Replies

1. 
   blindau | Sep 14, 2003 05:31am | #1

   I have a 16" minimax jointer and 20" minimax planer both with the tersa cutterhead. both these machines were made on the scmi assembly line, but since they are single phase they were labeled minimax.  I could not be more pleased with either machine. changing knives could not be easier and they set themselves via centrifugal force to within .003"     I looked some at the extrema but never thought they were in the same league as minimax/scmi.

   Bill

1. 
   dlwheel | Sep 15, 2003 03:29pm | #2

   Thanks for the comment... i wonder why the tersa produces such a nice surface? is it just because the alignment is so "perfect" or is it something else in the design?

1. 
   blindau | Sep 16, 2003 02:01pm | #3

   I had a Delta 13"planer which when well tuned gave just as good results as the minimax w/tersa head. For me the issue (other than capacity) was how long it took to get the knives set just right. With the tersa I can change out all four knives in less than ten minutes and they are set close to perfect.

   Bill

   Edited 9/16/2003 7:08:22 AM ET by BLINDAU

1. 
   dlwheel | Sep 18, 2003 08:49pm | #4

   After considerable head scratching and research i decided to go with the Tersa SP1 from Minimax. For my application (clean wood, no hogging, finish planing mostly) the helical is probably not the best choice. Furthermore, i have experience with Erik and MM based on the BS (MM20) i purchased earlier this year.

   Of all the different contacts i made at various companies, i will say this, Extrema was/is very helpful and friendly. Some of the contacts i made didn't seem to care whether i bought a machine from them or not; even when i told them i had to buy one soon.

   Besides being a good product, Minimax's support is excellent. The few issues i had with my bandsaw were addressed immediately. Not having to worry about after sales support is a load off my back.

   I appreciate your comments.