Never quite understood the price of the Axminster AT330ST; having seen one in the flesh I didn't think it looked any better built than the significantly cheaper Metabo DH330. That said; I do understand the spiral cutter blocks are very good - I just wonder if the added cost on a lunchbox style planer is justified (vs spending the extra on a bigger/better cast iron machine).
If you're prepared to spend a bit of time on restoration (and have the space) then a second-hand cast iron planer thicknesser would be a good option. E.g. I picked up an old version of this
combined planer and thicknesser / HOB320P_230V / combined planer and thicknesser - HOLZMANN Maschinen GmbH on eBay a few years ago for £500, and with about £150 in spares and a 3 phase VFD it works well. Bl**dy scary trying to drag ~300kg of machinery out of a Luton van on a sloping driveway though
Weight, portability, ease of storage and then of course the big issue, especially for spiral over straight blade - Chipping.
Glue can and will chip a straight blade, especially epoxies, but plain old wood glue will too.
When it happens it means the entire blade needs reground, not just honed but reground to remove the chip. That will cost, and the vast majority will need to send it off somewhere to be done.
There's a fourth reason why its better than a standalone machine, and thats the length of the thicknesser bed. I've mentioned previously the problem of snipe, where the weight and length of the board and the shortness of the bed causes the board to tip up into the cutters as it completes the pass, but with the portable 'Lunchbox', the bed is or can be made easily to any length and the board passing under eliminates any possibility of snipe.
A chipped blade is a real pain, a total pain in the proverbial, and you shouldnt need to carry 2 or more sets of blades in case one is damaged. Chipped it leaves long raised(whatever you call them) tracks, which need removed, especially if you intend to glue those faces together, this means MORE WORK.
The spiral, by the nature of lots of blades means you only need removed the chipped ones, and in fact not even remove as most have 2 or 4 cutting faces so it only needs revolved. Less down time, less waiting for a blade set to be returned from grinding.
I've a basic RP Pla/Thi' but ive worked in industry and am used to 400kg 18-24" wide planer/thicknessers to stand alone thicknessers. Chipped blades happen often and are a real pain in the proverbial. If i had a choice again, it would be the Axminster one.
Unfortunately due to working in the house, the record power is induction motor but tha axminster is brush motor, and that is seriously louder, just running never mind putting a length of maple or oak through, so iuts for the neighbours ive opted for the one I have
I know theres P/T available with spiral blocks, but again theres the size,weight and portability to put into the equation. Certainly theres been a number of jobs where I'd like to have that portability of the 'lunchbox' style.
Oops, almost forgot reason five - How the blade striked te wood. not solid whole blade at once at a right angle, but in an angled strike so it doesnt slam into the timber, but gives more a slicing action. It pretty much eliminates *wayfield pitch marking, so again less prep work to clean those up.
* I think this is the term, been decades sine it was taught, so not 100% sure. Someone clarify that will ya ?
