Coyote Jim Posted December 3, 2019 Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 Due to tax purposes I find myself in a situation where I can buy a piece of equipment. I THINK what I want is a Jointer Planer in one. My end goal is to someday have a detached wood shop where I will pretty much be hand tools only....except for a jointer and a planer. The vision I see is one where the shop is not small, but not exactly big either. So footprint matters, which is why I would like a combo unit. My question for you guys is two fold. Fold One: Does getting a combo machine line up with my vision or is there something better out there I don't even know about? Fold Two: Assuming I am not completely out to lunch, if you had up to $5000 spend on a combo unit that would last you a couple/few decades, what tool maker would you choose? So far I have done very little research. I was hoping to get some direction from you guys before I get swayed too much by a really good marketing campaign from Jet or Grizzle or Hammer or Northfield. (Just kidding about Northfield. I wish I had that kind of money.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted December 3, 2019 Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 Probably not Jet or Grizzly. Seems that everyone around here that has the combo is in the Hammer corner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted December 3, 2019 Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 A couple of guys bought the 12" Jet and were happy with it, but they don't hang out here much anymore. The Hammer models have a strong following, and it is probably where I'd start my search, then look at the other two. I don't know of any other combo units. Given the cost of the machine and complexity involved in the change over, these are machines I'd like to see in person, which might be more difficult to arrange than getting a look at a popular bandsaw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick S Posted December 3, 2019 Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 Jim, I've been very happy with my Hammer A3-41. I got it with the spiral cutterhead. Felder is running a special on them right now. Swichover doesn't have to be a hassle. Here's a short video of the process that Kev shot while he was here last summer. I don't know if you have any travel plans for the holidays but if if you're coming anywhere near Santa Fe give me a heads up. You're welcome to check it out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coyote Jim Posted December 3, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 That IS a very neat trick Mick. 1 hour ago, Mick S said: Santa Fe give me a heads up. You're welcome to check it out. According to google maps I am just over 7 hours drive from Santa Fe. That's very generous to open up your shop. That's good to know about the Felder sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted December 3, 2019 Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 I have had my A3/31 for about 14 years it has the straight blades and has worked very well for me. The newer ones are even better, tables don't butterfly open and the spiral cutter head come to mind. FWIW I had to replace a $20 capacitor a couple years back other than that no issues. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlyoak Posted December 3, 2019 Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 How long is the bed in the jointer? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted December 3, 2019 Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 58 minutes ago, curlyoak said: How long is the bed in the jointer? Thanks Jointer is approx 55" on the A3 31, planer is approx 21" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick S Posted December 3, 2019 Report Share Posted December 3, 2019 A3-41 is 71" jointer length without any extensions. I keep an extension on the planer table to keep from having to run back and forth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coyote Jim Posted December 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2019 @Mick S How much setup/fussing did you need to do with your machine to get it dialed in? I am admittedly not good at that kind of thing and I need to prepare myself mentally for it if I am able to pull the trigger on the machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick S Posted December 11, 2019 Report Share Posted December 11, 2019 8 minutes ago, Coyote Jim said: @Mick S How much setup/fussing did you need to do with your machine to get it dialed in? I am admittedly not good at that kind of thing and I need to prepare myself mentally for it if I am able to pull the trigger on the machine. Very little. I tweaked one of the castle bolts at the infeed side and spent about 5 minutes on the infeed locking mechanism. I've heard people say they had to mess with the fence to get it to return to 90 degrees but once mine was set it's never gotten out. I used a combination square to set the fence locking bar that attaches to the front parallel to the table. Some have said that the tables were a little rough. My jointer tables were smooth but the planer table was a little rough. I hit it with some maroon scotchbrite and wax and it's been fine. It's a good idea to keep all the tables waxed (Johnsons) really well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Coyote Jim Posted December 13, 2019 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted December 13, 2019 I did it. I pulled the trigger on the Hammer A3 41. Thank you everyone for your input. Especially @Mick S for taking the time. I am extremely excited even though my new machine will be delivered......in May! Good thing I am not in a hurry. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted December 13, 2019 Report Share Posted December 13, 2019 Congrats! You are going to love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick S Posted December 14, 2019 Report Share Posted December 14, 2019 Paul is correct. You’ll love it. The delivery lead time will let you plan how to get it into your shop. It’s a heavy beast and takes some planning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnG Posted December 14, 2019 Report Share Posted December 14, 2019 Just hope the tax man doesn’t change his mind before it arrives Looks like an awesome machine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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