1. I would like an opinion on which combination tools is the best in terms of quality.
Laguna, Felder, or other?
2. I would lkie to know if individual tools, assumeing one has the room are better than the combination machine?
By combination machine I am thinking Planner, Jointer, Table Saw and shaper?
Al
Replies
The combination machines available in the US are generally pretty high end machines with the differences between the combination units and seperate units from the same companies not being performance per se but changing set ups between tasks. I have a jointer/planer combination that shifts quite easily, but not instantly, between functions. This requires only a little extra foresight in planning operations. But, through the combination unit I have a 16" jointer, as well as the same sized planer, that takes space that isn't all that much larger than an 8" jointer (similar length, but a deeper front to back)
Not my place to comment on particular brand quality here.
I think you'll find that the major players are all quite similar in quality, but each has it's own minor advantages and disadvantages. I just placed an order for a combo machine from TecnoMax, which is made by SCM and is a heavier version of the MiniMax machines -
http://www.minimax-usa.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_bs.tpl&product_id=29&category_id=2&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=35
The decision came down to my very good experience with their service that I've had for industrial machines.
David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?lang=e&id=1
Al,
Probably not telling you anything you don't already know, but at some point, given similar quality of machines, reliable customer service becomes the deciding factor.
Sometimes, how close you are to one of their locations makes a difference also.
Alan - planesaw
Alan,
I think the responses on combination tools missed the point. I have a great set of Sears Craftsman Combination Wrenches that I bought back in the late 1960s, and they are still working fine. There are lots of combination tools. My favorite are "combination wrenches". I'll bet there aren't many woodworkers in the world today without a set of combination wrenches. Mel
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
Mel,
I really like my Leatherman combination tool. One of its features, which I'll probably never use, is a blasting cap crimper. :-0
I got a nifty combination tool from a local tinsmith. It is a funnel, a candlestick holder, a biscuit/cookie cutter, a donut cutter, a serrater, nutmeg grater and a piecrust crimper. Probably does two or three other things, but I forgot them.
Talked to a customer yesterday who told me about his recent acquisition of a Shopsmith (TM). He told me it is a tablesaw, bandsaw, jigsaw, drillpress, sander, and jointer. Curiously, his wife then said she'd be bringing me some more furniture for repairs soon...
Ray
Ray and Mel,
Love the humor. More is needed these days. Yes, I have some of those combination tools also. Got my wife some hand tools of her own because a couple of times she used one of my hyper-honed chisels as a can opener. She thought it was a combination tool.
Alan - planesaw
Alan,
Good to talk with you again. Glad you liked the attempt at humor.Hey, I went down to Home Despot two days ago to get some bolts, and I saw a 100 lumen LED Headlamp. It is small,lightweight, goes around my head with an elastic strap, uses three AAA batteries, and can be adjusted for angle. I gotta tell ya, it really puts some extra light where I need it with no muss, no fuss. They had headlamps with lesser output (4 lumens) at four for about $10, but this one is about $17 for a single one. Nice tool. Not a combination tool, but nice anyway.Have fun.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Know what you mean about the light. I got something like that from BassPro a couple years ago and there are times in the shop, or while working on something in the house, that it is the best tool I have. Gives new meaning to the word "head" lamp!
Alan - planesaw
by the way, I'll have to post a photo of a dulcimer I just made. Check the gallery after a while. Hadn't thought about doing that.
Alan,
I am looking forward to seeing your dulcimer. I just finished carving a shell, and will post that. Not a Newport Shell, but in honor of the state of Virginia, maybe a "Newport News" shell. :-) More modernistic and edgy. I had a fun time doing it. I used a chain saw, a power grinder, power sander, and my trusty carving gouges. It was one of those projects where my approach and its design evolved as it went along. REALLY FUN. As they say at Outback Steakhouse, "No rules, just right." Have fun.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
It's in the Gallery. List price is a million dollars, but I have a 20% off sale on it.
Alan
Let me try and give this a shot but first a little background. I have owned and currently own Laguna, Felder, and Minimax brand machines. I had a Felder full combo (CF741SP) which I sold several years ago. I currently have a Minimax J/P combo. I have several Laguna machines none of which are combos. In response to your questions, I offer the following observations based on my experiences:
1) Felder and Minimax offer the best quality in a combo. Performance wise, they are equal. The Felder X-roll table is hard to beat and I think it has the edge on the Minimax. If you want a lot of accessories and options, Felder would be the choice. Minimax tends to provide a standard configuration which is outfitted with the most commonly desired accessories but there are not many other offerings for accessories. The Laguna is kind of a mixed bag as they don't actually manufacture their machines. My tendency would be to shy away from the Platinum brand as they don't have much of a track record. The Robland machines tend to be a good starter combo machine for many folks but most seem to move toward something better. Another possiblility is the Rojek combo marketed by TechMark. It is a Czech made machine. Having looked at the Laguna and Rojek combo offerings (but never used), I would place their quality well below that of the Felder and MM. The Platinum series even lower. If you can find a Knapp machine (these used to be offered by Laguna), this would be a top tier choice.
2) The combo machine is a good choice for some. It is definitely not for a production environment. I sold the combo because it didn't match up very well with the way I wanted to work and I am not a production shop. The only part of the combo that I didn't mind was the J/P combo. If you are considering a combo machine, I highly recommend taking either a class where combo machines are available (Felder offers these at Kelly Mehlers school periodically) or find an owner of a combo in your area and go spend a day with him/her. The combo didn't work out for me but, that is not to say it doesn't work out for others.
Thanks for the insight
I can just see you now, a 100 lumen cyclops at work in the shop, blinding all you gaze upon with your visage.
Dan,
the headlamp has turned out to be very handy.
Who woulda guessed?
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Does it come with a flip-down magnifier, so we can finally read the instructions on the varnish can? ;-)As I get closer to my expiration date (I had it tattooed on my backside to avoid the constant reminder), there never seems to be enough light, and the fonts of printed matter are always too small.
Mel,
Your post reminded me of my first visit to an underground mine. A head-mounted light was a requirement/necessity.
But, MAN! Is that thing fast. No mater how quick I turned my head, the light was already there.
Frosty
“If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert,
in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.”
Milton Friedman
Panzer,
I'm not sure how much you know about Laguna, from what I read while doing research Bad news. I wouldn't wish a Laguna product to any one. Do some research about all the problems Laguna has.
Taigert
Edited 11/27/2009 4:01 am ET by Taigert
I am on my second Laguna bandsaw (gave the first to my son) and am very happy with both. The (very) little support I have needed has been excellent.I own a MiniMax combo jointer/planer (which has been trouble-free) and thus get daily reports from their chat-room.On reading the constant complaints about MiniMax bandsaw problems I am ever so thankful for my Laguna.Frosty“If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert,
in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.” Milton Friedman
I have a Laguna Bandsaw and an older x31 combo machine I upgraded with all the options and have talked with Laguna several times and have had no problems with them.
If you can deal with all the general public and not have one complaint or sour apple it would be amazing.
Yes Laguna is not the Mercedes of the woodworking machines but they do have products that work well for the home "do it yourselfe" woodworker.
Al , Engineer
I own a Laguna 18" bandsaw that I love. Both the saw and Laguna customer service have been great.
Tai:Laguna seems to be everyone's favorite whipping boy. I have a Laguna LT 16 HD that has performed flawlessly and I have had great experiences with customer service.Remember, there are two sides to every story and mostly only the unhappy customers tend to give voice to their dissatisfaction.Hastings
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