I’m new to woodworking. I’ve been primarily looking at Delta & Powermatic machinery, trying to decide what planer to get. Because of the $ involved, I had resolved to getting a orbital sander until I could afford a sanding machine.
However, in talking to an acquaintance I discovered he was a woodworker and has a Woodmaster planer-molder-sander. He has been happy with its performance, but uses it on a very limited basis. I am planning on using my equipment extensively, so I want something that will be appropriately reliable and durable. If I can spend a little more and get something with this flexibility, then maybe that is the route I want to go.
In looking at their Model 718, it appears like and is described as a solid machine. I like the 5 HP planer motor (30 a, 230 v), and having a separate feed roller motor makes sense, but I would like to hear from as many owners / users / knowledgeable woodworkers as possible regarding this company, its equipment and service, before I spend some major bucks on something I know little about.
Also, any general or specific input regarding Delta or Powermatic jointers (8″) and bandsaws (14″ or 18″) would be appreciated as well!
Replies
The woodmaster and williams and hussey are both used for moldings too and a lot of people in the breaktime forum will know about each. You may want to post over there to double the info. Those guys are builders and trim contractors so they'll know more about the molding ability but they can tell you about the durability too.
Breaktime is the forum to the right of the knots up towards the top of the screen in the center.
Also, you might want to ask about woodmaster over in the JLC Forum, finish carpentry. http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/index.php
Thanks! I'll do that!
Hey JB,
I can't speak to the Woodmaster moulder/planer, I do have a Woodmaster drum sander. I'm very impressed with the quality of the machine, and it's performance.
The Woodmaster machines are basically improved versions of the old Foley Belsaw brand. They have been building quality machines for decades, and have recently upgraded and improved the entire line.
Tom
I bought a Woodmaster 718 a couple of months ago, and I can tell you that its built like a tank! I've used it to plane white oak with very good results. The 5hp motor and variable speed feed gives you the flexibility for just about any type of wood and cut.
I have not used it for moulding or sanding yet, athough I did buy the kit. The video indicates that changover is very fast, but I suspect that will take me longer the first few times. This brings up the old single machine vs combination machine arguements.
I called the company with 2 problems - first was no owners manual and the second was when I noticed damage on the moulding knife cutter head (from shipping I think). Both items were sent to me express delivery and I got them in a couple of days.
Overall, with limited use of the machine I am very please with it. Hope this helps.
Smitty
What was the price of the package if you don't mind sharing? In a few years when I have a little more time, I think I'll be looking in that direction. I figure instead of getting a separate planer, drum sander and molding machine, I can get one machine. I also think a woodmaster and W&H are much better machines than the new dewalt planer, a performax and whatever for a molder.
I paid aroung $2350 as best I remember.
I can hunt up the paperwork if you need the exact figure.
the ballpark number is good. I just wanted a general reference point, in a few years that number will probably be a little more. thanks
JB
I own a Williams and Hussey moulder. In few words, it's great. I also have an acquaintance who has a Woodmaster, which he uses for mouldings and planing. He's constantly bitchin about what a pain it is to use and maintain. It could just be his, but that's all I know.
W & H is easy to change knives, adjust, and the mouldings come out beautifully.
I use my planer and moulder so much that I wouldn't want to have to constantly take the time to switch back and forth between functions, which would take a while.
My mouldings are much crisper than the ones I see off his machine. That could be from knife quality, though.
My .02.
Jeff
Hi JB------I have been using a Powermatic jointer for nearly 10 years now. it is 8" wide with a 6' long bed. I have been happy with it---it is a good solid machine, my only regret is not getting it 10 years sooner.
As with any machine, sharp blades and proper set up is the key to success with it. The first piece of material I ran across it was 6' wide and about 2' long (cherry) and there was suction when I went to pick it up off the outfeed table. Needless to say, I was delighted with the results.
Regards, Jerry
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