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Other topics for members => General Woodworking => Topic started by: Woodslabs on May 05, 2017, 02:41:13 PM

Title: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Woodslabs on May 05, 2017, 02:41:13 PM
Hi All,
I'm interested in purchasing a larger planer. I found this company from Taiwan http://www.chen-sheng.com/all.htm
Has anyone bought anything from them before? It looks like they manufacture the planers Can Tek Sells http://www.cantekamerica.com/machinery/planers-71/planers-single-surfacers.html
Has anyone bough anything from chen sheng machinery before?
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: woodworker9 on May 10, 2017, 05:25:39 PM
Run......fast.

Junk machines.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: teakwood on May 11, 2017, 09:07:39 AM
You know that or just say that because they,re from asia?

I think i looked at two of them working at a big sawmill here, don,t remember well if they were the same brand, they sure looked exactly the same, and they worked perfect, also no complains from the operator.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: woodworker9 on May 11, 2017, 07:59:02 PM
Personal knowledge of a friend who made the mistake of buying one instead of a quality industrial planer.

Know this up front about me....there is no asian equipment or tooling in my shop.  I won't have it.

That being said, I have rebuilt and restored quite a few industrial American, Canadian, and German made woodworking and metalworking machines, so I feel quite qualified to know the difference between a quality industrial machine and a piece of junk.

If you get a decent one, which is a crapshoot, the history of these asian machines is that they don't hold up very long to heavy use.  If you're just going to tinker, and plane a few boards, then it will hardly matter.  If you're going to run a business using this machine as a value-added resource, then think twice before you spend your hard earned money.

There are plenty of large capacity, cast iron (not sheet metal) heavy duty planers that have been gone through and restored by guys who know "their stuff" that can put you into a quality industrial machine for about the same kind of money that you will spend on a sheet metal asian planer.  The difference comes 5 years from now when your asian planer doesn't work right anymore, and is causing headaches with snipe, head misalignment, and bearing problems.

I run a 1957 Powermatic 221D, which is a 20"  "finish" planer, and a Baxter Whitney 30" No. 32 industrial heavy duty planer that is capable of 30" wide boards that are 10" thick.  Eats wood for breakfast and smiles, and has segmented feed roller so you can feed multiple boards through it at once. 

I paid $350 for the Powermatic (a steal, I know) and it only needed a few setup adjustments that took less than an hour.  The 30" Baxter Whitney would be the last planer you would ever need to buy in your life.  They are as good as it gets, and can remove 3/8" in one pass, if you so desire.  Other great makers are Buss, Yates American, Solem, Greenlee, and few others. 

My friend did not take my advice 4 or 5 years ago and bought the planer you are talking about.  He runs a sawmill and a part time hardwood business, selling a light but fair amount of wood to woodworkers and builders local to him.  We're not talking 10,000 bf. per day or anything crazy like that.  He blew that asian sheet metal hunk of junk up in 3 years.  I believe he spent $4k buying it.

He now runs a Powermatic 225, 24" planer made back in the 70's.  I turned him onto the guy who restored the machine and sold it to him.  In his words, "it's nice to have a real planer."

I am sharing a true life story with you.  I also readily admit, as before, that I have a SEVERE bias against the asian made junk that is pawned off to unknowing hardworking folks in this country who are enticed by the cheap prices.  If you knew what I know about the insides of these machines, you wouldn't waste your hard earned money on it, especially when you can spend the same amount of money and find a real quality older cast iron machine, albeit with a little bit of searching and patience.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: nativewolf on May 11, 2017, 08:28:43 PM
SO woodworker9.  I need some help fixing up a modern Delta Planer.  Sat in a flooded garage for a month while I was traveling and had the head apart changing blades.  In the awful mess that followed I can't quite find everything.  Can you recommend someone close to Northern VA that would help clean up/fix a fairly decent planer.  I mean it is not your baxter whitney but it is the only planer I have.  Unless you want to pass on that powermatic?  I have a new garage on the top of a hill now so I am going to setup my woodworking shop, after waiting 10 years. 
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 11, 2017, 08:37:16 PM
Used Chen-sheng equipment lasts a very long time on the used market. Newer Delta is Taiwanese and a lot of equipment from that country has been coming up in  quality in recent years. Go to AWFS this summer and see for yourself the difference in equipment's. Cheers  Rob
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Woodslabs on May 12, 2017, 06:11:12 PM
I have seen Can Tek planers which are built in the same factory and they worked well.  Mind you it was the larger 46+ inch models but from what i can tell the quality is the same
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 12, 2017, 06:27:29 PM
Asking questions is a good thing ! Lots of guys' on this site have planers that get plenty of use. I run a Northfield and a Powermatic- happy with both.  Rob
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Woodslabs on May 12, 2017, 06:32:45 PM
This is why i started to look at buying from Asia.  Lately everyone, and i mean EVERYONE is building their planers in Taiwan and shipping them here.  Perfect example is the 20 inch planers i recently saw at atlas tools in Toronto.  3 planers all the same price, all the same just different brand and paint.  Laguna, Grisly and powermatic... i'm not paying retail Canadian prices when i can buy directly from the factory for a quarter of the price.

