CuTech 8" Jointer - MODEL 40180HCB-CT (WITH CARBIDE TIPS & BLACK FINISH TABLES)

[Slartibartfass]

[member=66585]ManipulatingWood[/member] requested a review.

Here are some detailed pictures of the jointer to start with. Overall solidly build to very good tolerances. Does not feel cheap at all..... I will add more commentary after I put the jointer thru its paces..... This is not a true helical cutter head but nevertheless the first test cut resulted in a very smooth finish.

Front side. Cutting is done right to left
[attachimg=1]

Right side with indeed table adjustment knob (turn)
[attachimg=2]

Backside with belt guard and fence assembly/attachment
[attachimg=3]

Left side with dust port. The two push blocks as well as a reducer for the dust port from 4" to ShopVac size are included.
[attachimg=4]
[attachimg=10]

Cutterhead
[attachimg=5]

Front with blade guard assembly/attachment, adjustment scale for indeed table and locking knob, safety on/off switch.
[attachimg=6]

Detail of infeed adjustment knob on right side
[attachimg=7]

Fence assembly details
[attachimg=8]
[attachimg=9]

Tilted fence
[attachimg=11]

Cutterhead bearing
[attachimg=12]

On-Off switch
[attachimg=13]

Adjustment scale (0 - 1/8" cut depth)
[attachimg=14]

 

[Slartibartfass]

Some comparison before-after test jointing on cedar wood.... Surface is totally smooth. I guesstimate 400 grit finish.....

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

 

[Svar]

What is the bed made from? Looks like powder coated or black anodized aluminum.

 

[Slartibartfass]

What is the bed made from? Looks like powder coated or black anodized aluminum.

Cast aluminum. I think it is black anodized, not powder coated....

 

[grbmds]

Is it a 6" (couldn't tell from the picture)?

What about oak, maple, cherry, walnut, figured wood; hardwoods in general. I've been considering the Cutech planer but was given feedback that it was cheaply made and wouldn't stand up over time or possibly even perform acceptably out of the box. I don't know if the feedback was correct and based on experience or not, so am just trying to gather information on the Cutech products.

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

Not dogging these small jointers at all because I owned a Grizzly table top 6" jointer years back. The reality is the beds can be too short and the rod extension doesn't maintain any type of continuous flat planar beds for practical use of boards longer than a 2-3 feet.

I have a Jet 6" (Shelix head) with long beds and that to me is the shortest practical use size to flatten boards. If a board has twist then short beds can't aid in supporting that twist during the cutting process.

But within the limitations, the small jointers can be very useful. You just won't likely be face or edge jointing stiles for a full size door.

 

[Slartibartfass]

It is a 8” version.

Teak is next for a test. Same width as the cedar.

 

[Slartibartfass]

Underside of infeed table:

[attachimg=1]

Oak test cut (Before):

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]

After (very smooth surface again):

[attachimg=5]

[attachimg=6]

[attachimg=7]

 

[Slartibartfass]

Not dogging these small jointers at all because I owned a Grizzly table top 6" jointer years back. The reality is the beds can be too short and the rod extension doesn't maintain any type of continuous flat planar beds for practical use of boards longer than a 2-3 feet.

I have a Jet 6" (Shelix head) with long beds and that to me is the shortest practical use size to flatten boards. If a board has twist then short beds can't aid in supporting that twist during the cutting process.

But within the limitations, the small jointers can be very useful. You just won't likely be face or edge jointing stiles for a full size door.

I will build some roller contraption I can put on my MFT/3 as an extension outfeed table to accommodate long boards...

I would have been nice to buy a big stationary jointer but I just don’t have the space.... That space will ultimately be occupied by a bandsaw.....

 

[Slartibartfass]

Is it a 6" (couldn't tell from the picture)?

What about oak, maple, cherry, walnut, figured wood; hardwoods in general. I've been considering the Cutech planer but was given feedback that it was cheaply made and wouldn't stand up over time or possibly even perform acceptably out of the box. I don't know if the feedback was correct and based on experience or not, so am just trying to gather information on the Cutech products.

Compared to some past “Build in China” junk this unit seems to be well made to pretty tight tolerances as far as I can tell. Everything was square out of the box. Frame/enclosure is rock solid. Time will obviously tell..... For me with limited space a good solution.....

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

The smoothness of the cuts looks great. A planer or sanding can do the same. The purpose of a jointer is to take rough stock which can have twists and wavy uneven faces and make a dead flat face and then one edge perfectly 90 to that face. If the Cutech can do that for the boards you plan to work with then it should be a successful tool.

 

[Gene Howerton]

How is the dust collection?  Looks like a great machine.  I also have a small shop and can't fit full-size machines and this looks to be a good solution.

 

[Slartibartfass]

How is the dust collection?  Looks like a great machine.  I also have a small shop and can't fit full-size machines and this looks to be a good solution.

Running it with a ShopVac and no visible dust (pretty sure there is fine dust floating around a little bit).

 

[Slartibartfass]

The smoothness of the cuts looks great. A planer or sanding can do the same. The purpose of a jointer is to take rough stock which can have twists and wavy uneven faces and make a dead flat face and then one edge perfectly 90 to that face. If the Cutech can do that for the boards you plan to work with then it should be a successful tool.

Yup. Sure works that way....

 

[ManipulatingWood]

I’m in the same boat as you guys space wise.  It looks like a pretty impressive bench jointer.  I appreciate the review [member=32690]Slartibartfass[/member] .  I may have to invest in one when CUTech gets more back in stock.  Cheers!

 

[UncleJoe]

Is it a 6" (couldn't tell from the picture)?

What about oak, maple, cherry, walnut, figured wood; hardwoods in general. I've been considering the Cutech planer but was given feedback that it was cheaply made and wouldn't stand up over time or possibly even perform acceptably out of the box. I don't know if the feedback was correct and based on experience or not, so am just trying to gather information on the Cutech products.

For what it is worth I have the planner and have run over 100 bdft of walnut and maple through it. Never sniped and every board looks great. All the important parts are metal and very robust. I would recommend it for the $. I had an issue and emailed support and their response was quick and perfect. I simply could not have had a better experience

 

[Michael Kellough]

How about a picture of the cutter head?

What are the actual lengths of the infeed and outfeed tables?
I don't trust the manufactures "overall length" figure.

 

[Slartibartfass]

How about a picture of the cutter head?

What are the actual lengths of the infeed and outfeed tables?
I don't trust the manufactures "overall length" figure.

Picture of cutterhead with carbide inserts is in the first post. I take measurements of the in/outfeed tables...

 

[Slartibartfass]

[member=297]Michael Kellough[/member] the In- and Outfeed table are 14-3/4” x 8-1/4” each.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Thanks Slarti...