Buying a Thicknesser Advice Needed

[Joints]

I am loking to by a small thicknesser for my workshop as i already have a larger wadkin planar thicknesser combi but its too aggressive for small fine work.

My budget is around £500 so I am looking at the Axminster CT330 http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axmi ... -21831.htm

and the Dewalt DW733. https://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/ ... sn/DEW733L

Axminster is £421 and Dewalt I have found for £320 so £100 difference, not much i can see difference in the specs, Axminster is 15mm wider . . .

Anyone know of any other good machines for fine work for a similar price or know personally which machine they would go for? I have heard good things from the Dewalt

Many thanks in advance, george

 

[OPJ]

Axminster have just bumped-up the prices on a lot of their stuff with the release of their latest catalogue this week; they could explain why it's so much dearer than the DeWalt... I can't see any other reason.

There really doesn't seem to be much between them (apart from the width capacity), although I'd expect the DeWalt machine to be built to a better standard than anything from one of the Chinese factories...

Only other ones worth considering would be the Makita and Metabo (formerly Elektra Beckum) thicknessers. Don't think the Metabo really has anything you won't get with the DeWalt and the Makita uses disposable blades; where as, with your DeWalt, they're HSS and can be re-sharpened.

I'd say go for the DeWalt. They may not be available at that price for long! :wink:

 

[p111dom]

The problem with dedicated bench top thicknessers like these is that they all have brushed motors and are very loud. Have you thought about buying a used planer thicknesser with damaged tables? That way you get it cheap, get reasonable capacity and more importantly get an induction motor.

 

[13eightyfour]

from the two you've suggested id go with the dewalt. I had 1 and found it to be a very good machine, till it got nicked , I ended up replacing it and sold my planer for a P/T. The dewalt was very noisy though. Significantly louder than my P/T.

 

[phil p]

Hi Joints

Ive just ordered the fox 13 inch one off e-bay for £169, should have a canny kick as its an 1800 watt motor and they have plenty left in stock.

Its around the £300 everywhere else so its definatley worth a look.

Phil

 

[miles_hot]

I am loking to by a small thicknesser for my workshop as i already have a larger wadkin planar thicknesser combi but its too aggressive for small fine work.

When you say "too aggressive" what do you mean? Maybe someone on here can help cure the problem as things like Wadkins are usually suggested as being very good...

Miles

 

[OPJ]

When you say "too aggressive" what do you mean?

I'm not too sure what George means with his comment of the machine being "too aggressive" either. But, he did tell me that this was an "over-under" style machine where you don't lift the beds to access the thicknesser. From that, you can imagine how it must be difficult to feed and receive shorts lengths from below.

If the cutting action is too aggressive though, that's possibly something to do with the knives. Or, your taking deep cuts; perhaps also feeding against the grain direction...? :wink:

 

[Joints]

Well yes its almost impossible to cut anything less that 400mm long without getting your arm in there and however fine a cut i take, even 1/4mm if there is the slightest wrong grain it tears out like a *****. Also it seems to kick and wobble a bit as it enters and leaves causing an extra little cut in both ends of timber sometimes but I have stopper that a little by adjusting the bottom rollers.

I am heading on using unusual grained timbers so unless i get a £5k sanding machine I need a decent planar that can handle it.

The one we have at college is quite forgiving of the grain, and any tearout is small.

My wadkin is probably louder than 3 or 4 of those dewalts so noise isnt a problem. I just want a planer thats got a decent fine adjuster and can leave a nice finish on timber even with occasional grain direction change.

 

[MickCheese]

I recently bought a very good condition Kity 439 PT from eBay for £300.

It's great and so quiet. In fact it was the lack of noise that struck me most upon switching it on. So I would recommend an induction motor if it is to be used in a home workshop.

The fence is a bit of a pain and needs constant checking but other than that for £300 I am very pleased.

Doesn't take up too much room either.

Good luck

Mick

 

[BTR]

I HAVE JUST BOUGHT A BRAND DEWALT AND WOULD DEFO RECOMMEND ONE TO ANY ONE EXCELLENT BUILD QUALITY AND FINISH ASWELL