I just wish someone has actually used one of their newer planers.  I'm interested in the LSB-760 version.  http://www.chen-sheng.com/all.htm

I hope it turns out well  :P
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: teakwood on May 12, 2017, 06:59:51 PM
woodworker9:

if i offended you i apologize, that wasn't my intentions.

I totally agree with you post, i have 20" grizzly planer (was a cheap opportunity) in my small woodworking shop. I work maybe 3 month a year in the shop, professionally.
The planer is ok but if i would work 5-6 month a year i would need to upgrate. The planer work the hardest of all my machines and i do all my furniture's with real wood.
I would save lots of time with a big planer (separated infeed rollers would be a must!!), less passes and better finish

 
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: woodworker9 on May 12, 2017, 11:57:21 PM
I'm not offended at all.  I try to share what I know; that's all.  I'm passionate about vintage industrial machines because they are simply better.  There's a reason why 75 to 100 year old industrial machines are still around, in service, and are highly sought after by people in the know.  All you have to do for a comparison of what goes in to making a quality cast iron machine is to go to Northfield's website and check out prices for a brand new, (but made in the old way) industrial table saw, bandsaw, planer, jointer, etc.....$12K to $20K and up.

I'm even more passionate about not shipping my money to the disposable asian economy.....very bad for our own economy.

I'm out of this conversation before I get banned......
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Just Me on May 14, 2017, 08:20:31 AM
I don't necessarily agree across the board that old iron is better. Better than the normal Chinese machines yes, but better than the European machines, not so much.

In the case of planers/jointers there are indeed some excellent old iron. There are also some European ones that take up less real estate and do as good of better a job. I have an SCM planer I bought new 20 years ago with a Tersa head that has only needed one lift motor transformer in twenty years, does as good a finish as any planer, weighs in at 2000, so not exactly a lightweight. It replaced a PM225. One of my best investments. Also have a SCM Jointer, no complaints there either, and I replaced a Porter

When it comes to shapers old iron is weak, newer shapers are just far superior. The biggest thing to me is that old ones generally could not swing a big enough cutter,, and the hoods are rudimentary.

Table saws, eh. Depends on what you need. If you need a slider old iron is out. I had to choose when I downsized to get rid of my Tanniwitz of my slider, and the slider stayed.

Bandsaws are a nod to old iron. I had a 36" Oliver at my old shop that was awesome, but no room for it at the new digs so I kept my 20" Delta as it would fit in the new shop. Miss the Oliver. That being said would not mind having a new Italian model sitting in my shop either. ;)

I would say the Cantek stuff is a few notches above the average Asian product. It is my understanding that the poor quality machines coming out of China are more a victim of price point than manufacturing ability. My buddy has a Cantek SLR and it has been in service for a long time in his arcitectural millwork shop and he has no complaints.

That being said, I have one green machine in my shop, a little disk belt /sander, and I hate the thing. Absolute junk that was willed to me. Only reason it is still around is from a good friend I miss.

To the OP. For about the same price as The Cantek you can also pick up low mile Euro so would not count them out in your search. My planer is about $18K new, but I have seen them go used for about $5k.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: teakwood on May 14, 2017, 08:48:21 AM
X2

You want the best? Buy martin or altendorf, they are the leading brands in Europe, both from Germany. Of course you need to spend 20-40k for one machine.

http://www.martin-usa.com/company
https://www.altendorf.com/en/home.html
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 14, 2017, 09:36:23 AM
I ended up in the SCM camp.....
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Larry on May 14, 2017, 01:01:12 PM
A few more names to look for are Felder, Hammer, and Griggio.  Griggio also makes machines for some of the other players such as Martin and Laguna.  Seems like the used market is heavy with a lot of SCM.  I really like my SCMI shaper.

