Junkies,
I know this forum is focused on old american iron, but I was curious if anyone had input on some old german machinery, in particular the combination jointer/planers that american companies never got into.
Search is not working right now, so I can't rummage through the archives. (Could not delete old search id sessions/DEBUG MODE/SQL Error : 1054)
I'm fascinated by old j/p combos (or Abrichtdickenhobelmaschinen) made by Kölle and Panhans, for example:
http://www.maschinensucher.de/ma2/A420322.html
Other companies that seem to have been making these for a while include hofmann (one f), aldinger, and a couple of I think austrian outfits, e.g. Hombak and Comag.
I guess I'm hoping to identify a combo that lives up to the solidity and accuracy of a dedicated jointer by Oliver or Northfield. It doesn't seem impossible to me that with the right amount of heft and smart engineering, one couldn't pull of jointing and planing in one machine. That Kölle looks hot!
Any thoughts?
old german combination jointer/planers?
Moderator: crzypete
Hi Welcome aboard,
The intended focus of the forum is industrial level vintage iron of any nationality- Definitely no complaints about German iron.
Unfortunately my knowledge is rather lacking when it comes to imports so I am not much use to your quest. My one observation is that while there are some decent combo machines, you will be hard pressed to equal a dedicated machine. Due to the designs of combo machines it is hard to get the bed length and rigidity in the jointer mode of dedicated machines.
Pete
The intended focus of the forum is industrial level vintage iron of any nationality- Definitely no complaints about German iron.
Unfortunately my knowledge is rather lacking when it comes to imports so I am not much use to your quest. My one observation is that while there are some decent combo machines, you will be hard pressed to equal a dedicated machine. Due to the designs of combo machines it is hard to get the bed length and rigidity in the jointer mode of dedicated machines.
Pete
Thanks Pete,
I don't know much about Kolle and am curious if anyone here has any comments on the history of this company and its machinery. I found out that they stopped making machines 4 years ago.
My experience with combo machines, mostly Felders, is consistent with what you say. But the engineer inside thinks it should be possible to do this better. The question of economics is another story, which is why I wonder if some ambitious German outfit didn't get pretty darn close at some point but gave up because the price was too high.
YB.
I don't know much about Kolle and am curious if anyone here has any comments on the history of this company and its machinery. I found out that they stopped making machines 4 years ago.
My experience with combo machines, mostly Felders, is consistent with what you say. But the engineer inside thinks it should be possible to do this better. The question of economics is another story, which is why I wonder if some ambitious German outfit didn't get pretty darn close at some point but gave up because the price was too high.
YB.
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blackcreek
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 1:34 pm
- Location: connecticut
Not sure about the german machines but while training in england I used a older wadkin combo for several years, great machine and very robust. I also had the pleasure of using a 510mm smc combo in a shop that I rented for a while. That was an older machine as well and very heavy duty with fairly long beds. I am biased though. I have a felder combo and am very happy with it, no problems at all and only a few minor design flaws that I have noticed over 7 years of use. Cant beat the foot print in a small shop.
TT
TT