Thread: HL 850 as a small jointer

Brian
I honestly don't know

but given how short your timber is I'd seriously look at Carbatec's 6" bench top jointer $279 possibly teamed with a Bunnies "special" thicknesser.

a fraction of the Festo's price, and not much more bulk to store


The bench top jointer gets mixed reviews with most of the negatives seeming to come from people who find it's tables too short, but then again you intend working with pretty short sticks so this should not be an issue



ian

Hi Brian,

I would recommend the HL 850 and bench unit combo to those who need the planer for hand held use most of all (it's a fantastic large planer). Then have reason to use it bench mounted where necessary. And this is probably an on site use where you cannot bring along a dedicated jointer.

The HL 850 and bench unit could do it, but in a workshop environment where alternative dedicated machines can be used you would get a better result for your money with good quality dedicated machines.

Thanks Ian & Anthony,

The replies are about what I expected. The main issue I face is that my temporary "workshop" (currently under construction) is a walled in section of verandah about 6.5 metres by 2.2 metres. Has three doors as well.

I have a Jet 16-32 drum sander and dust extraction unit along with a 12" SCMS, minature CNC milling machine a cubic metre of assorted timber, various other tool boxes, metal cut off saw, MIG welder etc.

Obviously there will not be room to store all this gear and do any useful work in such a small area. The SCMS and dust extraction may have to live outside. I'm thinking that a combination jointer/thicknesser would best suit my needs. I'd like to fit an MFT & CMS as well Perhaps I'd best take out some graph paper and see how this will all fit.

I have plans for a 150 sq metre workshop later on and don't want to replace equipment when that goes ahead. Living far from major centres has advantages and disadvantages.

Cheers

Brian

You say that budget is a deciding factor. The HL 850 + the bench unit isnt cheap. I'm as much a Festool nut as others on this forum but I also like to use the right tools/machines for the job. Save your self some money, get a benchtop planer as recommended by Ian.