Lunchbox thicknesser and floor standing combo planer/thicknesser

[Kev]

For those of you that that have both .. or are considering having both.

I REALLY, REALLY hate buying something that is tactical (buy it for now, but ultimately it's not the thing I want).

I actually want a Hammer A3 41 with silent cutter, but I just don't have physical space for it today (along with appropriate DC). I could quite easily make use of a compact thicknesser right now, but I'd want to get the best sort available and at least upgrade it to a spiral cutter head (suggestions most welcome) as hearing protection is great for the user, but a couple of hours or cleaning up timber can really tick off your neighbors [embarassed]

So, the question - who's got both and who really embraces using both (without the obvious on-site variation). Would I find the quality of thicknessing on the big machine so superior that I'd leave the compact unit in the corner? Or would I use it more than expected due the effort of opening and closing the combination planer/thicknesser?

I'd always anticipate using a lunchbox thicknesser outside of the workshop with a portable volume DC unit (less concerned with air quality, more about the mess).

If you're in this space, what are the machines you have or would consider? and what is / would be your usage mix?

Kev.

 

[FM_SC]

I started with a top of the line Delta lunchbox planer about 13 years ago and after couple upgrades I now have a Minimax CU300 combo machine.  Hated the lunchbox planer for the unbearable noise. Would never own another for that reason alone.  Don't know how much of a space you have but the combo jointer/planers don't take that much space.  If you can ever figure out a way to fit a combo machine, I would strongly suggest you skip the lunchbox completely.

 

[live4ever]

I started with a Dewalt 735, considered to be one of the top portable planers.  The major downside to the 735 is the noise for those of us whose woodworking affects neighbors/family - it is a screamer, even when not under load.  Apart from that issue, with infeed/outfeed support and a Wixey DRO, the thing was a really nice machine.  I strongly considered upgrading it with a Byrd head.  But the straight knives in that planer leave an excellent (and I mean EXCELLENT) finish-ready cut if you can tolerate the noise.  Yes, the Byrd head would cut down on the noise considerably.

When I upgraded to a 15" stationary (Grizzly) with Byrd head, I thought about parting with the 735.  I ended up keeping it, mostly because as much of a beast the stationary is, the larger planers can tend to leave roller marks on the wood.  You can adjust a lot of it out, but the workflow changes a bit - having to sand after planing is somewhat of an expectation with the stationary machines (not sure about the Euro machines), whereas the DW735 had me spoiled.  So I kept it as a secondary planer for lighter-duty, finish-ready tasks.  I don't use it often because of the noise issue, but it's still here.

 

[Kev]

I started with a Dewalt 735, considered to be one of the top portable planers.  The major downside to the 735 is the noise for those of us whose woodworking affects neighbors/family - it is a screamer, even when not under load.  Apart from that issue, with infeed/outfeed support and a Wixey DRO, the thing was a really nice machine.  I strongly considered upgrading it with a Byrd head.  But the straight knives in that planer leave an excellent (and I mean EXCELLENT) finish-ready cut if you can tolerate the noise.  Yes, the Byrd head would cut down on the noise considerably.

When I upgraded to a 15" stationary (Grizzly) with Byrd head, I thought about parting with the 735.  I ended up keeping it, mostly because as much of a beast the stationary is, the larger planers can tend to leave roller marks on the wood.  You can adjust a lot of it out, but the workflow changes a bit - having to sand after planing is somewhat of an expectation with the stationary machines (not sure about the Euro machines), whereas the DW735 had me spoiled.  So I kept it as a secondary planer for lighter-duty, finish-ready tasks.  I don't use it often because of the noise issue, but it's still here.

Hmmm ... the DW735 with Byrd spiral cutter is the exact machine combo I've been considering. From what I've seen the Hammers with their silent cutters turn out a superb finish.

Decisions [sad]

Anybody impressed with this?



I have exactly the same dilemma going on with bandsaws.

Back on FM_SC's point though .. space, I'll still need to put a lunchbox jobbie on something!

 

[jbasen]

I have the 735 with the Shelix cutterhead.  I would never say that the 735 is a quiet machine.  However as the video shows the Shelix cutterhead does somewhat reduce the noise level and it also produces an excellent finish on the workpiece.  I've been planing QSWO and have had zero tearout.

If, like myself, you don't have the room for a full sized planer I highly recommend the 735/Shelix combination. 

 

[BUTTER]

I like the 735 quite a bit - but I got a Steel City with helical cutterhead recently for $550 retail from my local mom-and-pop tool dealer.  You have to watch for snipe a _little_ bit more than with the 735, but it's way quieter and leaves a finish sans roller marks (I usually go straight to 150g sanding.) The design is nearly identical to the Ridgid, but the helical head puts it miles ahead.  It also included in/outfeed extensions + dust ports.

 

[Holmz]

...
I actually want a Hammer A3 41 with silent cutter, but I just don't have physical space for it today (along with appropriate DC).
...

Kev.

I have room and happy to look after you Kev.
Just keep it here and use it whenever you want.

 

[Kev]

...
I actually want a Hammer A3 41 with silent cutter, but I just don't have physical space for it today (along with appropriate DC).
...

Kev.

I have room and happy to look after you Kev.
Just keep it here and use it whenever you want.

And if we had REALLY long pieces of wood, one of us could hold each end [big grin] ... probably need someone in the Broome area for the out feed!

 

[Holmz]

...
I actually want a Hammer A3 41 with silent cutter, but I just don't have physical space for it today (along with appropriate DC).
...

Kev.

I have room and happy to look after you Kev.
Just keep it here and use it whenever you want.

And if we had REALLY long pieces of wood, one of us could hold each end [big grin] ... probably need someone in the Broome area for the out feed!

The Mrs said to put it on the back of the ute and she will outfeed it to Broome.

If I mentioned another broom, I would look like my avatar.