I've yet to meet a Chinese machine, other than my iphone that I like.  I think part of the problem is the business model.  When a machine is made in an anonymous factory to the price point of the importer, there is little incentive to innovate or improve quality.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: teakwood on May 14, 2017, 07:52:06 PM
Lots of used SCM around, they have a very good reputation. Felder and Hammer (hammer is a company inside the Felder group) they are between the hobby and profi segment. I think SCM and Griggio (italians) are a little above them, i have a paoloni shaper (italian also) and its a good machine (above hobby quality) but all those brand are not in the same league with a Altendorf, Martin or Steinemann Sanders from Switzerland (there are more brands), those are just top quality machines for full time professional applications.
For most of us here on the forum who are hobby and part time woodworker a grizzly, jet, powermatic, ... will be sufficient and affordable.

My little brother works (as employee) in a furniture and kitchen woodworking company in Switzerland, they have 12 employees. they changed the widebelt sander with a new topnotch one, 50" wide with i think 2 belts sander with the newest technology. I asked him how much 70-100k ???  He told me, you way of:  350k  :o :o,    CNC machine for over a million, sliding table saw 80k, planer 40k, thats just a whole other level. 
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 14, 2017, 08:02:32 PM
Yup........
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Just Me on May 15, 2017, 08:54:20 AM
Woodslabs.

If you are going to use this for slabs I would think you would be better served by a wide belt sander. I would assume that you are trying to get the most figure you can out of the wood so are doing crotch cuts, and with the grain running every which way a straight knife planer is going to tear out.

I would think a wide belt wound serve you better, starting with a very course belt to level and finishing up with a finer grit once it is level. There is a wide single belt Timesavers on the Woodweb for sale site for $2500 right now.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Just Me on May 15, 2017, 09:31:42 AM
Quote from: teakwood on May 14, 2017, 07:52:06 PM
Lots of used SCM around, they have a very good reputation. Felder and Hammer (hammer is a company inside the Felder group) they are between the hobby and profi segment. I think SCM and Griggio (italians) are a little above them, i have a paoloni shaper (italian also) and its a good machine (above hobby quality) but all those brand are not in the same league with a Altendorf, Martin or Steinemann Sanders from Switzerland (there are more brands), those are just top quality machines for full time professional applications.
For most of us here on the forum who are hobby and part time woodworker a grizzly, jet, powermatic, ... will be sufficient and affordable.

My little brother works (as employee) in a furniture and kitchen woodworking company in Switzerland, they have 12 employees. they changed the widebelt sander with a new topnotch one, 50" wide with i think 2 belts sander with the newest technology. I asked him how much 70-100k ???  He told me, you way of:  350k  :o :o,    CNC machine for over a million, sliding table saw 80k, planer 40k, thats just a whole other level.

That Martin stuff is nice, but as far as the basic function of a machine, they are not a necessity. I have friends that have them because they are in a unique position in very affluent areas and can afford them, but when it comes down to what a machine is for you can get the same results with less convenience for a lot less. We were talking planers, so lets look at that. The Martin is about $40K, the SCMI with the exact same head is about $18K. there is no difference between the finishes, both come out exactly the dimension that was input, and both are ready for final sanding grits right out of the machine. Both are available with keypad input, and the SCMI is availabe with a simpler mechanical readout, which is the one I have. Mine has been spot on since I bought it, and for me I prefer the simpler control system. I can fix the one I have if it goes down, I can not fix a computerized model.

I would love to have a Martin shaper. My eyes are getting bad and never having to set a cutter up twice would be awesome. SCMI has a shaper with the same features, as does Panhans and other more obscure manufacturers, but there is a rub for me besides being able to afford/justify them in the first place.

