Buying advice: Lunchbox Thicknesser

[city17]

Hi all, I'm looking at buying a lunchbox thicknesser.

Used to own an Elektra Beckum HC260 which worked fine, but it took up too much space and converting it from planing to thicknessing was also a bit of a hassle. But I'm missing a thicknesser in my workshop, so have been looking at some lunchbox models that I can store under the bench. I'll do initial flattening by hand.

I've narrowed down my search to two machines:
- Makita 2012NB (€660 shipped)
- IGM PS33 (€1000-1050 shipped)

Benefits of the Makita: Small, lighter, 10+db quieter, good build quality (mostly metal), proven design.
Benefits of IGM PS33: True spiral cutterhead, slightly wider capacity, no need to buy replacement blades for a long time, better cut quality.

I quite like the idea of having a spiral cutterhead, but not sure it's worth the upgrade cost. Plus the IGM PS33 is heavier and larger, meaning more work to carry around the garage. Also like the much lower noise of the Makita, but with the spiral cutters being quieter, maybe the difference under load isn't that pronounced?

Another thing is that the PS33 has an included blower fan, so there's no absolute need for an external dust extractor. With the Makita I'd have to either get a cyclone between my vacuum, or get something like a CamVac (taking up extra space as well) which brings the cost right back to the level of the IGM PS33.

Was wondering if there's anything I'm overlooking, or things I need to consider? Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[city17]

What size Camvac would work best for this type of thicknesser? Would the smallest one work? Given that this is the only machine I'd really use it with and I won't be doing any kind of production work.

 

[RogerJSJ]

I use a single motor Camvac on a Metabo thicknesser and it works fine. You do need to keep an eye on how full it gets though - I was surprised how quickly it did fill!

 

[Co1]

Axminster do a spiral thicknesses for about £700 if I recall. Worth a look?

 

[city17]

Axminster do a spiral thicknesses for about £700 if I recall. Worth a look?

Thanks for the tip, but with import taxes and shipping to the EU it’s almost €1000 too unfortunately.

Dictum in Germany do sell an identical model as Axminster which gets good reviews but it’s not a ‘true’ spiral cutterhead like the IGM I was considering.

I’m leaning towards the IGM given I won’t have to get an extra extractor. But I’m not so sure how well the integrated blower fan works?

It might not be the healthiest solution in terms of fine dust flying around.

 

[HamsterJam]

Another single motor CamVac user here. Works OK with my Jet JPT-12 lunchbox thicknesser provided I don’t get greedy and take too heavier cuts on wide boards.
I am fortunate to have the wall mounted CamVac that fills a polythene bag so capacity isn’t an issue.

I have to move my thicknesser into an operating position - don’t underestimate how heavy and awkward these things are to move about.

 

[Sachakins]

Have Camvac too, but two motor, as my 100mm hose has to go up and over shed, so extra motor handy.
Using a 10" Co bo planer/thicnesser.

 

[AndyMc]

You could also consider a Triton TPT125 with an upgraded helical head from Sheartek: https://www.sheartak.com/spiral-cut...wu9kQPrzUb7WjzGGXLk9qSIrGHbNkq30JPKfTwELGBOGF
A forum member posted a video on this recently: https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/triton-thicknesser-head-removal.149075/#post-1755951
Apparently it won't stop the snipe that's common with this model but there's ways round that too: