Looking for advice on best 240V planer/thicknesser combo

[Lucero89]

G’day,

I can’t find anything second hand so I figure I’ll have to look for something new. I know I’ve posted a lot about this, but I’m still struggling to grasp what my best option is.

Any further guidance anyone can give me would be sensational.

I don’t even know if I’m posting this in the right forum!

[jonsey850]

A used hammer a3-31 just came up for sale here. Not sure if the price is a typo but maybe look into it if you are near vic.

[Lucero89]

I’m in Vic mate, could you PM me the add please!

[poundy]

Just go to the Market Place link at the top of page. This (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f221)will take you there. That's where you will find all the things you might want (but this is the direct link (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f221/a3-31-planer-thicknesser-comes-silent-power-3500-a-230550)to the unit)

[Lucero89]

Thanks mate, I didn’t see the part where you said it was here. Unfortunately it’s about 5 hrs away from me, otherwise I would have been on to it straight away. Disappointing! It’s a great machine.

[Chris Parks]

If I wanted the best 5 hours would not be a problem. These machines rarely come up for sale at any price let alone $3500 negotiable.

[derekcohen]

I think that $3500 for an A3-31 with spiral heads is a steal! That is about half new price.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Lucero89]

I can appreciate the fact that it’s a great deal - however I don’t have the option to drive there & back at the moment. I’m facing some other constraints.

[wood spirit]

Haven't researched lately. But when I got mine -looked for months at second hand. Gave up and spent $1450 or so on a presumably Chinese 250 x 200 planer thicknesser Has been good so far. Though did come with disposable blades And have modified myself to take standard 3mm blades. Is not as convenient for blade changes- However have NEVER had a response from the company on this - so moving to a standard - which is better by the way (original - disposable about 1.6 mm at a guess)was definitely worth it. Have a large band-saw in the same colour (white -absolutely NO branding on the band-saw) A well built unit with horrific and dangerous flaws. Large (sorry can't think of the correct term) soft plastic bit surrounding the blade in the table- since replaced with steel and redgum -where the blade might be deflected into. Otherwise with this unit - lots of cast iron and heavy as + 3hp motor -might be even genuine 3HP As opposed to the Bunnings type Chinese drill presses Etc. Main features from my planer /thicknesser are cast iron tables, single - fat post for the thicknessing table and a quite acceptable aluminium extruded fence. The locks on such - nylon are wearing out so will be looking for metal replacements.

[Interwoodshop]

What is your budget

[Lucero89]

At the moment I would say around 3K, I almost purchased a Hafco PT300 but it was rougher than expected.

I’ve been looking at the Timbecon units - however can’t find much feedback on them. Even on the site here.

https://www.timbecon.com.au/12in-lift-up-combination-planer

[Albert]

if buying new, I will consider Robland. made in Belgium. happy medium between Austrian/Italian and Chinese machines.

I had one for 3-5 years.