An old Martin, well cared for, will sell for what it costs new, prices on nice T21 shapers for example reflect this. But what is going to happen to a totally computerized shaper as it ages? Electronic components that are used to make up the curcuit boards are constantly changing, and when the machine is twenty years old you may blow a part in a control circuit that is no longer available. So what is the workaround? The machines of this class do not have any manual overrides, so your choices are almost nonexistant if the manufacturer does not have the part. Iron and steel can be machined, electrical components not so much. Then add the cost of getting a tech to your location, etc.etc. and I have to question whether these new class of machines are a good long term investment.

as an example I recently saw a Panhans shaper comparable to Martins better offerings go up for auction. It had every bell and whistle that you could imagine, computerized hood/spindle/feeder, had a tenoning table, Aigner fences as well as stock tenoning hood, and not a scratch on it. It was 14 years old. In the $70K+ neighborhood when new as optioned out.

But...... the motherboard was out. It sold at auction for $4200.

Now my crude old Unitronix, a double copy of a Martin T21 will spin 3 of my 4 spindles with less than 1 thousandth deviation at the top of the spindle. When you boil it all down, that is what a shaper is all about. Other than I really would like a tenoning table, I can do anything I need to do with this machine, it just takes me a lot longer to set up. I can afford that time, because I did not spend a crazy amount on a shaper. A good SCM, Griggio, etc. will do the same thing, for a lot less. Interestingly the top of the line SCM and a comparable Martin are not that far apart cost wise.

Don't get me wrong, If I had Bill Gates money I would have a shop full of Martin, absolutely love the stuff. Then I would retire. 8)

But the reality is in my area, there is no way in hell that I could justify that kind of cost. I may be able to buy but would be working for my tools. Most of us are in the same boat, we live in a place we like, and so can not really get the big money.

Now you could move to NYC and get the big money, but what kind of a life is that?



Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: nativewolf on May 15, 2017, 09:49:05 AM
Quote from: teakwood on May 14, 2017, 07:52:06 PM
Lots of used SCM around, they have a very good reputation. Felder and Hammer (hammer is a company inside the Felder group) they are between the hobby and profi segment. I think SCM and Griggio (italians) are a little above them, i have a paoloni shaper (italian also) and its a good machine (above hobby quality) but all those brand are not in the same league with a Altendorf, Martin or Steinemann Sanders from Switzerland (there are more brands), those are just top quality machines for full time professional applications.
For most of us here on the forum who are hobby and part time woodworker a grizzly, jet, powermatic, ... will be sufficient and affordable.

My little brother works (as employee) in a furniture and kitchen woodworking company in Switzerland, they have 12 employees. they changed the widebelt sander with a new topnotch one, 50" wide with i think 2 belts sander with the newest technology. I asked him how much 70-100k ???  He told me, you way of:  350k  :o :o,    CNC machine for over a million, sliding table saw 80k, planer 40k, thats just a whole other level.

IF he were a good brother he'd send you the old sander :).  If he did not then tell no beach trips this winter!
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 15, 2017, 09:50:00 AM
 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/big_shaper_3~1.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1494856016) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/shaper_shots_2~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1494856149) Two of seven...
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Just Me on May 15, 2017, 10:04:10 AM
What do you think of the T120 Class? That looks like the hood with the mechanical readouts? How does that sliding table handle heavier parts such as large door rails? What is the biggest cutter that you swing on it and how does it handle it?

I was wondering if it could handle 9" coping disks is why I ask. Have been contemplating.....

Larry
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: nativewolf on May 15, 2017, 10:04:57 AM
lots of good info on this thread
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 15, 2017, 10:10:55 AM
Quote from: Just Me on May 15, 2017, 10:04:10 AM
What do you think of the T120 Class? That looks like the hood with the mechanical readouts? How does that sliding table handle heavier parts such as large door rails? What is the biggest cutter that you swing on it and how does it handle it?

I was wondering if it could handle 9" coping disks is why I ask. Have been contemplating.....

Larry
I think they can swing a 12-13 inch cutter (130 class). Don't know about the 120 class. For door building the sliding side table is the ticket. 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/big_shaper_5.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1494857403) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/big_shaper_4.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1494857435)
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Just Me on May 15, 2017, 11:01:09 AM
I read the front of the machine wrong, thought it looked heavy. Like I said, My eyes are are not getting younger.....
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Larry on May 15, 2017, 12:57:24 PM
I have a 120 class but its an old tan dog.  Just put new bearings in the spindle....more $$$$ than I paid for the machine.  Haven't ran anything that big on it yet, still learning.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: teakwood on May 15, 2017, 09:49:49 PM
Nice shapers!!

