|
|
Post by corset on May 16, 2008 20:39:32 GMT
Having a look at a Sedgwick pt 255. Are they any good? I like the idea that is british and you don't have to flip up any tables to change modes. However I guess there must be a down side, just not sure what that is.
Is only having a two knife block a big downside?
Any comments would be great
Owen
|
|
|
|
Post by jonnyd on May 16, 2008 21:45:20 GMT
Hi
I have a sedgwick MB 12 inch P/T which i bought new about 7 years ago and has been very reliable. The slight downside on the fixed beds is that you can only thickness down to about 10mm but this can be got around by using a sled to carry the wood through the thickneser. The machine is generally very robustly built with a solid fence and doesnt seem to complain at being used for hours on end. I dont know about the 2 knife cutterblock as mine has 3 blades but i cant see that having only 2 blades would be a major disadvantage.
jon
|
|
|
|
Post by Scrit on May 20, 2008 18:00:18 GMT
Sedgwicks have built-up a reputation for being robust if a little agricultural. By that I mean they are solidly, if unexcitingly, engineered with few bells and whistles, but even the smallest machines are designed with trade service in mind. So they're probably the woodworking equivalent of the little grey Fergy (Ferguson tractor) still found on many farms. They feature "traditional" approaches to manufacturing such as cast-iron planer fences, good quality motors and switchgear and of course the firm is still in existence so parts, should they be needed, are a doddle.
As to 2-knives versus 3-knives there are two differences. With a 3-knife block you can feed up to 50% faster and get the same quality of cut, or failing that you'll need to sand/hand plane to get a perfect finish (or just feed a little slower). With a 2-knife block your knives will blunt somewhat faster, but then again they won't take so long to change.....
Scrit
|
|
|
|
Post by corset on May 20, 2008 20:57:22 GMT
Thanks for those comprehensive answers as always. Mmmmm. Pondering time. I am moving house so i want to downsize to a planer thicknesser to save space. But I am lost for choice. I have a 1k budget. I prefer second hand cast iron but I am not sure they are going to take up less space than my current jointer and portable planer setup. Then again I could buy new but I don't like the look of the £500-600 bracket and the next step up seems to be £1300. With the way most planers seem to open up it doesn't seem to save much space, then you have to takeoff the fence etc. THough record have a new one out.  One of the plus sides to moving is I can justify a new tools as I have alot of work to do but I find choices tricky. I want to buy once and get it right. I like the idea that i can push it up against a wall but when the tables goes up that is out the window. I am now just rambling sorry.  |
|
|
|
Post by Scrit on May 21, 2008 19:25:08 GMT
I like the idea that i can push it up against a wall but when the tables goes up that is out the window. About the only machine which works in that way is the Felder. Nice, but pricey Scrit |
|
