I have been saving for the combo jointer planer for quite sometime and am ready to move forward.....except I just got to see it in person at the Baltimore woodworking show. I never realized how low you have to bend down to feed the planer. Having back issues, I was wondering from you hammer owners do you notice how low it is or is it a non issue? Just wondering? Thanks!
Another hammer a3 31 question
- Thread starter cgraham
- Start date
It's a non-issue for me, but I do understand back problems. Being 6'3" I prefer my workbenches and shop equipment to be taller. Otherwise, my back starts to ache and get stiff.
However, with the planer you are not bending over for more than a few seconds at a time. Usually, you can stand up straight while it feeds itself through the planer. Out feed support might help with long boards, though.
However, with the planer you are not bending over for more than a few seconds at a time. Usually, you can stand up straight while it feeds itself through the planer. Out feed support might help with long boards, though.
Add a set of Zambus casters - that will add about 4" to it
http://www.zambus.com/product/ac600.php
http://www.zambus.com/product/ac600.php
Oh, that reminds me. I did add locking 4" casters from castercity.com to mine. Call them and ask for help picking out the casters.
Personally, I don't like the Zambus style casters. You practically have to get down on the floor to level it and the small wheels get hung up on cracks and debris.
A simple wedge under one wheel works better for me. You can use your foot to slide it under the wheel. Also, the large 4" casters sure do roll nicely on an uneven concrete floor with lots of debris.
Personally, I don't like the Zambus style casters. You practically have to get down on the floor to level it and the small wheels get hung up on cracks and debris.
A simple wedge under one wheel works better for me. You can use your foot to slide it under the wheel. Also, the large 4" casters sure do roll nicely on an uneven concrete floor with lots of debris.
Wooden Skye
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- Mar 6, 2012
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- 1,173
If you don't need mobility, you could build a platform or keep on the pallet it was shipped on.
southrider
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- Dec 8, 2014
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I'm 5'9 and 61 yr old. No back problems, but I have a bad hip & knee. Absolutely no problems using the planer on my A3-31. I don't know how comfortable I would be jointing if I added height to it.
Mine has the mobility kit (rear wheels), which I only purchased to get it off of the pallet. I don't move mine as it stays next to a dust collector drop, but it does move well with the kit.
Mine has the mobility kit (rear wheels), which I only purchased to get it off of the pallet. I don't move mine as it stays next to a dust collector drop, but it does move well with the kit.
HAXIT
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- Nov 19, 2016
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I agree with out feed support is a great idea and it would not be comfortable for jointing if the machine is too high.
But before changing anything, how thick of the material are you working with usually? If you work with material up to 2" thick usually, then you should not have any problem because your thickness table is about all the way up.
But before changing anything, how thick of the material are you working with usually? If you work with material up to 2" thick usually, then you should not have any problem because your thickness table is about all the way up.
derekcohen
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- Jun 22, 2008
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- 922
I'm 5' 9 1/2" and have no problems feeding the thicknesser/planer. It is possible to do this without too much bending. However, I wonder how you will go with the winder (to raise and lower the thicknesser bed). I have the digital gauge, and one needs to get down low to sight it.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Regards from Perth
Derek