My brother arrives tomorrow in San Jose ;D have to pick him up, (he and 4 more guys ready for beach, booze and .... you know what i mean) he will not bring the old sander so maybe i will have a word with him  ;D ;D.

Quote from: Just Me on May 15, 2017, 09:31:42 AM
Quote from: teakwood on May 14, 2017, 07:52:06 PM
Lots of used SCM around, they have a very good reputation. Felder and Hammer (hammer is a company inside the Felder group) they are between the hobby and profi segment. I think SCM and Griggio (italians) are a little above them, i have a paoloni shaper (italian also) and its a good machine (above hobby quality) but all those brand are not in the same league with a Altendorf, Martin or Steinemann Sanders from Switzerland (there are more brands), those are just top quality machines for full time professional applications.
For most of us here on the forum who are hobby and part time woodworker a grizzly, jet, powermatic, ... will be sufficient and affordable.

My little brother works (as employee) in a furniture and kitchen woodworking company in Switzerland, they have 12 employees. they changed the widebelt sander with a new topnotch one, 50" wide with i think 2 belts sander with the newest technology. I asked him how much 70-100k ???  He told me, you way of:  350k  :o :o,    CNC machine for over a million, sliding table saw 80k, planer 40k, thats just a whole other level.

That Martin stuff is nice, but as far as the basic function of a machine, they are not a necessity. I have friends that have them because they are in a unique position in very affluent areas and can afford them, but when it comes down to what a machine is for you can get the same results with less convenience for a lot less. We were talking planers, so lets look at that. The Martin is about $40K, the SCMI with the exact same head is about $18K. there is no difference between the finishes, both come out exactly the dimension that was input, and both are ready for final sanding grits right out of the machine. Both are available with keypad input, and the SCMI is availabe with a simpler mechanical readout, which is the one I have. Mine has been spot on since I bought it, and for me I prefer the simpler control system. I can fix the one I have if it goes down, I can not fix a computerized model.

I would love to have a Martin shaper. My eyes are getting bad and never having to set a cutter up twice would be awesome. SCMI has a shaper with the same features, as does Panhans and other more obscure manufacturers, but there is a rub for me besides being able to afford/justify them in the first place.

An old Martin, well cared for, will sell for what it costs new, prices on nice T21 shapers for example reflect this. But what is going to happen to a totally computerized shaper as it ages? Electronic components that are used to make up the curcuit boards are constantly changing, and when the machine is twenty years old you may blow a part in a control circuit that is no longer available. So what is the workaround? The machines of this class do not have any manual overrides, so your choices are almost nonexistant if the manufacturer does not have the part. Iron and steel can be machined, electrical components not so much. Then add the cost of getting a tech to your location, etc.etc. and I have to question whether these new class of machines are a good long term investment.

as an example I recently saw a Panhans shaper comparable to Martins better offerings go up for auction. It had every bell and whistle that you could imagine, computerized hood/spindle/feeder, had a tenoning table, Aigner fences as well as stock tenoning hood, and not a scratch on it. It was 14 years old. In the $70K+ neighborhood when new as optioned out.

But...... the motherboard was out. It sold at auction for $4200.

Now my crude old Unitronix, a double copy of a Martin T21 will spin 3 of my 4 spindles with less than 1 thousandth deviation at the top of the spindle. When you boil it all down, that is what a shaper is all about. Other than I really would like a tenoning table, I can do anything I need to do with this machine, it just takes me a lot longer to set up. I can afford that time, because I did not spend a crazy amount on a shaper. A good SCM, Griggio, etc. will do the same thing, for a lot less. Interestingly the top of the line SCM and a comparable Martin are not that far apart cost wise.

Don't get me wrong, If I had Bill Gates money I would have a shop full of Martin, absolutely love the stuff. Then I would retire. 8)

But the reality is in my area, there is no way in hell that I could justify that kind of cost. I may be able to buy but would be working for my tools. Most of us are in the same boat, we live in a place we like, and so can not really get the big money.

Now you could move to NYC and get the big money, but what kind of a life is that?





I agree with you, absolutely not practical for the most of us.

