Woodfast PT410A planer-thicknesser
1. The Woodfast PT410A planer-thicknesser: The calibration of how much is being removed is basic but generally that exactness is not really required. The tables were perfectly set on arrival and jointed two one metre board edges for a no-gap join on first use.
Review and photos: Richard Vaughan
A new tool is a delight to savour whether it’s a totally new addition or an upgrade, and the research through the increasing number of options is an engaging process. A new machine is ever so much more engaging because budget considerations demand more research.
My MiniMax 350 over and under had served me well for over 20 years but I was ready to upgrade and after researching the options I settled on the Woodfast PT410A (photo 1).
The Woodfast name was born in South Australia in 1941 but shifted focus to woodworking in 1944 with a 4-inch jointer and a 14-inch bandsaw. They were successful. Many will remember the Woodfast lathes that were the standard in many high schools way back when. The entire Woodfast range is now made in China with the distributor based in Western Australia.
The three phase motor is a useful 4kW (5.3hp) enabling the helical cutter block to plane up to 410mm wide and remove up to 4mm in a pass. The thicknesser dresses 405mm wide and 225 thick and can remove 3mm in a pass. And yes it can.
It weighs a no-nonsense 265kg and was delivered very solidly protected with ply and fixed to steel supports which were fixed to the pallet to ensure rigidity. On opening it was a relief to see it wasn’t covered in protective gunk that is a pain to remove. I had been warned that it would need wiring, which seems to be standard nowadays for whatever reason, so I was prepared. Wired by a qualified electrician of course.
2. As a thicknesser, showing outfeed table and extraction adaption.
Attaching the robust outfeed support was just a matter of two machine screws. Attaching the jointer guard likewise is simple. Adapting for my dust extraction set-up involved a visit to the plumbing department (photo 2).
3. Tables up, showing counterbalance springs. Previous outfeed support in background. End of the tedious need to adjust the height of the stand for changing thickness.
Switching between jointer and thicknesser is straightforward with both jointer tables moving as one. Levers at each end unlock and with one handle the tables lift and are locked into place (photo 3). The dust hood swings over and it too locks in place. A nice safety measure ensures the motor won’t start unless the hood is properly in place and locked there for thicknessing.
4. Calibration to 0.1mm is rapid and smooth as one full turn adjusts by 4mm. The measurement was 0.5mm out on delivery but the simple adjustment method is available online. Thousands of dollars more would buy a machine with dial-in digital accuracy and powered rise and fall that I have coveted, but my budget was content with economical accuracy.
To switch back to planer mode the thicknesser table needs to be wound down to 155mm to accommodate the extraction hood. It is marked but I chose to highlight it for the benefit of students. I also highlighted the settings to engage the feed rollers for thicknessing for the same reason (photo 4).
The large protruding so-called emergency stop quickly became the preferred method rather than seeking the inset dedicated stop button. Another plus.
The safety guard over the jointer can cover up to 75mm, and more than that you just move it to the side. I’m accustomed to well used and well worn machine tables so the friction of these new and finely milled tables was a surprise. Doubtless regular application of paraffin wax or Siebereit with a scourer pad will deal with that over time.
5. The fence angle is easily calibrated using a 6mm allen key and 12mm spanner to stop at 90°. It can tilt from 90° to 45°. The calibration for less than 90° is basic requiring a sliding bevel or angle guide to set the angle. Positioning the fence is smooth as is the tilt adjustment. No frills, it simply works.
Both the hefty milled cast iron tables and the extruded aluminium 1100mm long and 150mm high fence (photo 5) were true to my engineer’s straightedge.
After several months in use I can say that this machine is excellent. The outfeed extension is a deal maker and I wonder why it isn’t a standard option for all machines, combination or thicknesser only. We’ve all had to make do in various less than convenient ways and this is so simple and effective.
Woodfast machinery is distributed by Beyond Tools, www.beyondtools.com
Machine supplied by Hammer Roo, see www.hammerroo.com.au
Richard Vaughan is a Brisbane based designer maker who also teaches woodworking classes. See www.richardvaughan.com.au