Looking at a Metabo Optal 26..... Advice?

[Andrewbullie]

I am very new to the woodworking field, I've done bits and pieces in the past but not much more than hanging doors, fitting skirting, etc..

I have recently bought mitre saw, router and band saw but I am still looking at lathe, planer / thicknesser, bench saw and possibly a spinal moulder.

This is all for personal projects and enjoyment as I love working with wood, but I like to have a good set up when I do something, that's just the way is am. After contemplating which machines I should buy I have been offered an "all in one solution" - a Metabo Optal 26 for £1000, apparently in as new condition. First thing that strikes me is the price, they seem to retail for £2600 - £3000 new and this seems very cheap. I always think that if it appears to good to be true then it usually is! But, is there a reason why the machine is so cheap?

I guess really what I am looking for is some opinions as to whether I should go for the machine or not? My budget couldn't afford it new or as separates, so on the face of it it sounds good as long as it does the job for somebody at my level. My other gear is mostly Dewalt with one Einhell unit.

For info, I only have a small workshop - 12ft x 9ft

Any feedback much appreciated.

Many thanks

Andrew

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Is there something wrong with your spine that it needs remoulding?

 

[carlb40]

I have no experience of that machine, however your shop is about the same size as mine. Would you fit the machine in there? and be able to safely use it?
TBH Looking at the machines you want, it would leave you very little room for you :shock:

My shop contains an Axminster ct150 (planer), ct330 (thicknesser), TS200 (saw) in a cabinet with a router table built into the extension wing. Plus my bench. The space left gives me enough room to move about and use the machines in a safe way.

Just some stuff i found on the net for the opal
metabo-optal-26-combination-machine-t13000.html

https://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&s ... 0&bih=1078

 

[Dodge]

Regarding the Metabo machine it appears from the pictures that this is a remake/or very similar to the older Record Maxi 26 one of which I had for several years back in the late 90s and was very capable. The size would make it ideal for use in a garage as the only side mounted operation was the slot morticer.

The only downside of the machine was the single motor so I was constantly belt changing as switching between functions but other than that it was a very versatile and user friendly machine.

HTH

Rog

 

[Andrewbullie]

Apparently this Metabo Optal 26 has 3 x 2hp motors and no need to change the belt, so it may just be a revised version.

 

[Dodge]

Apparently this Metabo Optal 26 has 3 x 2hp motors and no need to change the belt, so it may just be a revised version.

Far superior to the Record Maxi 26 I had then.

 

[Shrubby]

If its a Lurem/Metabo make sure you can get spares and tooling for it
Metabo stopped making the bigger machines and sold Lurem to DB&S
Matt

 

[easyas123viessmann]

I have an optal 26. It's about 8 to ten years old. It has a fabricated top rather than the cast iron top. This is the only problem I have with it. I have been able, with a lot of adaption to make components for large garage and oak doors. It's great for small projects. Good job planing is required to prevent repeat set up, but even with that said it's quick and easy to reset. Like many new machines it has a lifting leaver to adjust the height of the saw blade, this makes it hard to get accurate settings, I'm told that this is because it is illegal to use the saw without it's guard so accurate height adjustment is not required. My life, my tool, some times it's the only option.

 

[Andrewbullie]

Thanks for the responses guys. I since opted not to buy the Optal 26 for 2 reasons:

Firstly, space! My workshop simply would be big enough to have a piece of kit like this.
Secondly, I spoke to the manufacturers and the two parts specialists who said although it is an excellent price, if anything goes wrong with it I would be screwed as nobody makes the parts anymore. He also referred back to the Lurem issue and the fact that they went bust.

Cheers