Axminster CT150 Surface Planer

[Bluekingfisher]

Afternoon,

Does anyone own or have experience of the Axminster CT150 6" surface planer?

I bought one the other day on ebay but it is the older style with the blue livery. The only obvious differences I can see to the new and currently available model is the design and of the cutter guard and how it is attached to the machine.

It's still in my garage in bits having dumped it there on Sunday night although I have had a look over it and appears to be in good enough nick.

I just wondered if there is anything worth looking out for and do they perform well.

I have sent off to Axminster for a mobile base, new blades, switchgear and dust extraction spigot. All that and the planer still came to less than half new price, so I think I got a bargain.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[wizer]

Pics would help here. Is the cutter guard the US style? Or just not the same as the newer ones? I imagine the older machines were a bit better quality, depending on where they were initially made.

 

[Bluekingfisher]

The old style guard on mine operates from a post which can rise and fall (manually)dependant on your need for clearance of the timber. The post is at right angles to the table and situated near the cutter block right at the end of the infeed table, as opposed to the newer version which operates the guard from a pivoting arm, with the fulcrim point near to the out feed end of the outfeed table.

The guard itself is the normal crowned type like 1/4 of a cylinder and slides back and forth from the fence, again dependant on the need for clearance.

When you refer to the US style do you mean a pancake style guard operating on a spring and pushed back when thew stock is fed through??

I'll try and get some photos uploaded this weekend, daylight permitting as the planer is stuck in a dark and cluttered corner at the minute.

Again its all heavy cast, although the base is sheet steel, albeit heavy gauge. The pulley wheels are milled steel too so perhaps an indication 5to it being quite old. The chap I bought it from stated that it has been standing unused for several years and has seen little use even when it was used, so with luck it will serve me for a few more years. To be honest there doesn't like much can go wrong with them, save the motor packing in. I chescked the tables and fence with a straight edge and they appear too to be unwarped. The original switch has taken a battering from something in the past and although operates the motor ok The off button is a make do replacement hence the reason for a new one, not really into electric shocks!!

 

[Mike.C]

Ah we meet again I presume that you mean the older version of this http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... =1&jump=44

If so then although I have the 54A which is the next model up http://www.axminster.co.uk/group_id//pr ... m#catprods the only real difference is longer beds. It is an excellent machine with the best dust extraction on a planer I have seen (bad dust extraction is a pet hate of mine) and you can adjust both beds very easily and accurately. It also has a cast iron fence which is another plus over the crap ali.

Has yours got 3 blades?

I am sure that someone with the exact model will be along to tell you more

Cheers

Mike

 

[studders]

Ah we meet again

Mike

You two will have to stop following each other around, you know how people will gossip. :wink:

 

[OPJ]

If so then although I have the 54A which is the next model up http://www.axminster.co.uk/group_id//pr ... m#catprods the only real difference is longer beds.

...Not forgetting the extra 50mm/2in. planing width on the Jet model, Mike! :wink:

 

[Mike.C]

If so then although I have the 54A which is the next model up http://www.axminster.co.uk/group_id//pr ... m#catprods the only real difference is longer beds.

...Not forgetting the extra 50mm/2in. planing width on the Jet model, Mike! :wink:

Hi Olly, no mate sorry but I linked to the wrong model because it appears that Axminster are not selling the 54A anymore, but this is the onel I have http://www.mwmachinery.co.uk/Planers/Jet-54A.aspx Just the same as the 64A but with 150mm/6" beds

Cheers

Mike

 

[Bluekingfisher]

Hi Mike, yes indeed we do, I hope we're still pals lol.

Yes, mine would appear to be the older version of the axminster you highlighted with a couple of variations, namely the cutter guard and how it operates. the one I have operates on a steel 3/4" post which can be raised or lowered by loosening off a threaded knob. Pretty crude but looks like it will stand the test of time.

I haven't had the chance to assemble it fully yet but I'll try to upload some of the pics from the ebay entry. Hold on, haven't quite mastered the picture uploading skill yet.
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No idea what I have done there, managed to get the two images onto photobucket but can't remember how to get them to the forum.

I try again, soory folks

 

[Bluekingfisher]

 

[Bluekingfisher]

Ok now I'm getting the hang of it, Ill try the other photo aswell, stand by

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[Bluekingfisher]

Nope failed again, once more then I'll dig out my PC's for dummies.

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[Bluekingfisher]

No, can't work out where I'm going wrong, anyway I hopethis gives you an ideaof the machine.

And, yes it has a 3 knife cutter block, which are in need of a sharpen so a new set ordered from Axminster.

 

[Bluekingfisher]

I'll just stick to woodworking.

Let me know what you think Mike. The beds seem flat and free from twist and the fence seems flat too. I haven't had the chance to check to see if the beds are in plane with one another but there doesn't look to be too much wrong with it.

