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Hello!

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good jointer/planer combo? I like the idea of combining these two tools to save space and I assume, money. Any recommendations or ideas about best bets. I was looking at the Rikon 25-010h, but worried about it's small jointer bed. Even though I was hoping to get a combo unit I could be convinced of seperating them... Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jordan

I have the mini max 16" j/p combo. Aside from the initial set-up the machine has been great. Particularily the tersa head knives. I also ordered this with the slot mortiser, wihich is probably not a big interest to luthiers but for my work it is a huge timesaver.When I searched initially I had narrowed it down to this or the similarily sized Felder Hammer machine.
The space saving was a key point for me.
I had also considered the 5 in 1 machines, but for me it did not work.(sliding tablesaw,j/p,shaper,mortiser). This could work for someone tight on space.

Happy shopping

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My memory is so good, sometimes I remember things that never happened.

I personally wouldn't advise a Chinese/Taiwanese product for a combo machine -- to much to go wrong. I would only recommend the European made machines. I had a MiniMax 12" Jointer/planer combo and it was a nice machine. Standalone machines will be better (maybe not the case for the ultra expensive Felder products) -- so don't go with these unless you need the space savings. You will most likely end up with a better setup going with standalone Asian made tools of decent quality. These products are really designed for European workshops where space saving is very important.

Hi Jordan - I looked at the 12" Rikon combo machine, just to use as a jointer, but the few reviews that I could find seemed to be quotes from Rikon, and some users had over heating problems.
Like Bri suggests, mini max or Felder Hammer machines, which I looked at, as well, are very good, but it depends on how much you plan to use them, and how much budget you have.
If for light use and modest budget, I would get separates, a 12" bench top planer, and a used 6" jointer. Lots of jointers on CraigsList in the USA, and Kijiji in Canada. I'd buy the planer new, as the used ones are likely worn out. New from $250-325, and up.

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

I find combo machines to be a two faced beast. While they save space, they waste time. I don't like spending my time changing the setup on my machines. I actually have two bandsaws for this reason.

If you are crammed on space, combo machines might just be a necessary evil. But if I were looking into tools starting off, I wouldn't waste my time with a planer for lutherie. A thickness sander is much more useful. I didn't have a jointer for a long time either. I ended up getting one when I got into resawing. So think about what you are wanting to do and get the tools that will do ALL the jobs you will need them to do.

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ELEVATE || Next Level Lutherie
http://elevatelutherie.com
&
http://ensorguitars.com

I considered this factor when purchasing, but with a little planning and forethought it has become a non issue.
With the quick couplers for the collector I can switch from jointing to planing in 30-40 sec and from planing to jointing in 90 sec.
I also have two bandsaws one for resaw and one for curves annd odd bits. The bandsaw blade change with resetting the guides is a real pain. Probably 10-15 minutes. Not to mention the scary factor of a razor sharp 14' blade flexing around.
Not only is it saving space, but saving an extra dust collector run and an extra electrical feed.
I know my set-up wont work for everyone but I have tried to make my one man shop as efficient as possible for me.

B

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My memory is so good, sometimes I remember things that never happened.

I am an Industrial Engineer by trade. From that perspective, combo machines not only waste time, but there is the quality component to consider. Each time a machine is changed there is the risk that locators are not as expected. So good operating procedure would include running test pieces every set-up -- more lost time.

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Ken Cierp

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/

"If for light use and modest budget, I would get separates, a 12" bench top planer, and a used 6" jointer. Lots of jointers on CraigsList in the USA, and Kijiji in Canada. I'd buy the planer new, as the used ones are likely worn out. New from $250-325, and up."

+1
The jointer can be placed along a wall, and the bench top planer can be kept under a bench, using less space than a combo machine. The planer can be used out of doors when the weather permits.