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Craftex has a 12” jointer/planer combo going for less than 4kCAD, it’s an attractive proposition, I’m wondering if folks here have used that kind of machine and have any insights as to their real life functionality?

Typically the multi tools aren't very good, they've always done both jobs kind of half assed.

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It seems a decent and robust machine…

https://www.busybeetools.com/products/1 ... ical-combo

It does appear to a decent unit. I have found over the years I'd rather have a single use machine. I've never had good luck with multi use machines/tools.

Where are those made? Do you have to pay ridiculous tariffs to import tools?

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I expect they’re made in Taiwan or china in the same factory that makes WEN and Magnum and grizzly…I just like the idea of a 12” jointer for 2S back billets…

I have used an old Inca 510 jointer/planer combo for many years. For a small shop like mine, the format works out OK. If I had room, separate units would be a lot more desirable.

As far as the specific machine you show in the first post, consider spending more fore one of these. I'm not sure if this is the Canadian or US price.

https://www.felder-group.com/en-us/shop ... k-sp979003

Or if you can get by with a width of 10 1/8" ,

https://www.felder-group.com/en-us/shop ... -sp2378826

It is the norm in the UK to use planer/thicknessers rather than separate machines. As ever the quality of the build is important, but I have been quite happy with the two I have experienced. And it does save space in the shop.

Re talk of combination machines though, I bought a table saw, planer thicknesser, shaper combo when I started out and would never recommend that to anyone. When something goes wrong (and it will, if only just a broken belt) getting at the innards is a nightmare.

Cheers Dave

Space is less of an issue for me than price…

I’ve had a Robland jointer/planer for about 25 years. Laguna used to sell them. It’s a good, solid machine. It suits my small shop well. It’s on a mobile base and rolls away under a table when idle. What I like best: it’s a 12” jointer.

That’s what I liked about the v]craftex machine as well…glad you like yours.

I’m late to the party- sorry to resurrect this if y’all had already moved on. I cannot comment on the Craftex machine- I have seen very few Craftex machines at all, other than two I have owned.

I own a Hammer A3-41. I’m thoroughly impressed. It was worth every penny I spent to get it. The 16” wide jointer, the 4HP motor, and the speed of switching functions are my favourite things about the machine.

The outfeed side of the planer should be longer, but there is an extension available that I might still purchase. I sprang for the mobility kit- well worth it.

There are some really good review videos on YouTube, too.

Thanks Lincoln,

Hammer is probably out of budget for me…

Sure.

In that case, if I were to offer a recommendation, I’d advise you to see the machine in person before you buy it. I’d measure the accuracy of the jointer tables, switch to the planer function, and then switch back and measure it again.

I’d also check out the milled faces. I’ve seen the Rikon combination machine, and both the casting and the milling are very rough.

A little off topic but I finally coughed up the cash for a spiral cutter head for my 6" Jet Jointer and it's amazing. Wish I would have done it years ago. Tops and backs have come off needing very little tweaking for a good fit.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I have been teetering on that fence for a while. How was it to install?


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I have a tiny shop and opted to get a Felder combo machine. It’s fantastic. I love it.

I don't have room for either. I depend on handplanes followed by resaw and into my thickness sander. I would definitely get a combo if I needed that or just use my CNC, I haven't tried that approach yet. I build one guitar at a time and they take me years to complete.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Not bad. YouTube to the rescue. You need a bearing puller.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

Thanks, Terry.

I’m going to take us on a detour.

When I was about 20 I was trying to replace the turn signal assembly on a car. This was pre-airbags, or at least my car didn’t have any. I was poor - and 20. Anyway…

I was trying to figure out how to remove the turn signal assembly and my crazy redneck neighbor walked up to see what I was doing. He said, with all the confidence in the world, “You need a steering wheel puller”. I looked at him as if he was joking and said “Indeed”.

Later that day I went to Autozone to get some help. The guy behind the counter sat a big red case up on the counter. You already know how it read - “Steering wheel puller”.

Knowledge is knowledge. It doesn’t matter how you come by it.

Brad


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Back in the day when you had to dig a little for knowledge but had a little adventure acquiring it. Maybe more satisfying than YouTube.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I've got the Hammer 12" (A31?) with a Shelix head. A little bit fussy to set up and has a bit of a goofy drive system for the planer portion, but a solid accurate machine. Not Cheap.

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