Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Dec 07, 2007 01:22am | #1

   Tom,

   All of the European combination machines I worked with while testing them in the FWW shop were sturdily built and could be changed from function to function probably forever without any loss in accuracy. 

   If you are looking at a used machine, the condition it is in is important.  If the machine is misaligned from abuse or rough handling in shipping, it can be brought back into alignment unless it is badly worn or broken, but the tune up can be a challenging job for someone without experience in setting up what is a fairly sophisticated piece of equipment.

   John White, Yestermorrow School, Waitsfield, Vermont 

1. 
   ajewoodwork | Dec 07, 2007 03:51am | #2

   I have a pickup truck and would pick it up myself I got a phase converter deliverd by freight and it worked ok even after King Kong's great grandson bounced it around. The key for me is getting the owner to agree to my price and of course seeing the machine before buying it

    

   Tom Butler

2. 
   user-1119429039 | Dec 10, 2007 05:03pm | #3

   Dear Ajewoodwork:

   I was the editor who worked with Rollie Johnson on his article evaluating combo machines. I second John White's assessment. Changeover doesn't seem to affect accuracy. The beds on all the machines we tested are heavy and very well manufactured. The hinges are very sturdy, and the jointer beds on all the machines have a simple but positive way to seat and lock once they're moved back into jointer position. 

   Best,

   David Heim
   Managing Editor
   FineWoodworking.Com