Kity 439?

[pike]

Hi all,

I'm still undecided if I should get a planer or a combi planer/thicknesser. I've already got a dw733 so it would seem a dedicated planer would make sense. However, I want 8" or more planing width so I can't really go for the ct1502.

Anyone got an opinion on the Kity 439, or my options in general?

I'd like to spend 300-500 (up to 600 maybe if I decide to reluctantly sell my reliable dw733). I'd also prefer smaller if possible as I've got a limited space.

Thanks,
pike

 

[ivan]

Pike, shouldn't offer you any advice, as I have a Kity 636 10" x 8" p/t for sale. It was my Dad's, nice French engineering in virtually mint condition, with some unused spare HSS knives. PM me if you are interested, might save you a few quid!

 

[woodbloke]

I have the K439...excellent little planer. I've had it for about 9 years now and it's behaved faultlessly. Recommended - Rob

 

[pike]

Thanks Ivan but I'm thinking that I want something a bit smaller and lighter if possible.

Rob, is this the one?

How noisy is it? It says induction motor so I'm hoping it isn't too loud. I'm very interested due to the 8" planer width and fairly small size and weight.

 

[woodbloke]

Thanks Ivan but I'm thinking that I want something a bit smaller and lighter if possible.

Rob, is this the one?

How noisy is it? It says induction motor so I'm hoping it isn't too loud. I'm very interested due to the 8" planer width and fairly small size and weight.

Yup, that's the beast. Fairly small footprint, not too noisy, though I would put on ear defenders for a bit of prolonged work on it - Rob

 

[pike]

It arrives tomorrow. £499 from dandmtools. Couldve got something bigger for around that price but this looks like it will suit me and my small work space.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Gary]

Thats not a bad price. You'll need and extra pair of hands to lift it once you've assembled the stand.

 

[pike]

Ok thanks. It won't be moving around much or often.

I might sell the dewalt dw733 but only if the kity thicknesser is as good as (or near enough). The dewalt has been excellent and no snipe.

 

[Gary]

The dewalt has been excellent and no snipe.

Me thinks you'll be keeping it then.

 

[pike]

Yeah looks like that might be the case. I've got it now. Very impressed with the quality and strength of the build.

The dw733 seems much better at avoiding snipe though. I'm still hoping I can get better at using the kity so I can sell but we'll see.

The planing is good. Didn't take much fettling at all. ali fence works fine.

The dust extraction is an odd oval shape which I havent' seen though.

The switch between planing and thicknessing is very easy, all you do is take the dust hood out and put it somewhere else!

 

[pike]

For those interested, I've now used the 439 a bit more and it's going really well.

Noise wise, it's an induction motor so very reasonable sound levels.

I've got rid of the snipe problem simple by lifting the board slightly as it goes in and comes out.

For me, the best point has to be the seriously easy conversion from planing mode to thicknessing. All you do is swing the dust chute around and put the extractor box in a different place.

Dust collection is good, but not up to the DW733 (in thicknessing mode) as (presumably) it has further to travel and my extractor is under powered.

Apparently they don't make kity any more after they were bought by Scheppach. It suits my needs perfectly right now though. Not too big or heavy. 8" width cutter.

I'm selling the dw733 as I can't justify having both.