Replies

1. 
   Napie | Apr 16, 2007 04:11am | #1

   Look at a J/P combo machine, a better buy than either and takes up much less real estate.

1. 
   Koa | Apr 16, 2007 02:20pm | #2

   I have consider this as an option.  Any recommendations?  Do you own one?

1. 
   Napie | Apr 16, 2007 03:57pm | #4

   The worst machinery move I ever made was to sell my Robland jointer/planner/mortiser combo and replace it with single function machines.  I did this when I moved into a much larger shop and thought it would be more efficient, well, it is not, at least for me.  I miss the slot mortiser every time I build a frame.  In fact, I could make you a package deal on a Boice Crane 6” LONG bed jointer and an old style Delta 13” planer, (the heavy cast iron monster)……

2. 
   daryl | Apr 24, 2007 09:59pm | #10

   I have the Felder AD731, which is now replaced by a 12" Hammer. If you can fit the Felder 16", then go for it. It's built like a tank, the blades are easy to replace, keeps its precision, and changeover from jointer to planer and back is a one minute affair. You might also want to look at the new Grizzly 12' combo with a shelix cutterhead. The only downside is I am now used to the Euro guard for my jointer, and now hate the porkchop design. The bigger the jointer, the better.

2. 
   RickL | Apr 16, 2007 02:47pm | #3

   It has no bearing on the manufacturer. Buying from a local dealer might give the package discount.  As suggested before consider a combo lointer/planer/Slot mortiser. You will pay more than the seperates but in my experience having a 12" planer and jointer is a perfect set up. Doing the glue ups right you don't need a bigger planer and the slot mortiser is better than the Festool Domino unless you need  a slot mortiser  on site. Consder the Hammer, Mimimax, Rojek, etc. They've reviewed them recently in FWW and some of the other hobby mags. Tried and true technology that's been used in Europe for more than 50. Folks in the states are slow to switch to new things in my experience.

1. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Apr 16, 2007 04:37pm | #6

   You are correct on checking with local dealers. Even on items that have a "fixed price" some dealers are willing to offer more for your money.

   The review on the combo machines in Fine WoodWorking were excellent and there is a good video on the website on one of them. I'm really considering getting one within the next couple of years, but I haven't seen much about the slot mortiser that can be attached to them. You didn't cover them in your review. That may be a consideration as to which I choose to buy.

1. 
   RickL | Apr 16, 2007 06:04pm | #8

   The slot mortiser on a combo is pretty basic. Some are mounted on the front of the machine  and have to be removed to use the jointer. I think Felder has a cart to do this quickly.  Some are mounted on the back so it can stay in place. Once you use a slot mortiser and loose tenons you can't go back. 

1. 
   wbfinewoodworking | Apr 16, 2007 06:59pm | #9

   Thank you, I'd like to see an article and or review on them. It really sounds like the direction I'd like to go rather that a Domino because I really don't see the need for portability. All my woodworking is done in my shop.

3. 
   Jfrostjr | Apr 16, 2007 04:14pm | #5

   No, I don't own a combo machine - but I am (eagerly) awaiting delivery of a MiniMax in about 3 weeks. I contacted MM, Laguna and Hammer (use Google for web sites) and received literature and VIDEOS which I found very helpful and informative.

   I found MM and Hammer to be about comparable IMHO but the DC hose location was critical for me and I went MM. Laguna (Rojek) looked antiquated.

   I believe "sasquatch55" has a new unti. You might try reaching him.

   Frosty

4. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Apr 16, 2007 05:39pm | #7

   Morning Koa..

   Rick is correct as it's going to be up to the local dealer. I got a healthy discount on a Steel City 8" jointer by purchasing a factory re-conditioned Delta Uni-saw the same day. I originally just went to purchase the Steel City planer.

   One of the guys I know at Redmond & Son Machinery mentioned they had a good deal on factory reco'ed Uni-saws. I negotiated and went home with a full load of big iron hanging over every angle in the fully loaded bed of my Dakota pick-up. If Bob Barker had been in my truck cab... he could say "welcome to the "Price is Right"! ha.. ha...

   Regards...

   Sarge.. jt