Combination or separates

[Doug71]

I have all separates in my workshop and all on mobile bases. I love the flexibility it gives me.

 

[Peter Sefton]

I have had a range of Felder and Hammer machines for the past 15 years, never had a full combination machine. I think a large combination machine in the middle of a workshop may take up more room than separates around the walls, also dust extraction from a combo can be tricky. For me the planer thicknesser is a no brainer for a one man or small workshop or even in our school. I did have seperate table saw and spindle moulder, I now have the combined saw spindle, I do prefer the separate machines but cost and space saving makes the combination a good choice. The saw spindle is great for occasional spindle moulder work but I am not a great fan of the short out feed table of the spindle and I am not keen on the hinge down powerfeed.

 

[Peter Sefton]

+1 for the jessEm guides, I too have them on my table saw and router table and can't fault them.

We use the JessEm table saw guides particularly when cutting sheet goods to width, simply fixed to a planed piece of timber screwed to the fence.

 

[Renoj]

I have the C3-41 and it works for me. Did a ton of research before choosing a combination machine. I think workshop is around 8mx7m

- I have a square workshop rather than long so a combi suits that better.
- just me in the workshop so no issue with using machine at same time
- batch work so changing over isn’t as continual as one off pieces.
- I have other machinery/workbenches along the walls so it literally sits like a centre piece in the middle. As you say combis are best suited in the middle of a space and not moved.

 

[Lockstock]

my workshops not huge so I went for a compromise rather than a full combi or all separates, I went for a planer/thicknesser & a saw/spindle moulder both machines are on mobile bases so I can move them to the wall when not in use to free up space, I’ve been very happy with how they’ve worked out.

Hi, I don't suppose you'd mind telling me what 2 machines you used to reach this Nirvana. Your situation sounds the same as mine.

 

[Doug B]

Hi, I don't suppose you'd mind telling me what 2 machines you used to reach this Nirvana. Your situation sounds the same as mine.

I went for a Hammer A3-41 planer thicknesser & a Hammer B3 basic saw/spindle

 

[Lockstock]

I went for a Hammer A3-41 planer thicknesser & a Hammer B3 basic saw/spindle

Hi Doug,

They look quite large. when you say you wheel them out when needed, does that mean they are fitted with casters?

Pricing seems hidden unless I sign up to Hammer's site. Do you mind me asking how much these 2 units were?

Cheers

 

[Doug B]

Hi Doug,

They look quite large. when you say you wheel them out when needed, does that mean they are fitted with casters?

Pricing seems hidden unless I sign up to Hammer's site. Do you mind me asking how much these 2 units were?

Cheers

I made mobile bases for both of mine though both can be ordered with the option of a mobile base I prefer to make my own as the factory fitted ones don’t have multi directional casters.

As for prices both machines are quite a few years old now I think I bought the saw/spindle in 2013 so I can’t remember the prices without digging out the paper work & even if I did the prices would bear no resemblance to today’s prices.
I believe if you sign up the prices are on the site though they do have a tendency to phone you to follow up your enquiry.