Proposal: bench planer and thicknesser

[Michael Erskine]

I'd like to propose the purchase of an entry-level bench planer and
thicknesser, e.g.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-erb052bte-204mm-planer-thicknesser-230v/81126

This addresses one of the main limitations of the workshop as a
woodworking space.

[Dominic Morrow]

I second the proposal.

Sent from my iPhone

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[Banjoface]

Yep, that sure would be handy....

[garethhowell]

I third it!

[Robert Miles]

I would definitely make use of a tool like that.

[David Clarke]

The ideal tool to use to convert stocks of otherwise un-useful lumber
into usable timber.

We really need to sort out how much room we have to accommodate raw
materials. Without suitable (additional) storage, people would be better
advised to bring-in ready finished (ie. sized and planed) timber, use it,
and leave with the finished project.

If we had wood storage space, the planer-thicknesser would reduce
people's project costs (use rough-sawn timber) and broaden the range of
possibilities.

Alongside a bigger bandsaw, perhaps?...

[Michael Erskine]

On 24 September 2013 14:25, David Clarke <dcl...@cix.co.uk> wrote:
> We really need to sort out how much room we have to accommodate raw
> materials. Without suitable (additional) storage, people would be better
> advised to bring-in ready finished (ie. sized and planed) timber, use it,
> and leave with the finished project.

That reminds me David, I dug out some small sections of (new) worktop
that you expressed a need of but I haven't yet brought them in lest
they get thrown out like the last lot did.

[TeamWild]

A thickness planner sounds like a great purchase. 

I'm not so sure on the Erbauer brand. I've always found that they have been built to a price and thus the quality has been low.

This one is a similar spec and price and also gets some good reviews. http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/4046664006831

Of course, there are bigger and better models but cost more...

On Tuesday, 24 September 2013 11:27:45 UTC+1, Michael Erskine wrote:

[Gazz]

RE: storage of lumber, at home i store lengths of 2x2, 2x1, the odd bit of
6x3 etc on a simple rack type hanger thing in the roof space of my garage,
it's just a couple of bits of 2x1 made into L shapes, fixed to the joists at
1 meter intervals, so i can store full 4.8 meter lengths and offcuts over a
meter up there out of the way (i tend to stack shorter offcuts on the longer
bits of wood, and of course i knock them off regularly,
i did find the addition of another little bit of wood to the bottom of the L
bracket helped keep the long lengths on the hangers when rooting about for a
particular bit of wood, so more of a J bracket with a flat bottom.

There's plenty of unused space at the top of the hackspace, so would it be
feasible to have some lumber hangers almost anywhere, i'd suggest
getting/making some steel L/J brackets for strength and safety, then clamp
them to the steel beams in the ceiling (as i presume welding or bolting them
in place would be frowned on by the building owner?

Maybe have a sheet wood storage holder mounted on a wall, selection of slots
6 or so inches wide, height varying from 2 to 6 foot perhaps (or 8 foot?) 4
foot deep, and slide the sheet wood in them so it's out of the way and
stacked neatly,
If say 6 foot is the max height, have one compartment 6 foot tall, then 2 at
3 foot tall stacked, then a 2 and a 4 foot tall etc, then maybe some smaller
compartments for all the offcuts,


--------------------------------------------------
From: "David Clarke" <dcl...@cix.co.uk>
Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 2:25 PM
To: <notti...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: <dcl...@cix.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [Nottinghack] Proposal: bench planer and thicknesser

[Matt Lloyd]

This is more the size the hackspace should be looking at buying

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sedgwick-Planer-Thicknesser-Electric-Brake-/200965495468

'RepRap' Matt

[Spencer Owen]

On 24 September 2013 17:21, Matt Lloyd <dps...@gmail.com> wrote:

This is more the size the hackspace should be looking at buying

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sedgwick-Planer-Thicknesser-Electric-Brake-/200965495468

'RepRap' Matt

To be honest, something as big as that would intimidate me and put me off of using it.  The original one that Michael linked to looked fine to me as a non-professional woodworker, and I could quite see myself running the odd strip or two through it (although I'd probably check the instructions the first time I used it).  

Bigger bits of kit like this, whilst I don't doubt it's far superior, would make me think twice about even asking for someone to show me how to use it.

Spencer

[Matt Lloyd]

Any electric planer not matter what the size can be a hazard if not used correctly

There is no difference in the usage of a smaller or bigger machine.

Often the bigger machines can be more forgiving if you get the cut to deep or hit a huge knot, as they have more power.