I will try to explain why they make sense in Switzerland:

Swiss wages are one of the highest worldwide (min. 4000$/month, average 6-7k, a woodworker like my brother around 5400 depending on age, experience and position) For his boss one hour of a producing employee (making furnitures which brings the money) has a cost of 80-90$, insurance, tax, Secretarians paycheck, the bosses earnings, ......)  So, if the 10 producing employees save 1 hour each a day because the machine is self adjusting and computerized, the actual cost of the machine (200,300, 500k) does not matter! the machine is a lot cheaper over the years. After 10years when the machine starts failing they just throw it out and put a better newer faster one in.
O man: a kitchen in switzerland cost between 50-150k, 6 chairs and a table top quality from a woodworker 8-15k, the list goes on.

My brother told me, the new CNC machine can make all the holes, cuts and grooves in a door in 5-10min, a person will last 1-2 hours for the same and it won't be that precise neither.
If that's good or not? that's another topic

Here are some vids of nice woodworking machines, at least we can dream! :D
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzaMpMdFtw4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urmz_cpHsH0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGWWm9PzbDg
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: nativewolf on May 15, 2017, 10:03:34 PM
You see...I just had a sense that your brother would be angling for a trip to CR.  I just knew it...I had the whole world visit me in Bangkok...had to keep taking people on tours...amazing how many newlyweds wanted to hit Patpong, terrible duty..just terrible.

Well tell him to get right back on the plane and come back with heavy checked bags.  Between 4 of them they should be able to get it to you!
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: teakwood on May 15, 2017, 11:12:12 PM
Ooo, he already brings heavy bags!!! With swiss cheese, chocolate, salamis, booze, honey, .... ;D ;D
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: thechknhwk on May 18, 2017, 02:16:50 AM
Where do you guys find these things? (the older iron)  Then what do you do about the motors, replace them or run phase converters?
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Larry on May 18, 2017, 12:11:21 PM
Most I get at auctions.  My comfort zone is a 200 mile radius of home.  I've also picked up a few at online auctions and pay shipping/rigging/buyers premium.

I never change out a 3P to single phase motor although I have done the reverse to eliminate a Reeves drive.  At present I have 4 machines on VFD's, 2 on a rotary phase converter, and 1 on a static phase converter.  A bunch of single phase machines.

One caution.  Most of the machines I get power on and do what they are supposed to do.  Most also need fixing ranging from minor to major.  Takes a lot of time and sometimes money.  A metal lathe and milling machine help.  An example.  Bearings for my SCMI spindle shaper are $800 for the pair from SCM.  I found one on ebay cheap and found the other on a close out sale.  Changing them was not an easy process.

Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: nativewolf on May 18, 2017, 12:27:08 PM
Quote from: teakwood on May 15, 2017, 11:12:12 PM
Ooo, he already brings heavy bags!!! With swiss cheese, chocolate, salamis, booze, honey, .... ;D ;D

Ahh well I guess you have to let him in long enough to drop his bags off in the cupboard.  It's great to get family visiting when you live so far from home.  I absolutely know how that feels. 

I'd still like his used sander though so if he wants a trip to the Washington DC area tell him to just take it apart and I'll send tickets  ;D
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: woodworker9 on May 18, 2017, 11:49:36 PM
Quote from: thechknhwk on May 18, 2017, 02:16:50 AM
Where do you guys find these things? (the older iron)  Then what do you do about the motors, replace them or run phase converters?

Auctions
OWWM website
craigslist

If you look, you might be surprised what you find.  I do restorations on every machine I buy, from minor to major.  I have my own metalworking lathe  (a Monarch Series 61 that swings 18" X 54") and a Kearney and Trecker model 2K universal mill with a vertical high speed head for making my own replacement parts.  Nothing finer was ever built by human hands.

I have traveled as far as 1600 miles to pick up a machine, and have my own YouTube channel about restoring old vintage machinery, as well as woodworking and metalworking, sawmilling, etc.....