The beds could do with a clean and shine but no pitting from rust so some light sanding and a degreasing may have it looking quite respectable.

Any tips for cleaning cast iron by the way??

 

[Mike.C]

I'll just stick to woodworking.

Let me know what you think Mike. The beds seem flat and free from twist and the fence seems flat too. I haven't had the chance to check to see if the beds are in plane with one another but there doesn't look to be too much wrong with it.

The beds could do with a clean and shine but no pitting from rust so some light sanding and a degreasing may have it looking quite respectable.

Any tips for cleaning cast iron by the way??

Hi Mate, It looks like you have got a bargain there, the only thing that might be a bit dodgy is the electrics on the front, but if you have ordered the switch gear you'll soon have that sorted.

You can sort the table out with some fine Webrax and wax http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... e=1&jump=0 Clean the beds and also finish off with Liberon Lubricating Wax http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... =1&jump=44 Using the wax every so often will not only keep the fence and beds in good nick, but also give you a smooth surface for planing your timber.

You want to check the rubber belt too, because if it has been sitting there for that long it may have perished, or at the very least need adjusting. But you probably know all this and I am just teaching grandma to suck eggs. :wink:

All being well I think you have got a great deal for yourself. Let us know how you get on.

Cheers

Mike

 

[Bluekingfisher]

Hi Mike,

Forgot to mention the belt, it looks like new, it still has the manufacturers name clearly marked on it. I hope this is an indication of it's lack of use, even though the machine might be quite old.

I usually replace all my belt driven machine with link belts anyway , I've found that vibrations are reduced somewhat, particularly at start up and shut off. I had one on my old contractors saw which reduced noise and vibration. I have a couple on my drill press and one on the bandsaw with noticable results.

They are also easier to adjust as well, particularly if the motor mount or other pulleys hard to reach or adjust.

The electrics are a bit dodgy so that is the first priority to be addressed when the additional kit and accessories arrive from Axminster

 

[Bluekingfisher]

Just read the link to the abrasive pads, typical I've just placed two separate orders to Axminster, when a bit of thought would have saved me the additional postage.

I have all manner of abrasives and papers in the workshop, have you any preferences to cleaners/polishes etc??

Although there is no deep pitting or scores on the surface I always try to bring the cast surfaces back to their best. I am always aware cast iron is fairly "soft" and excessive use of the wrong abrasive may affect the surface flatness .

I have just used metal polish and 0000 steel wool but it's a lenghty business. I guess I was just after a miracle shortcut cure to gleaming tables ccasion5:

 

[Mike.C]

Hi Mike,

Forgot to mention the belt, it looks like new, it still has the manufacturers name clearly marked on it. I hope this is an indication of it's lack of use, even though the machine might be quite old.

I usually replace all my belt driven machine with link belts anyway , I've found that vibrations are reduced somewhat, particularly at start up and shut off. I had one on my old contractors saw which reduced noise and vibration. I have a couple on my drill press and one on the bandsaw with noticable results.

They are also easier to adjust as well, particularly if the motor mount or other pulleys hard to reach or adjust.

The electrics are a bit dodgy so that is the first priority to be addressed when the additional kit and accessories arrive from Axminster

Link belts :?: are they the ones that you buy by the foot/metre and just make to the size of your particular machine? Just like a polyurethane bike chain?

Cheers

Mike

 

[Mike.C]

Just read the link to the abrasive pads, typical I've just placed two separate orders to Axminster, when a bit of thought would have saved me the additional postage.

I have all manner of abrasives and papers in the workshop, have you any preferences to cleaners/polishes etc??

Although there is no deep pitting or scores on the surface I always try to bring the cast surfaces back to their best. I am always aware cast iron is fairly "soft" and excessive use of the wrong abrasive may affect the surface flatness .

I have just used metal polish and 0000 steel wool but it's a lenghty business. I guess I was just after a miracle shortcut cure to gleaming tables ccasion5:

Just as I said in the last link for cleaning, polishing, and protection I always use the Liberon Lubricating wax http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... =1&jump=44

Cheers

Mike

 

[Bluekingfisher]

That's the ones, I bought a mile of it back from the US when on holiday several years go after reading an article in a yank mag. The oldest one which was used on my saw is still going strong after about six years, it's now in the drill.

I also have a couple of link belts bought here but they have metal studs used to connect the belt sections.

I am going to use one of the UK versions on the planer as the pulleys are milled steel and look wider than the ally ones on the other machines and a good heavy belt will do no harm on there.

I have not seen the US style link belts here, although I haven't searched for them. I think I got the US belts from Woodcraft, they were dirt cheap then. I have just checked on the web and they are 8.99 a foot, That could work out expensive.

Never tried the Liberon polish, I take it can be applied by steel wool?

 

[Digit]

The easiest way of getting rid of surface rust on planer tables is simple... use it! :lol:

Roy.