The bigger machine's are also more accurate dude to the built in size and much better guides.

(Personal i think the Erbauer is a joke, just one look at how thin the planer guide show its a waste of good money)

'RepRap' Matt

[russellh]

On Tuesday, 24 September 2013 17:21:01 UTC+1, Matt (RepRap) Lloyd wrote:

This is more the size the hackspace should be looking at buying

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sedgwick-Planer-Thicknesser-Electric-Brake-/200965495468

'RepRap' Matt

Well spotted Matt.

I have advocated getting a planer thicknesser in the Hackspace for a while now, it fits in so well with the ethos of the Hackspace, making and re-manufacturing from old and oft discarded wood. If you haven't seen the results of what is achievable with these machines, you only need to look at the two planks destined for the top of the new workbench DavidC has been working on, near the back door of the Hackspace.

The first machine proposed is inappropriate mainly for its durability, the blades are only designed to be replaced not sharpened, and the quality of the build is similar to many seen in the weekly auction's of machine mart's returns, sold as scrap. 

Any machine in the Hackspace should be durable enough to withstand inexperienced users, the one Matt has found on eBay in Nottingham has already shown it can survive by being around for years, they were built to last.

The danger represented by "something as big as that" is actually far less than the smaller domestic version, which when breaking (as it will) is as likely to bend and move from it's mountings. It is right to be intimidated by all machines that have blades that spin by motors, the fear is what keeps us from being complacent when using them. The only 'safe' machine is one that is locked away and not used.

This Sedgwick machine has the addition of electric breaking, not something available on every machines of this age, enabling metal sensors to later be added to the bed to emergency stop in the event of embedded nails within the workpiece.

We don't know what this eBay lot will go for, but the current price is an absolute bargain.

RussellH

[Michael Erskine]

OOOOKAAAAAYY, so let's put forward some better suggestions with
replaceable and affordable blades, but please let's avoid this turning
into a long-haul pledge-drive for best of class tools that nobody is
qualified to use. I'm trying to suggest something attainable and the
reviews seemed positive (non-pro hobbyists like myself) but, yeah, I
know nothing about planers - sheesh!

[David Clarke]

Even the manual says 'do not tighten this too much, as it will distort
the aluminium base!'

Though I think that lack of storage space is the main issue. Even a 'toy'
machine would help to make better use of stuff we have hanging about the
'space.

David Clarke.

[David Clarke]

Good point, Michael.

We could probably consider buying something like this every 2 ~ 3 months,
interspersed with the (essential) topping-up of the smaller tool stock,
dramatically improving the usefulness of the 'space.

[Lionel]

For  what its worth, I favour the bigger machine. More rugged, less likely to shift so less likely to give problems or inaccuracy and above all, capable of maintenance.

[Michael Erskine]

Well, yes, I'd also prefer a bigger machine with cast iron bed, etc. But with that comes all the hassle of arranging transport and lifting equipment, and a dedicated space in the workshop. There's no comparing the features of two machines of different classes.

On 24 Sep 2013 22:29, "Lionel" <lionel....@gmail.com> wrote:

For  what its worth, I favour the bigger machine. More rugged, less likely to shift so less likely to give problems or inaccuracy and above all, capable of maintenance.

--

[Dominic Morrow]

I'm in favour of a professional grade machine. I'd suggest we look further afield for suggestions. We've not batted an eye lid at having approx. £2k spent on mills and lathes so why not for wood work? A lot more of that happens in Hackspace. Also if it makes crappy lumber into good timber I'm in. 

Though I would point out that we need to complete the bandsaw pledge before we get excited about this. :) 

On the basis of space etc I'd suggest we can removing some lesser used things/junk from the space to get quality stuff into the space. We don't like to throw things out. 

We're in this space for about get year and eight months. Not that long. I'd rather we didn't find the need to upgrade all the tools when we move. Besides pushing the envelope of what we can fit in keeps pressure on to move venue when the time comes (as long as space remains a safe place to work). 

Dominic 

Sent from my iPhone

[David Clarke]

At the auction tomorrow:

Lot 2225

ELU DAH176 planer/thicknesser, instruction sheet, shavings guide, parts list, 2 sets blades, blade setting jig with instructions (cost £60) behind desk - Working

I'll have a view later today. Any ideas about suitability?

David Clarke.

[Lionel Goodwin]

ELU was a German maker but taken over by DeWalt which is part of Black & Decker. What are the chances of being able to get spare parts such as blades and drive rollers?
I am all in favour of getting a planer/thicknesser having used one in Australia recently.

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