Which Planer Thicknesser

[Alexam]

I have seen a PT 105 machine and have no idea if they are good or bad?.

Alternatives appreciated, bu budget is limited to about £400 ....ish new or almost new and is for hobby use. I only want to consider a small machine (benchtop) as space is limited. I can put something on a wheeled base I already have, but don't want a floor standing typeif possible.

Please help if you can point me in the right direction.

Alex

 

[Alexam]

OK, perhaps that model is not the most popular. Can anyone recommend something else in the price range please.

Alex

 

[Claymore]

I know sod all about them but saw this earlier.....http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-erb05 ... 230v/81126 don't know if its any good but has 30+ reviews to read.
Cheers

 

[Alexam]

Thanks for your reply Claymore. They do have a Woodstar PT105, which was my first thought, but like you, I know nothing about these machines. I had hoped to have had more support from members using these machines, but perhaps they all use hand planes.

I do hope that others will be helpful to me.

Cheers
Alex

 

[DennisCA]

I basically think that new and cheap (most hobby range stuff) is junk IMO, and not worth it. I'd go look around the used market, preferably something with cast iron construction. Ideally for your situation would be a nice inca planer/thicknesser, that's small and quality construction, cast aluminum though.

 

[Alexam]

Thanks Dennis. I'm interested in what you you use, or have used in the past ?

Alex

 

[Roughcut]

A machine with a decent induction motor should be much more neighbour friendly than the brush motor type.

 

[Alexam]

Thanks Roughcut. I noticed this from comments made elsewhere. Not sure if that always added cost, as induction motors seem to start around the £500 mark. Or am I mistaken?
What planer Thicknesser have you used or are using please?

Alex

 

[DennisCA]

Thanks Dennis. I'm interested in what you you use, or have used in the past ?

Alex

I bought a ratty old emco 8" planer/thicknesser that I restored (basically put a new motor on it, old one was fried). It's small and can be bench mounted though this one is in a floor table. Cast aluminum planer table but cast iron thicknesser table. You also don't need to reconfigure the machine to swap between planer and thicknesser, just set & feed. Main drawback is the cost of the blades, here an Inca with the tersa cutter system would be ideal as they are cheap and simple to swap.

I will probably upgrade in something larger in a few years when budget permits. Brands I am looking at are usually old brands like Luna/Ejca, Waco or Jonsered. But you probably have many other brands to look at where you are than I do.

 

[Alexam]

Thanks Dennis, all noted.

Alex

 

[marcros]

it doesnt fit your requirement of "new or nearly new" but if you can get hold of one, look out for an inca 10 1/4" planer thicknesser with the motor on the side, and with tersa quick change blades. They are not common, but do come up from time to time within your budget. an excellent machine- and not too heavy, although you wouldnt want to be lifting it too much. This is a very well made machine and much loved by those that are aware of them. They are induction motored.

The model number is 343.190.xx with several variants. They are known on the american forums (particularly) as a type 560 or 570. the 570 had a 3 blade block.

 

[Alexam]

Thanks for the info. I'll have a look around for that one, as it sounds good.
Alex

 

[Roughcut]

Thanks Rough ut. I noticed this from comments made elsewhere. Not sure if that always added cost, as induction motors seem to start around the £500 mark. Or am I mistaken?
What planer Thicknesser have you used or are using please?

Alex

Hi Alex,
I don't actually own a planer/thicknesser although it is on the list of future purchases.
However from experience of owning woodworking tools induction motors are definitely preferable to brush motors in my opinion just taking into account the noise levels alone.
I've not had any complaints yet from close neighbours when im using woodworking tools (in a hobbyist capacity in an non-insulated single garage), but I do take into account noise levels of machinery when im considering a new purchase.

 

[deema]

A planner needs to be highly engineered to remain stable and to give you the desired results. Having had a few, my experience has been that the smaller, lightly built units do not have the robustness to provide consistent results. However many people use them and are very happy with the machine.

If you have the room, and either desk top / van moveable is not a main criteria consider looking at an old / second hand floor standing machine that is made of cast iron.

There are two machines that often can be found in your price range which will not only last you a lifetime, but also provide professional quality that is almost guaranteed to be consistent and durable. I would look at either an old Multico or any vintage of Sedgwick machine. For what ever reason the Multico machines seem to be less favoured and can be bought very cheaply. Excellent machines that you can easily strip down, re-build and have spare parts made if required.

 

[Alexam]

Thanks Deema, I appreciate your help.

I would prefer something either new (which would mean not as much value within the budget), or something a few years old. I am not into stripping machines down and re-building. At 73, it's a bit too much for me. I only have a hobby, so as long as it lasts a few years and behaves, then I will be happy. |Will try and get an inducton smaller machine, but probably have to stretch the budget to £500. No desperate urgency, so will keep looking.

Cheers
Alex