Coyote Jim 208 Report post Posted Tuesday at 02:32 AM 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chet 4040 Report post Posted Tuesday at 05:23 AM Probably not Jet or Grizzly. Seems that everyone around here that has the combo is in the Hammer corner. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark J 1372 Report post Posted Tuesday at 12:38 PM 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mick S 1649 Report post Posted Tuesday at 01:39 PM 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coyote Jim 208 Report post Posted Tuesday at 03:28 PM 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pkinneb 2369 Report post Posted Tuesday at 04:49 PM 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
curlyoak 424 Report post Posted Tuesday at 05:01 PM How long is the bed in the jointer? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pkinneb 2369 Report post Posted Tuesday at 06:00 PM 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mick S 1649 Report post Posted Tuesday at 06:44 PM 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
