Thread: Which Thicknesser?

G'day Erga,

I don't have the CTJ-680, but I do I have the CTJ-381 which the only difference being positioning of the motor and that the infeed and outfeed tables rise and fall. Throw whatever you like at them as they're strong as.

Build quality is beefy and

So far as accuracy, and I don't yet have a digital readout installed on it, but a 1/4" turn equates to .25mm off, so it's pretty easy.

I've only done one thing to my 381, put HSS blades in it after blunting the stock blades after many hours of use (both are going to get sharpened soon). I pulled it off the trailer, put the infeed and outfeed tables and handles on and nothing else.

The DeWalt, I don't have any experience with one, only a Metabo several years ago. The DeWalt you mention is a bench model and only 13", go with the 680.

You are trying to compare two different classes of machine here. That's a bit tough. Comes down to how you intend to use them. The CT is ideal for big chunks of wood, frequently fed. Whereas the DW is for smaller chunks, perhaps less frequently. If you do lots of big, long bits of hardwood then I'd go for the CT. Mostly smaller, finer stuff? Then the DW is all you'll need.

10 amp powerpoint only in the shed? Then you can only have the DW.

We went for the CT..........

Oh.....and thicknessers thrive on re-adjustment. Don't expect to skimp regardless of the machine.

I have the CTJ680 and wouldn't swap it for the DeWalt. Like Waldo said you can't stop these machines and they are very accurate. Used to have a GMC 12 1/2" and this thing leaves it for dead.

Space is not a problem either, the CTJ680 has an integral mobile base so when I finish I just wheel it away in a corner. Beats lugging a mchine from underneath a router table.

I used to have my GMC setup on a dual pivoting stand with my belt/disc sander.

Thanks Guys!

Power really isn’t a problem.

In comparing both machines the question arises (to me anyway) as to how the CT can be cheaper than the Dewalt.

What’s the rub did they skimp on something (apart from cast iron) of the CT or is the DW overpriced?

As far as I can tell form previous posts both are good honest machines!

I don't think you can judge machines on price and/or weight!

If we did that we all would only buy Festool because they are the most expensive, so therefore they must be the best. Or we would all have a SawStop tablesaw, or only Hammer machines or......................

Basically, the CTJ680 or machines like it, will do everything the DeWalt will do, the reverse is not true. Try putting a 300mm x 50mm piece of jarrah through the DeWalt and you will see what I mean.

You may not be interested in power now, but you will be when you buy a machine that stalls or overheats every time you want to do some serious work.

I suppose it boils down to horses for courses, ie what do you want to do with the machine.

If anything, so long as you can afford it, buy bigger than you intend to use if you're unsure, better to have more than buy something, as in this case the DeWalt and find it doesn't do all you intend or foresaw that you would use it for.

Thanks Big Shed.

I meant the power in my shed isn’t a problem as in 10amps etc...

Your point about the CT doing what the DW cant is very valid. From one side I only have a 6inch jointer, so that dictates most of what I will be putting through the Machine. On the other i have just completed a project that had some pieces in it that were 8 inches wide. If I had the bigger machine I could of mounted them on a sled and then sent them through to get one straight side.

With this said and done the scales are tipping towards the CT!

I have the 735. So what do you get above the CT

Better quality machine Taiwan vs China

The 735 has 3 blades and 2 speeds. You will probably get a better finished piece with the 735.

Pre set blade positioning - no fiddling around trying to get the blades in alignment.

I wouldn't be thinking about storing the 735 down low and hauling it out to use - it ain't that light.

The 735 does have a universal motor which I believe revs higher than the universal on the CT but it does scream.

If I were to use a thicknesser more than a couple of times a month I would go for a heavy duty universal motor machine if space permitted.

Originally Posted by mat

I have the 735. So what do you get above the CT...
The 735 has 3 blades and 2 speeds.

So too do the 680 and 381.

Mat

What are the adjustments like on the DW? Can you adjust the head, pressure bar and infeed/outfeed rollers?
Or is it all factory set?

Problems with Carbatec's motors as they often dont last long what they should've..
Cheers
AP

Originally Posted by AlpineRaven

Problems with Carbatec's motors as they often dont last long what they should've..
Cheers
AP

And what facts do you have to back up this assertion?

Originally Posted by Big Shed

And what facts do you have to back up this assertion?

Capacitors blows on 240v motors and bearings goes earlier than what they should have. Sometimes have came across arcing motors in 3 phase motors which requires rebuilding (rewind & machined etc).
Cheers
AP

Erga

Head alignment can be adjusted if necessary but it is factory pre set. Infeed/outfeed rollers are present only on the optional tables. They can be adjusted.