planer thicknesser purchase

[pitch pine]

I wonder if you could help me spend some money..........I want a good quality planer thicknesser. I would like a 12" machine but realistically can only afford a 10" one (and will probably manage perfectly well!). The 2 that crop up alot are the scheppach 2600 and jet 260. A couple of years ago I bought the scheppach basato 3 bandsaw which really put me of buying scheppach again, yet there are lots of good reviews of the planer on here. The bandsaw had lots go wrong, cheap handles etc. The other machines I have noticed are the new record 300 (which is alot cheaper than any other 12" machines) and the axminster with the cast fence. Any thoughts?

I am also looking for a general purpose pillar drill, any recommendations?

 

[Mr Ed]

I have the Scheppach HMS260Ci and am happy with it. I have also had a Basato 3, which I was not particularly happy with and in my view the Basato's issues are not representative of the HMS260Ci.

The machine is solidly built, more so than the bandsaw. The paint finish is good and the fence is solid.

I am not mad about the ridged cast iron bed, although it doesn't seem to affect performance. The change from planing to thicknessing is quite quick.

The outfeed is not adjustable which is a minor niggle. Blade setting is a pain, but I think its a bit fiddly with most machines in this price range.

On the whole its a good solid machine for the money - I assume the 2600 is the new version of the 260?

There are quite a lot of options in this price range and I think if I was to buy again I would be looking wider than Scheppach.

Cheers, Ed

 

[jedmc571]

Hi PP

Similar dilemma, not in a mad rush to purchase in case the prices fall

I'm hoping to get a look at one of these http://www.woodfordwm.co.uk/acatalog/Pl ... esser.html

get's good reviews and I think it's the same, or very similar to Axminsters?

Other than that I can't comment, although I've not ruled out separates, Dewalt 733 Thicknesser and possibly a small jointer, or the Axminster one if cash permits?

I think this is the one machine that stumps new people, I am bewildered at the range, and prices, however, i do believe you get what you pay for, but in the same breath, their are users of cheaper machines who love them.

It's down to money I suppose, I reckon I'll buy the thicknesser first because it will get more use for what I do, the jointer isn't such a priority yet.

good luck with your choice, let us know.

Regards

Jed

 

[JonnyD]

Have you considered a secondhand cast iron machine something like this machine will probably go cheaply

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WHITEHEAD-PLANER- ... 0359QQcmdZ

You could also look out for a secondhand Sedgwick MB or Wadkin BAO which are good solid industrial machines but often available in single phase.

Jon

 

[pinkyinboro]

i got a jet 310 few weeks ago and its fantatic
loads better than the scheppach ones which i have used loads
jet is very solid and very easy to use

 

[Woody Alan]

I had a Elektra Beckum 260 which was OK. I then had the opportunity to swap for a Scheppach 260ci without much previous use. The two machines are worlds apart in their use and ultimate finish. The Scheppach wins hands down. I have found it a PITA to set the blades but with any machine it is essential to get this right and I wonder how many people complain about a machine when it's down to set up. I will add that I had a very unhappy experience with a Sheppach 2500ci sawbench so was very skeptical about the planer. With so many things sometimes a manufacturer produces a particular jem.
All that said I think the Sheppach gets away with a slow feed rate to cope with the fact it only has two knives wheras some of the imports like Jet have three knives and I am sure they do a more than adequate job possibly on a more trade like basis. I have also heard that the new 2600ci is made elsewhere compared to my 260ci and the quality isn't so high whether there is any substance to these anecdotal statements I couldn't say but it's always worth taking into the equation. I am in no hurry to change my 260 and I must say the finish is so good it's hard to tell it came straight of the machine.

Alan

 

[pitch pine]

Many thanks for the replies.

I didn't realise the scheppach is a 2 cutter machine, and the woodford 12" model has 4! I had thought of buying secondhand and got a good bandsaw that way but at the moment they are all just a bit far from NE48.....

I have also been told that the earlier scheppach planers are better than the current model.

I will let you know how I get on.

 

[Lester Burnham]

I had the same dilemma a few weeks ago and finally decided on a Jet 260 from Axminster. Reading loads of posts on this forum helped me make the decision. It is due for delivery possibly next week, and since my postcode is Northumberland NE49 it looks like were neighbours! you would be welcome to have a look at it in action once set up.

 

[Blister]

Hi PP

Similar dilemma, not in a mad rush to purchase in case the prices fall

I'm hoping to get a look at one of these http://www.woodfordwm.co.uk/acatalog/Pl ... esser.html

get's good reviews and I think it's the same, or very similar to Axminsters?

Other than that I can't comment, although I've not ruled out separates, Dewalt 733 Thicknesser and possibly a small jointer, or the Axminster one if cash permits?

I think this is the one machine that stumps new people, I am bewildered at the range, and prices, however, i do believe you get what you pay for, but in the same breath, their are users of cheaper machines who love them.

It's down to money I suppose, I reckon I'll buy the thicknesser first because it will get more use for what I do, the jointer isn't such a priority yet.

good luck with your choice, let us know.

Regards

Jed

Jed

let us know what you think of it as I was looking at one of those as well :wink:

 

[pitch pine]

My new years resolution is to stop prevaricating over decisions so today I placed an order for the 10" Jet model. I did think very hard about bankrupting myself for the bigger model, but I am sure I can manage with the 260.

Lester thanks for the offer. In a way I am glad I didn't see your post before I ordered as it would have given me another excuse not to buy (until I'd seen your machine)! I'd still be interested in meeting up and swapping ideas etc. Are you in the Haltwhistle area?

Can't wait for it to be delivered......of course it means I will have to tidy up the workshop......

Nick

 

[Lester Burnham]

Nick,
PM sent.

 

[woof]

I have the Jet 260. Love it. You will be pleased My only regret was not getting the bigger 310, but as you say it is that much more mullah.