Woodmaster - finalizing my decision

[James Hendrix]

After doing a lot reading and researching on the posts, I am just about ready to purchase a Woodmaster. I have a good source for buying kiln dry unsurfaced lumber. Just want to make sure this purchase is going to be the solution I am looking for.

Besides planing the rough lumber, I need a solution to create a straight edge on the lumber. I was thinking I could use the gang rip feature (just using one of the blades to get the edge straight). Will this machine produce the straight edge without any issues.

I use to own the 2-speed Delta 13" planer. And although it would plane the rough boards, it was a very, very slow process. However, it left an excellent finish.

[Dave MacArthur]

Hi, please check the Phoenix Craig's List-- there is a guy selling "Wood business", turns out to be just a Woodmaster and two domain-names on the web. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/tls/618152621.html
$2900
Not affiliated, I just remember thinking of you buying one of these when I read his ad; it may help you sort out reasonable prices etc., or talk to a guy that went into biz and didn't succeed at it.
Good luck!

[Dick Strauss]

James,
I purchased some curly hard maple that couldn't be planed without tearout on a Delta 15" planer using fresh blades. Instead, I used a friend's Woodmaster to plane down several hundred bf of curly maple. I was very impressed with its capabilities. The variable speed worked like a charm and it never ran out of power.

My neighbor used his Woodmaster to make baseboard, chair, and crown molding for two houses. I don't know if my neighbor used the rip feature or not.

There is no reason I can think of that the ripping feature would have any issues. The machines have more than enough power to get through a 4/4 board and mill a profile at the same time.


Good luck,
Dick

[bob cohen]

This 26 inch woodmaster has been on and off cls for several months. He's dropped the price to 987 and is including a small bandsaw along with it.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/618161352.html

[James Hendrix]

This 26 inch woodmaster has been on and off cls for several months. He's dropped the price to 987 and is including a small bandsaw along with it.

I looked at that listing (I look at CL several times during the day) and thought I'd found a bargain - until I realized the Woodmaster is just the sander and not the 4-n-1 machine.

Dave - thanks for the link. Helps to see what the used machines are bringing.

Dick - I have not found any reason that the Woodmaster would not be able to produce a straight line edge on the boards, but just want to make sure.

[Joe Vee]

James,

I have owned a Woodmaster model 712 for several months. This thing is built like a tank. It does an excellent job as a planer, drum sander, it is molding making animal. I haven't used the gang saw yet, but, because the machines tolerances are very tight I can assure you, once the blades are set up you should have no problems. They have excellent customer service. When I purchased, they had no payments until July 2008. My brother-in-law has a woodmaster that he bought in the 1980 that he still uses almost daily. He make custom cabinets. The machines are made in the USA. Hope this helps

Joe

[James Hendrix]

James,

I have owned a Woodmaster model 712 for several months. This thing is built like a tank. It does an excellent job as a planer, drum sander, it is molding making animal. I haven't used the gang saw yet, but, because the machines tolerances are very tight I can assure you, once the blades are set up you should have no problems. They have excellent customer service. When I purchased, they had no payments until July 2008. My brother-in-law has a woodmaster that he bought in the 1980 that he still uses almost daily. He make custom cabinets. The machines are made in the USA. Hope this helps

Joe

Joe - thanks for your input. The machines are made in Kansas City - right where I'm at. I have heard very positive feedback in regards to their customer service. Now I need to decide if I should buy used or new.

Right now, they are having a refurb sale with decent pricing. Of course, they are always having some kind of sale. I have been on their mailing list for about 4 years and they are very persistent with their marketing.