Planer thicknesser purchase advice please

[Westy619]

Hi guys,

I'm in the market for a new planer thicknesser. Currently I have a 1940's Wadkin RB surface planer and a Dewalt 733 thicknesser with a shelix cutter head, both of which function well but I would like to recover some space in the workshop.

I'm looking at the likes of Hammer, Robland, Minimax, iTech, Sedgwick etc. Minimum width would be 300mm, but I'd like 400mm if I can justify it! I think I would prefer Tersa over a spiral block but both would be great I'm sure.

If anyone has any real world experiance of machines from the above brands I would love to get your thoughts.

 

[Spectric]

@MikeK has the Itech with Tersa blades and 300mm I believe, he will give you some good feedback, and like myself likes Tersa rather than helical or spiral. If you search this forum you will see I made a right mess when it came to buying a P/T because I did not do my homework and lacked experience so ended up with a Record Pt107 that needed aftermarket parts to get the best from it. You are looking at more professional machines and maybe a good old cast iron machine that has been refurbed would be a good option, @deema or @Sideways can advise in this department.

 

[Bojam]

@MikeK has the Itech with Tersa blades and 300mm I believe, he will give you some good feedback, and like myself likes Tersa rather than helical or spiral. If you search this forum you will see I made a right mess when it came to buying a P/T because I did not do my homework and lacked experience so ended up with a Record Pt107 that needed aftermarket parts to get the best from it. You are looking at more professional machines and maybe a good old cast iron machine that has been refurbed would be a good option, @deema or @Sideways can advise in this department.

@MikeK has the Minimax FS30-G (from the Genius range). It's a smaller, lighter version of the FS30-C (classic). Tersa or helical ("Zylent") cutterblocks are available as options. Space permitting the FS30-C would be preferable for heavy duty use due to the extra weight and longer table length. But the Genius version is interesting for artisanal or keen hobby workshops.

 

[deema]

@Sideways and I recently posted about a Sedgwick MB renovation we did. The construction of the very latest machines is almost identical, just a few small tweaks as far as I can see.

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/sedgwick-mb-planer-thicknesser-full-refurbishment.136008/
We had chance to have a good look at the latest Sedgwick recently, this was the very latest incantation of the machine:

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/latest-sedgwick-cp-construction-quick-review.138603/
Robland seem to be good well built machines, I’ve only ‘played’ with one of their saws and not a PT…..yet! I’d also look at SCM’s, personally I think they are more commercial grade machines than the MiniMax……run for 8 hours a day every day.

I have a Sedgwick CP with Tersa, very nice machine. I’ve worked on a few Dominion DAA (16”) they are probably the best built machines I’ve come across. Although they have standard blades, they are incredibly quick and easy to set, especially if the machine still has the two blade sets that should be attached to the side of the machine when not used. In less than 5 mins you can change a Dominion blade set with them.

 

[Westy619]

Thanks all, I think the Minimax FS 30C is at the forefront currently. Perhaps a used Sedgwick with tersa if I can find a seller willing to ship to NE Scotland.

I should say as well, I am currently a hobbyist so machines of this level are more of an indulgance than a necessity. Anything more expensive than this will definitely result in swift divorce proceedings.

 

[ScottandSargeant]

Have a look @simonbowlerltd he chose an SP300C with spiral planer block a while back as one of the heavier 1ph spiral planer thicknessers, mainly for planing oak… he uses it to its max and has planed thousands of linear meters on it in that time and is over the moon. Have a look at some of his planer laps and work
Not as heavy as the Sedgwick, but more affordable

 

[ScottandSargeant]

Have a look @simonbowlerltd he chose an SP300C with spiral planer block about 9 months ago as the biggest 1ph mainly for planing oak… he uses it to its max and has planed thousands of linear meters on it in that time and is over the moon. Have a look at some of his planer laps and work

This one also

 

[ndbrown]

Hi, I am happy to let you try mine, although it is a 260mm wide Hammer A3 it will let you see a machine for yourself. I am “down the road” in Fife. PM me if you like to arrange anything.
Nigel

 

[2 Rivers]

If it helps contact Weymouth college carpentry department they have 2 minimax fs30 and 1 Sedgwick they want to get rid of. As for Chris head of construction

 

[Ntre25]

Hi guys,

I'm in the market for a new planer thicknesser. Currently I have a 1940's Wadkin RB surface planer and a Dewalt 733 thicknesser with a shelix cutter head, both of which function well but I would like to recover some space in the workshop.

