Thread: seeking advice on Carbatec jointer

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Planer-Jointer has the 6" and 8" option from Hare & Forbes (I know nothing to directly compare any of their models with the Carbatec one https://www.carbatec.com.au/jointer-6-short-bed but the price spread becomes more interesting I think... )

When you look at the data sheet, it seems to be the same machine unless I missed some detail. It just has legs instead of the fully enclosed base which probably explains the price difference. Timbecon has the same machine in both versions: https://www.timbecon.com.au/planing/jointers (and almost the same price). It's difficult to make a choice if the differences are so well hidden. Maybe I can't just see it?

I have the 8" long bed version and the beds are adjustable, but it's a real pain. Good thing is they are generally set and forget.

The annoying thing is carbatec do not advise you adjusting them, heck the tool doesn't even come with the wrench to adjust the machine. I had to modify an angle grinder wrench to fit the pins to adjust the tables.

Not sure if this applies to the 6" version or whether this has changed with the latest upgrade.

I bought the 8in jointer last week and I can confirm what @tonzeyd observed. Carbatec doesn't sell the tool to adjust the tables, allegedly it comes properly adjusted from the factory. But this is certainly not the case. When I tried it the workpiece was convex. I tried hard to adjust the machine but without a proper straight edge it wasn't really accurate and I got a concave edge. I bought a proper straight egde the next week and it revealed inaccuracies of the infeed table. Mine is actually convex about 1/2mm in the middle. That doesn't sound like a lot but it makes the workpiece ride up and down towards the end and it will never be really straight. At least I was able to adjust it a bit better using the straight edge. I assume that is simply the Chinese quality that one gets for the money. It's OK but far from being good. Should I ever get rich...

Andy

Get Carbatec to change it. There is no reason you need to settle for a product that does not do as it is intended.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Andy

Get Carbatec to change it. There is no reason you need to settle for a product that does not do as it is intended.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Agreed. 1/2mm is actually quite a lot. Even if you allow for Chinese quality, even the Chinese should be able to machine a flat surface. Carbatec should be prepared to repair/replace at their cost. Regarding the tool, adjusting the beds won't get rid of a concave, only twist. Also, I have the Carbatec 8"long bed jointer and they do sell the tool to adjust it. Problem is, on two of the adjusters, once the tool is engaged, there's no room to turn the tool. Ended up making my own tool.

As a separate matter, if you can afford one, get the spiral head cutter. Worth its weight in gold!!

I did have a short talk with them and their opinion is that there are always some tolerances. Unfortunately there is nothing in the specs that names a number for flatness or its tolerance. So it's not clear what is out of tolerance or inacceptable.

That's a pretty big cop out response

Assuming that what you say is correct and that there is no user error and straight edge is true straight edge,your measurements is accurate and you're unable to get a flat edge then it's unacceptable.

If it's not stated in their manual and there is ambiguity consumer Law will always favour the consumer. So ask yourself the question is your jointer doing what it claims to be doing. CA it flatten one side of the board. If the answer is no then you have every right to be asking carbatec to replace the unit.

If this is your first jointer, make sure it's not your technique and that it's properly setup as best you can or have a mate verify your thoughts before contacting them again.

I spent some time yesterday to get a better picture. This is the straightedge that I bought at Carbatec:https://www.carbatec.com.au/marking-...m-38-veritasIt has tolerances itself (according to the advert) but I think it is better than that. I draw a line, flipped the straightedge and checked again. Nothing to see here.So, I put the straightedge on the outfeed table and this one is 100% fine. The infeed table however is buckled. I put the straightedge on it, right in the middle because the table is a bit longer. The deviation on the left (close to the spindle) is 0.2mm and the deviation on the right end is 0.35mm. I measured it using a feeler gauge.When I true up something, the end of the workpiece is always crooked, some 20cm. I'll go on Saturday and have a chat with them.

If the straightedge is revealing a belly in the infeed table, no adjustment will fix that. That makes the jointer unfit for use, since you'll never have a flat table that the workpiece is registered off. Are you able to post any photos? If we're understanding the problem correctly then you most certainly are entitled to a repair/replacement/refund.

I took a photo that shows the bend at the right end. The left end is similar but less severe. It's difficult to photograph though. I'll sent a few pictures to Carbatec with my complaint, but they didn't make a decision yet.

Hi AndyJ

We have a rule in our house. "If you don't fight, you lose."
You just have to say "No!" more times than Carbatec.
FWiW, I would be concerned about buying this, even if 2nd hand.

Hi Andy, I hope Carbetec do the right thing in regards tables not being flat. I was looking to buy an 8" spiral head jointer, and looking at what was on offer in Perth the Carbetec looked the best and seems to be modeled on the Grizzly GO856 Jointer, the USA Grizzly looks a bit more up market with bigger motor and being made in Taiwan, not sure if Carbetec machine is made in China or Taiwan, pretty sure if made in Taiwan they would let you know, so maybe China.
I will await your getting a favourable response from Carbetec and make my decision from there.
I am with Graham on this one, if you dont stand up for whats right, they will just keep doing it to others, I applaud you.
Splintersagain

I have complained about the machine in writing and I assume they need some time to get it sorted. I'll keep you updated. That Grizzly jointer seems to be a good offer and made in Taiwan is probably better. The Carbatec machine is made in China. Pity that I didn't find that one before.