Xcaliber

[Digit]

Someone mentioned the Xcaliber make of planer/thicknesser on the forum some time back, anybody own one or used one?
The report looks pretty good, but the £75 delivery is a bit nasty I think.

Roy.

 

[Chems]

Exactly what I thought, similar price to the lower model axminster one but with cast iron tables, but the £75 priced it out for me.

 

[bjm]

I enquired about it a few weeks back but haven't decided yet. I didn't notice the delivery cost but it's only £30 more than Axminster charge for delivery so you'd still be £100 better off? With rising fuel costs I think many companies will be forced to up their carriage rates soon?

Brian

 

[Digit]

That about sums up my view at the moment as well Brian.

Roy.

 

[bjm]

Hi Roy

Maybe you can get one and tell me what it's like then? I'm going down the separate jointer-thicknesser route at the moment but can't decide whether a 6" capacity will suffice (thinking Fox or Axminster CI jointer). It most likely will but there will always be that job that call for something bigger!! I was looking at the Xcaliber as a dedicated jointer and using a separate thicknesser as a compromise?

Brian

 

[Chems]

Axminster wouldnt charge for the smaller model P/T, and for the larger one they charge £45 so by my maths £45 < £75?

Im having the same thoughts about size, I think buying for the future is always best.

 

[OPJ]

Brian, I own a 10" wide planer-thicknesser and rarely find the need to face and edge anything wider than 6". The only situation would be where I need to PAR some timber for a friend or something. I wouldn't like to use it for internal joinery/furniture as a board any wider than that is likely to cup as it shrinks. You could always rip a wide board down the middle and then re-joint it?

If you really do want a surfacer/jointer with 8"+ capacity then, your best bet would be to scour eBay for an old cast-iron model. :wink:

 

[Digit]

Will do Brian. I would prefer to stay with a separate planer and thicknesser but space is the problem, and being used to a solid cast iron planer I'm loathe to use Alloy.
I've sold my thicknesser so now just the planer to go and I'll be able to turn round!

Roy.

 

[bjm]

Hi Olly

You're probably right but there's always that niggling doubt! My concern at the moment is machinery weight. I'm about to move into a small second floor unit where there is a restriction on the floor loading so I'm looking for a compromise between practicality and need and I'd prefer a CI bed over aluminium.

The problem with going for an 8" jointer is the additional weight (and the jump in price). I'm having the same dilemma with a suitable table saw!!

Roy - so you've decided to go for it then? - I look forward to the report

Brian

 

[Digit]

I emailed the company to confirm the price Brian as the Woodworker report gives a higher figure. I've not had a reply yet, if I don't get one tomorrow morning I will bell them and check on price and delivery.
All being well then I'll place an order and I'll post the results as I get them.

Roy.