Thread: Curing snipe on the Carbatec CT-330X Portable thicknesser

There is an old thread about this here.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f154/i...knesser-25930/

So no response so far...
Maybe if I ask does anyone have this machine and want to comment on its tendancy to snipe ?
cheers
Arron

Hi Arron, this is probably not what you want to hear, what makes you think that this machine is any different to any other thicknesser when it comes to snipe?

In all thicknessers, if the infeed and outfeed trays are not accurately set, then you will get snipe.

I use a single piece of melamine covering the infeed and outfeed tray as the base for my Elektra Beckum thicknesser, but still get snipe. I find the best way is to put a sacrifical piece through with the workpiece but about 100mm in front. Or make the workpiece 100mm longer and cut off the sniped piece.

The only ones I have come across who solved the problem are Derek Cohen and Wolffie here but I could not replicate it

Originally Posted by Dengue

Hi Arron, what makes you think that this machine is any different to any other thicknesser when it comes to snipe?

It very likely isn't - and that's my point. I'm tempted to think that it is different simply because I have read several formal or informal reviews (such as this one https://www.woodworkforums.com/f171/c...review-171260/ ) where the reviewer clearly thinks it is. I suspect its not because my machine isnt, but I don't want to close my mind to the possibility. Therefore, I wanted to hear from other users of this specific machine.

A smaller and less trustworthy issue is that the machine has a thing labelled a 'snipe lock', which in the manual is said to 'prevent' snipe. What I'm trying to work out here is whether this does make a difference or whether it is just marketing hyperbole. On mine machine, it doesn't work, but again I don't want to close my mind to the possibility that it might work if I do a bit more setup.

I'm familiar with all the many ways of (partially) controlling snipe on a thicknesser but I wanted to deal with the question first of what is the best I can expect to get out of the machine before resorting to the mickey mouse workarounds. I've used a laminated mdf through-table on my last thicknesser for many years, and yes, it had a some effect on snipe, but its a last resort because it threw the preset stops and measurement scales out so I'd rather look at how the designers intended it to be used first.

thanks for your reply anyway
cheers
Arron

Hi Arron, attached is a review of my thicknesser, with the red locking bar too. See the photo on the bottom RH corner. I have found it doesn't make any difference to snipe, as did the reviewer. I hope this helps

I can't see clearly from the picture, but it looks as though the cutterhead assembly rides up and down on a single shaft each side???

The old cheap Ryobi thicknesser (which I used to own before the snipe gave me the irits) at least had 4 posts. Various fixes for snipe on this machine involved basically putting some sort of lock on each post to stop the cutterhead moving up under load. I used hose clamps.....

With your machine I suspect the cutterhead is rotating slightly as the timber enters - try setting it for a deep cut to exaggerate the effect, then look to see where the cutterhead moves. It must be moving somewhere, or you wouldn't be getting snipe. If it does only have two posts, then its not surprising that the "cutterhead lock" doesn't help much. It might stop vertical movement, but there is nothing to prevent rotation.

I never did fix the Ryobi machine completely. It has since been replaced by JET JPT-310, so snipe is no longer an issue.

Just noticed that the Carbatec blurb specifically states "No end snipe". Not "minimal end snipe" or "reduced end snipe".

False advertising - take it back for a refund.

Hi Aron,

You have probably checked the feed in and out tables, however, I had to spend a lot of time adjusting the the eight bolts to get the tables level. I no longer get snipe except when I forget to engage the anti-snipe lock.

Another thing I did today which might interest owners of this machine was remove the plastic insert in the dust cowl. This opened up the exit somewhat which seems to have improved the dust collection.

Originally Posted by safari

Hi Aron,

You have probably checked the feed in and out tables, however, I had to spend a lot of time adjusting the the eight bolts to get the tables level. I no longer get snipe except when I forget to engage the anti-snipe lock.

Sorry, Safari, missed this when you posted it. Can you clarify which machine you are talking about - Carbatec ct-330x?

Thanks
Arron

Hi Arron, Yes it is the Carbatec CT-330x.

I have one and get absolutely zero snipe. I did have to adjust the infeed and outfeed tables so they were dead flat when under pressure.

OK, thanks for that. It gives me an understanding of what is possible.
Cheers
Arron

Yes, as I said in my earlier post and Evanism has confirmed today that it is vital to spend time on getting the infeed and outfeed tables absolutely flat which can be a pain because of the number of bolts that must be adjusted. I found if you adjust one it can throw another one out but if you persevere it will come together and the result is no more snipe (just remember to always use the head lock)