Replies

1. 
   alexlisa | Mar 25, 2002 08:25pm | #1

   I've seen a Ryobi combination machine used by finish carpenters, don't know if it's still in production. Inca makes an absolutely superb combination machine, shown in the Garret Wade catalog. It is expensive, though. You could probably get two decent single-use machines for the price of a really good combo machine. Other than space issues, why go with a combo?

1. 
   AntzyClancy | Mar 26, 2002 12:38am | #2

   Yes, I've seen the Inca.  Its $2700, has a 10" capacity, and weighs 175 lbs.  I believe with the Rojek, Robland, and Hammer, you get 12" capacity for less money.  Also, they have longer beds and all weight in at over 500 lbs, which is an indicator of general performance.  I just don't see the sense in buying the Inca.

   I haven't heard anything about the Ryobi, but I would guess it to is not up to the same standard.

   As for you question of "why a combo", here's my reasoning:  6" jointers are just to small.  Most of the ruff lumber I purchase is at least 8" wide and I cant see ripping all of my boards so that I can joint them, and then glue them back up in the hopes that they stay flat.  A decent 8" jointer is over $1000 and a really good one is $1400+ (2hp motor, long bed, features).  If you want it wider, the price goes up exponentially.  Then there is the planer.  A good portable (construction grade) is $400, which comes in a nice and wide 12" or so but I don't see the need if your jointer is only 6" or 8".  For a stationary machine, with all of the features of such, you are looking at $900+ for the same width.

   So the way I see it, you could spend $800 for a 6" jointer and portable planer, $2000 for good quality stationary machines (still limited by 8" jointer), or $2400 - $2700 for the combo and obtain a 12" jointing capacity and rock solid performance.  Factor in the space saved and it seems like a no brainer to me.

   If you run a production business then a combo is not the answer.  You may need one guy planing and another jointing at the same time.  Also, if you just don't have the money and are willing to hand plane boards wider than 6" then your choice is clear.

   I believe that I would also recommend a combo table saw/shaper, for the same reasons.

   Anybody else have an opinion?

   Todd

1. 
   alexlisa | Mar 26, 2002 08:20pm | #5

   I see your point! I hadn't thought about the large face jointing capacity. I end up having my lumber face jointed by the lumberyard, which costs a few bucks every time, but I don't do many projects with parts over 6" in width, so I can't justify anything beyond my 6" jointer. Let us know what you end up buying.

1. 
   sschefer | Mar 26, 2002 08:41pm | #6

   q-sawn, I was having trouble understanding why you would want a combo machine but now I think I have it. I can see where a combo machine would be handy to have. I have a 12" Delta portable planer and I made a jig that I have used with some success for edge jointing with the planer. I'm not that happy with the hit and miss results so I'm now looking to buy a 6" jointer. The combination of the two will fill my needs just fine. However, if I had been using my grey matter it would have been a lot better to go with a combo machine. Now if somebody would just make one that could plane, joint and mold all in one pass we'd really have something!

   Steve - in Northern California

   If the doctor says you have Attention Deficit Disorder, do you pay attention to him?

2. 
   BenchMarkPhil | Mar 26, 2002 04:08am | #3

   The only European forum I've ever found is at: http://www.getwoodworking.com/pages/index.cgi It isn't very active compared to those found here and I doubt you'll find much info there.

   I don't ever recall seeing a ryobi combo machine, makita makes a side-by-side unit though.

   There is a review of the hammer j/p as well as the felder unit on the Kerf & Spindle forum at: http://www.network54.com/Forum/125828

   I have a combo saw / shaper which you can read about on my web site if you are interested in that also.

   PMB

   http://benchmark.20m.com

1. 
   dondownunder | Mar 26, 2002 11:27am | #4

   Could add the Sicar Brava 300 & 350 (12 & 14")  machines to your list. Italian made no nonsense machines. I've had a 350 for a couple of years now & the only things I would change are to have tersa knives & variable speed feed but hey.....

   Don

3. 
   stevo1952 | Apr 11, 2002 05:41pm | #7

   I have had a Makita 6" jointer/12" planer for app. 20 years and have run a lot of lumber through it.  It works fine, though it can't hog through the planing like a heavy duty planer would. 

   I know Hitachi makes a similar machine, and I am not sure Makita still does.

   All of that being said, I have just popped for a 8" powematic jointer and a 15" planer.

   I got them not because of capacity, but hopefully I can plane faster.  My son will get the makita.

   Good luck.

   stevo

1. 
   Vibart2 | Apr 13, 2002 08:22am | #8

   I can't afford & don't need a combo machine. But you'all gave me an idea. I think I'll build a new base for my 6" jointer that is a little lower & make it wide enough to mount my portable planer on the other side so that it will overlap just a little but not over the machine top. Right now I don't have access to my planer all the time & don't always feel like setting it up & so use other means.