Jet JPT 260 or 310

[Escudo]

Hello there all,

A quick question or two regarding these machines which seem well respected on the forum.

When changing from planning mode to thicknessing mode I can see from pictures of the machines that the tables lift together - do they need much clearance behind? Does the fence stay in place when making this lift or does it have to be removed?

My current P/T is the Scheppach and I find that I am continually winding the thicknessing table up and down to accommodate the dust extraction hood when changing to thicknessing mode - is this the same on the Jet machines? I would be impressed if this was not necessary.

Hope members can be of help.

Cheers, Tony.

 

[andycorleone]

I think that's the gripe of combi P/T but if you have space you can always buy separates

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Jet- ... -28877.htm

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Jet- ... -21826.htm

is £500 most expensive and you lost 100mm in planing mode :shock: so for me I preffer a combi and lost a few minutes lowerig and rising :lol: but I perfectly understand people how preffer avoid reset every change

 

[wizer]

Tony, I have just purchased the 260 and am waiting for it to be delivered. I made my decision mainly through having used the 310 quite a bit over at MarkW 'shop. When you compare it in the flesh to it's competitors you find the Jet is miles ahead. The build quality is second to none at this price bracket. It's a seriously impressive machine. Mark has the 12inch machine and it is a little more beefy, but the 10inch version has all the quality and integrity of it's bigger brother. The price difference is quite large for the extra 2inches, I couldn't justify it. I compared it to the Axminster\Woodford\Lyndhurst clone and also the Sheppach and, to me, there was no contest. Everything else on the market is such a 'faff' to switch between modes.

To answer your questions specifically:

The fence remains in position when flipping up for thicknessing. The bed and fence are 'sprung' to make it easier to lift. Yes you need a bit of clearance behind, but not a huge amount. (i'll measure mine when it arrives if that helps)

You do have to lower the thicknessing bed to rotate the dust extraction port. But the mechanism to lower the table is so smooth that it's not a bother. It would be nice if there was a 'quick drop' feature, but then maybe this would be unsafe?

I'm sure that you will not be disappointed by either the 260 or 310.

 

[SP]

Tony,

I have the JPT 310 and love it. The space behind the machine is really no more than the machine needs when standing in jointer mode as the fence support bracket sticks out the back anyway.
To crank the thicknesser bed down to allow the dust hood to be put back across is no problem - takes about 5 seconds. It doesn't need to go all the way down - about 3/4 of the way. I put a red dot at the point it needs to be and find that this assists with the process.

 

[Escudo]

Thanks fellas for the guidance,

I am going to have a look at these machines and , mull over whether I should treat myself and upgrade from the Scheppach.

I have seen the 310 on the fleebay for £899 + vat and that seems a very fair price for a machine of that spec and quality.

All the best, Tony

 

[Waka]

Tony

You won't go wrong with the 310, I know everyone thinks to thenselves, I don't need that extra 2", but trust me its very useful when dealing with 12" rough sawn planks.

 

[Woody Alan]

Tony I can't explain the huge price difference with the Jet 310 compared with axminster, but if you were to go with the Jet 260, that ebay company is only £50 cheaper than axminster and won't deliver to you.
Axminster charge for large item delivery but if you buy through Dog lane Horsford they will order from axminster for you and waive the delivery charge and deliver to you for free, and you get to support a good local company.
I hope that all makes sense

Cheers Alan

P.S can I have that worn out old Scheppach of yours

 

[Escudo]

Hello Al,

Your quite right, I called in the other day to see Barry at Dog Lane, he said he would be getting a machine in sometime soon and I could call and have a look then. I was going to show him the £899 offer to make him "sharpen his pencil" and see if he wanted to do a trade in for my Scheppach. (Although, I am sure we could come to some arrangement :wink: )

I can't do much until April as I haven't got any money left. Once the tax year starts I can have a big draw.

I also need to finalise my plans for the workshop extension to make a bit more room if I should decide to go for the 310.

Thanks also Waka for your thoughts. I know from past posts that your a big fan and that is a good endorsement of this machine.

Cheers, Tony.

 

[PlaneMike]

Hi,

I have the 310 and the base stands 9" from the wall - just enough for the fence support which hangs out about 8 1/2".

For me, space is always at a premium and the narrow gap is ideal for larger jigs, ply sheets etc.

BTW it's an excellent 12" machine - I needed the extra 2" width and upgraded from the 10" Scheppach (also v. good).

Mike

 

[Escudo]

Thanks for your thoughts Mike.

I am going to have a closer look at the Jet machines and will report back.

Cheers, Tony.