Great info thankyou PaintMan , the only issue I can see with them is if there’s any free play between the handle shaft and the table worm then they may give a false reading? I looked at the battery ones but I’ve used plenty of big old machines with these in the past and they don’t break. Thanks for the link also, will check it out.

Originally Posted by riverbuilder

Great info thankyou PaintMan , the only issue I can see with them is if there’s any free play between the handle shaft and the table worm then they may give a false reading? I looked at the battery ones but I’ve used plenty of big old machines with these in the past and they don’t break. Thanks for the link also, will check it out.

Hi Riverbuilder,
I have been using mine on the Woodfast for about 5 years without any issues. It is easy to re calibrate the unit by adjusting the stop collar on the shaft and setting to zero etc. I have only done this once when I fitted a helical cutter head. Another point relates to the handle rotation relative to the counter. In my case one full rotation equals 4mm so half turn is 2mm which is a little excessive per pass for some applications. I know these counter units are available with different scales. I mention this as I have experienced a situation where I did burn out a 3HpSP motor on a standard 4 post thicknesser that I retro fitted with a Byrd helical cutter head. Helical cutters can consume more power especially if as many people do try and take of 4mm in one pass.Therefore having an accurate gauge to set finer cuts especially on hardwoods helps a lot.
Cheers,
Paintman

Exactly my other concern, I reckon I’ll find one with the correct scale, but I think one of my machines is different to the other with regard to handle turns snd table movement.