I recently acquired a 30" Yates American Snowflake Y30 bandsaw (quite a prize) in Kentucky, 500 miles away, each way.  The hunt is just as much fun as using them.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Just Me on May 19, 2017, 07:34:32 AM
You don't happen to be Darcy Warner do you?
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 19, 2017, 09:54:24 AM
I buy at auctions then work them over. There are good and bad points to old iron- the time and money spent rebuilding could have been spent making money instead. On the other hand.....Rob

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/planer_rehab2.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1495201878) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/planer_rehab6.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1495201910) 

 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/rip_saw~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1495201960)
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Cedarman on May 20, 2017, 10:22:11 AM
I bought a Northtech planer  15 years ago or so with straight knives.  26" head.  Put a new helical head in for $4000 about 3 years later 8).  Have $11,000 in machine.  Have planed millions of square feet of cedar through it.  Have changed a few bearings and some gearing that wears out.  Made in Taiwan.  We can run 1000 square feet an hour through it.  I used it for several years to make shavings.  Hogging 3/8" off of several boards at a time.  So far, good service.
Not that heavy old iron would not be superior.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: woodworker9 on May 20, 2017, 01:14:58 PM
Quote from: Just Me on May 19, 2017, 07:34:32 AM
You don't happen to be Darcy Warner do you?

If you're asking me.......nope. 

My name is Jeff Heath.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: woodworker9 on May 20, 2017, 01:19:21 PM
Quote from: tule peak timber on May 19, 2017, 09:54:24 AM
I buy at auctions then work them over. There are good and bad points to old iron- the time and money spent rebuilding could have been spent making money instead. On the other hand.....Rob

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/planer_rehab2.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1495201878) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/planer_rehab6.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1495201910) 

 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/rip_saw~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1495201960)

Nice!

It's a labor of love for me, and something to do in my spare time at night.    For me, I don't mind the time it takes, as I'm passionate about the process.   Everybody has a hobby, and that is mine.  Besides, I've made enough money on the machines I've restored and sold (40 plus) to completely pay for all the machines currently working in my woodworking and metalworking shop, as well as my Woodmizer sawmill.  Fair trade off for me.  The only tv I watch is Blackhawks hockey and Cubs baseball.  Otherwise, I'm working in the shop or fishing.
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 20, 2017, 01:35:30 PM
Did you mention fishing ?

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/35190/DSCN1467.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1495301691)
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: woodworker9 on May 20, 2017, 03:14:18 PM
Nice!  A personal addiction of mine, although here in the midwest, the fish I'm after have quite a bit fewer teeth, and they are smaller, too!!!   :D :D :D

I'm addicted to the never ending pursuit of walleye, smallmouth bass, and the occasional musky......in that order.   A perfect day is 3 to 4 hours of walleye fishing at sun-up, followed by a great day in the workshop, followed by a 3 to 4 hour session at dusk.  Walleye bite is best in the 1 hour right after sundown.....

;)
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: tule peak timber on May 20, 2017, 03:19:30 PM
Sounds pretty darn good to me, cheers  Rob
Title: Re: Large Planer Advise (Chen Sheng Machinery)
Post by: Solomon on July 06, 2017, 03:13:47 PM
Quote from: woodworker9 on May 12, 2017, 11:57:21 PM
I'm not offended at all.  I try to share what I know; that's all.  I'm passionate about vintage industrial machines because they are simply better.  There's a reason why 75 to 100 year old industrial machines are still around, in service, and are highly sought after by people in the know.  All you have to do for a comparison of what goes in to making a quality cast iron machine is to go to Northfield's website and check out prices for a brand new, (but made in the old way) industrial table saw, bandsaw, planer, jointer, etc.....$12K to $20K and up.

I'm even more passionate about not shipping my money to the disposable asian economy.....very bad for our own economy.

I'm out of this conversation before I get banned......
I'm with you WW9,  I bought a Steel City 20" planer made somewhere in
South East Asia.  Ran ok for a couple of years and I ran the bejesus out of it.
I statred having feed problems with it as well as problems with the tables staying paralel to the cutter head.
I look at the book it came with and it is literally written in broken  chineese accented english.  UFB !!!!
Customer Service was nonexistant.
Bad problems with thier band saw and thier Ossilating spindle sander as well.
I got the planer straightend out after a lot of hassel and a couple of trips to a machine shop but I have a similar planer in a powermatic also.
I will never buy another asian made anything ever again.
I second the motion,  Made in America by Americans is a good thing.
I do like some of the German/Austrain made machines as well.
I will keep you posted on the Grizzly 5hp Tilt spindle shaper and the Grizzly edge sander,  so far I've had no issues.