I'm looking at the likes of Hammer, Robland, Minimax, iTech, Sedgwick etc. Minimum width would be 300mm, but I'd like 400mm if I can justify it! I think I would prefer Tersa over a spiral block but both would be great I'm sure.

If anyone has any real world experiance of machines from the above brands I would love to get your thoughts.

I upgraded to the minimax fs30c with tersa cutters two years ago. It's a great machine and copes well with hardwoods. The choice of blades such as hss, chrome and m42 make it very flexible and blade changing takes two minutes. The only downside is taking the fence off for thicknessing but that is not a big problem. Overall I would highly recommend the machine.

 

[clogs]

it'd be nice if a machine was local but dont let distance put u off...
there are specialist transport out there.....it only cost a lot if ur in a rush to get it home....
or hire a van/taillift n get it urself.....
I bought my Wadkin RS from just outside Blackpool and got it delivered to Crete for just over £300....only a year ago....
and that's a lot bigger n heavier than what u want....
good luck....

 

[Westy619]

I upgraded to the minimax fs30c with tersa cutters two years ago. It's a great machine and copes well with hardwoods. The choice of blades such as hss, chrome and m42 make it very flexible and blade changing takes two minutes. The only downside is taking the fence off for thicknessing but that is not a big problem. Overall I would highly recommend the machine.

Thanks for the info. Could I trouble you for a measurment regarding the infeed table when in thicknesser mode.

My plan is to have the back of the fs30 up against the outfeed/assembly table in my shop. My only concern is the pillar I have at the end which runs power/dust extraction down and under the table. Would you be able to tell me how far the infeed table protudes past the back of the machine when raised up in thickness mode?

 

[Ntre25]

Thanks for the info. Could I trouble you for a measurment regarding the infeed table when in thicknesser mode.

My plan is to have the back of the fs30 up against the outfeed/assembly table in my shop. My only concern is the pillar I have at the end which runs power/dust extraction down and under the table. Would you be able to tell me how far the infeed table protudes past the back of the machine when raised up in thickness mode?

I've got the machine about 20cm from the wall to allow for the blade guard. When you raise the table into thicknessing mode, the table does not protrude beyond the machine so provided you are not concerned about the blade guard, you could position the machine up against your assembly/outfeed table.

 

[Westy619]

Thanks all, ended up getting a good deal on a Minimax fs 30c with a tersa block. Looking foward to receiving!

 

[Hornbeam]

I have had a Hammer A3-31 with spiral head for 2 years. With hindsight I might have gone for the 41 but what ever width machine you buy, you will always occasionally have a piece to finish that is too wide. I wouldnt change my decision very happy
Please see link to my initial review
Hammer A3 31 updated review

If you want any further information drop me a pm

Ian

 

[Gandalfs Staff]

Have a look @simonbowlerltd he chose an SP300C with spiral planer block a while back as one of the heavier 1ph spiral planer thicknessers, mainly for planing oak… he uses it to its max and has planed thousands of linear meters on it in that time and is over the moon. Have a look at some of his planer laps and work
Not as heavy as the Sedgwick, but more affordable

I bought one of the itech300 machines from S&S back in July - I am having trouble getting the in/out feed tables co-planer and the fence square - are there any supplementary instructions you have on set up as the manual has no instructions whatsoever?

I'm a total amatuer/DIY'er so will freely admit someone with more experience would probably be able to set it up fine but I am struggling - any help would be appreciated.

If anyone is in West Essex or North/East London who might want to help out a newbie - feel free to contact me, i'd be happy to buy you a beer or two....

Regards