Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Nov 22, 2006 11:26pm | #1

   Hi Billy Dee,

   Sorry for the delay getting to your question. Gary should be checking in in the next few days so we appreciate your patience.

   In the meantime, check out this article in the latest issue of Fine Woodworking. It describes an ideal intermediate-level woodshop. By the sound if it, you're actually looking for something one step up.

   In my humble opinion you might first look at some of the new cabinet saws on the market before investing in a slider. They're very accurate and getting safer. Also, given the opportunity a 12-in. jointer is a blessing to have access to, and it is a great companion to a 12-in planer.

   Regards,
   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

1. 
   user-139762 | Nov 23, 2006 12:15am | #2

   Thanks for the input.  I definitely need a more substantial jointer and dust collection is an important consideration with any upgrade.  Also ease of blade change on the jointer or planer.  Billy Dee

2. 
   user-148830 | Nov 24, 2006 09:45pm | #3

   Billy Dee,
   I'm just getting started on this q&a forum so my apologies for getting back to you slowly.

   Here's the problem and I run into it all the time at my school. Students ask me what kind of equipment to buy. But I bought my machines back in the 70's and I'm still using them. So, I have a bias towards individual machines, but here's what I'd advise.

   Combo machines are great if they're well built. But how many set-ups will you have to change moving back and forth between functions? This has probably never happened to you but I have made a mistake before when cutting a joint. Now I have to go back, re-mill some lumber, cut it exactly to the required length and then get it into my jig or mortiser set-up and try again. Will your combo machine allow you to backtrack with no loss of accuracy? #1

   #2, how easy is it to move between functions on a combo machine? Do you like to change hoses to get your dust collect each time you need to do a job? Or is this minimized on the model you're considering?

   Is space really an issue? Or will individual machines, that you can tune, dust collect, and run separately do the job? Finally consider accuracy. Will you get the required accuracy from one machine or 4 or 5? How easy is it work on them, change knives or blades, set fences, etc?

   I don't have a combo machine, but I do have a jointer with jack screws [a big plus], a planer without them [large minus], a table saw with mass, and a band saw with more mass. Weight also helps as it dampens vibration.

   I hope this helps. I can't recommend any brand or discount any machine you mentioned having had no experience with it. But look for mass, accuracy, and ease of adjustments as you consider your purchases. Good luck. Oh, one more thing. Spend more than you'd like. You'll only complain once about the price. If you buy cheap, then you'll always bemoan your purchase.

1. 
   user-139762 | Nov 25, 2006 04:52am | #4

   I deeply appreciate your help.  I will take to heart your insights as I work through this decision.  Thanks again for your time and thoughtfulness.  Billy Dee