Mini Max Jointer Planer Thoughts

[Rich Riddle]

One of the local woodworkers asked me about a Mini Max jointer planer (FS 35) because I have an older Inca jointer planer. Truth is I know nothing about the old one for sale but do think it's likely highly overpriced. Are these old units worth 2K?

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/tls/3501921013.html

[Erik Loza]

Looks pretty cherry to me. Appears to have the mortising unit, too, which is a bonus. You'd have to be OK with the American-style cutterhead (if your Inca has the Tersa head...) but you could always get a Byrd head if that was an issue. I don't get involved in used machine pricing but will say that I have seen FS35's more beat than that one sell for higher. Best of luck, whatever you decide to do.

Erik Loza
Minimax USA

[Peter Kelly]

Well it is in Excertiomally good condition...

[William C Rogers]

Rich

I bought the same model earlier this year for $750. It was originally listed for $900, but the owner had already purchased new Hammer and believe me it was a very small shop in a basement. Mine does not look as "exceptional" as that one and does not have the mortiser. It does look very good however and it was professionally repainted more to a powermatic gold color. Also about 6 weeks after the start capacitor went out and I went ahead and replaced the bearings for another $200. It has a 3 hp Baldor motor, so well worth fixing. So I have about $950 plus $75 in gas to get it. I feel mine is easily worth about $1500, but does not have the mortise attachment. If I was selling I would ask for $2000. The only mechanical negative I could find on these machines was the switch. Mine had been replaced with an industrial on-off switch. The on line manual will only give you the basics (about 4 or 5 pages), but it is not hard to figure out the adjustments. As mentioned above it does not have the Tersa knives. Mine did come with a MiniMax knife setting jig. I haven't had to change them yet as I have only run about 400 board feet and they are still sharp. I went from a 6 inch Delta 1 hp to this and what a difference. I am able to join and plane wide boards. I have a Dewalt 735 which I will keep for small things, but the planer is a lot faster on the MiniMax. Chip collection is good, but not excellent on the MiniMax. I am not sure on parts for these machines, but can't see much going wrong. If mine would have been listed for $2000 I would not have bought it, however I am very satisfied with mine and glad I did buy it.

So I would say the asking price is a fair starting place on the above machine because I have one know the capabilities and limitations. That's his asking price, but maybe not his selling price. I am guessing there would be a market for the mortiser if you didn't want that feature and could sell the attachment.

Bill

[Rich Riddle]

Well it is in Excertiomally good condition...

I thought Craigslist had spell check attached to it.