An Overview of the CWI Scorpion 16" Helical Jointer/Planer - CWI-JP1604HC
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- Check out CWI: www.cwimachinery.com
Hey everyone! Thanks for watching. Now that I've used this combo machine for a few months I feel comfortable telling you what I think about it. If I missed anything, please leave your questions in the comments below or feel free to email me separately.
Website: www.parillaworks.com
Instagram: / parillaworks 
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🔥This looks like a beast of a machine!🔥 I think you're doing the right thing regards to evenly using your blades over time. It's these simple tips people brush over and dont often share with others. You've sold me on this, I'll get saving now! Thanks for doing this video, it's much appreciated!
Thank you David! Glad to hear.
That’s a great looking machine. Thanks for the thorough overview.
Thanks for the reply. I’m looking forward to my machine.
Thanks so much for your information packed review. I just set up my new 12" CWI JP. It looks great and is very quiet. I did have to add washers to the fence support brackets to get it to 90 degrees. Your review helped me make the decision to purchase. CWI service was great. Thanks Cole and Rui! Now I'll run my first board through. :)
Hi Paul! Glad to hear I could help! I'm still happy with mine and its been over a year. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the overview... I've been debating pulling the trigger on one of these but I've been having a hard time finding any info on them.
That’s a nice looking machine you got there John! Thanks for taking the time talking about it! I’m looking for a 16” one! 😁
Thanks for watching Bill!
Finally.....Someone who can do a proper review. Thank you.
these jointer/planer combo are great. Yours is a true beast 16 inches is a lot!!
glad to see these type of machines are getting common also in US
cheers
They're a great space saver!
I John... nice video, as always... thks fot sharing your experiences
Glad to see that you’re enjoying the machine; it’s unfortunate that people tend to equate honest/sponsored with somewhat biased. But you gotta keep the lights on.
Thanks for the comment ScubaDude.
I just received this machine. Will use it for the first time very soon. Had to wait a little bit to get the 230v line run. Can't wait!
Let me know how you like it!!
That is a beautiful tool. Nice thorough review. -Fellow South Floridian.
Thank you Rick!
Thanks for a very helpful review. I am interested in knowing how big the footprint is, especially the width, since I am looking at a tight space.
Awesome video Parilla
nice to see a home based company selling worldwide, very nice machine i get most of my stuff from them
already paid for mine still waiting , hopefully this week. 60 mi north of wpg watched another vid and the guy made shorter gaurds out of wood that you can use when you want to move the guide farther over for edge jointing then you dont have the long gaurd sticking out in the way. he made two different sizes.
After a lot of research, I pulled the plug. Funny thing is, shipping to Hawaii from Canada was cheaper then Grizzly would cost to Hawaii. My thoughts, it came slightly out of square, but I have gotten it down to about .005 inch along the whole bed. I have run Monkey Pod wood, 14 inches wide with NO resistance, I do light passes and have been pleasantly surprised. Customer support has been amazing, responses within 24 hours via email. The manual is less than stellar, but they have told me they are revamping the manual as we spoke. I use a 2hp dust collector, and have no dust in jointer mode, but as he said, you will get minimal debris in planer mode. Overall the build appears to be better than i expected. I will update as time passes.
Overall I would buy this item again, and yes, go 16 if you can!
That's great to hear!! I'm still happy with mine over a year later. It's handles 15.5" walnut panels with ease.
Thanks, nice review
Great explanation.
I was completely on board with this until you said planing and jointing were one of your favorite things to do in the shop haha. I personally can't stand it. Maybe if I upgrade from a 6" jointer and a lunchbox planer I would feel the same way. Great review!
Lol thanks Drew! I should've said just jointing to be honest. Planing can be boring. I equate jointing to putting that first coat of finish on a piece so if you view it from that perspective it can be pretty fun.
Looking for this machine down the road. Are the cutters a standard size? I don't seem to see replacements on their website.
I'm grateful to you John. I watched your video which influenced me to order the 16" Scorpion last April and it finally arrived this week. Interestingly mine is black in color otherwise it looks just like yours. For the life of me I can't figure out how to calibrate the Digital Readout so it tells me the distance between the planer bed and the cutter head. How do you accomplish that?
Hey Brent. Hope the jointer is working well for you so far. The black color sounds cool! As far as the DRO, I've never really relied on it. I like to use dial calipers for everything. I do recall talking with support and they were a bit unsure about zeroing the DRO. I would give them a call and see if anything has changed.
Is the planer single speed? How is the finish with the carbide knives? I have an old Laguna/Robland 12" Jointer/Planer with 3 steel knives and never cared for the finish in planer mode - too much tearout, especially on any wood with figure or funky grain. I went with a DeWalt 2 speed planer and upgraded to Shelix cutters - much better finish on low speed for figured wood. Now thinking I should have just upgraded the head on my Robland, but the Shelix head for that is almost a grand.. ugh. Nice they put a digital readout on it - did that to my DeWalt as well - very handy. Appreciate your channel!
The planer is single speed so you won't be able to slow it down on figured stuff. But with this cutterhead seems to handle everything pretty well at the speed the rollers feed the material through. Thanks for watching Lawrence.
Interesting! This is the same machine as JET JJP-12HH, just wider (same factory in China). I recently bought european variant. Table rising mechanism on those is a little disappointing as it has tendency to move the front side of the table first and the tables are no longer coplanar after that. Soo when I want to lower the tables I always move them down a little more than I need and then rise them slightly. Overall I'm happy with the performance so far.
I’ve been happy with the machine as well. This definitely looks similar to the Jet which seems to get good reviews. The 16” capacity has been awesome to have.
awesome!
For transportation purposes, how hard would it be to remove the bed?
You likely will never wear those cutters out, in my experience, you can just rotate them 90 degrees for a fresh edge. Awesome machine and I would love one!
Good point!
Good review! How close to the wall can this be positioned?
Thanks! I’m not sure the best way to describe this but there’s about 12” of dead space between the wall and back of the machine. From the wall to the front of the machine is about 38-40”. Let me know if you have any other questions, happy to help.
Hey John, thanks for taking the time and effort to put together this review. I am wondering if the jointer tables stay calibrated or do you only feel confident using it if you check every time?
The tables don’t require any adjustment. Occasionally I’ll have to adjust the fence but that’s a pretty simple fix each time it’s needed.
@@parillaworks Nice that is good to hear. The jointer has hiked in price pretty substantially from when you bought it but given it's the only 16 inch I can find I am really tempted to buy it. I just wonder if you can swap out the digital switch for a standard one if it breaks.
How are you liking the machine now? Any issues?
Still enjoying this puppy? Would not mind to watch a year in review review on this machine :)
I am waiting for one to come in april! Can you tell me what outlet it requires? 6-20, 6-30, 14-30? and does it come with a plug?
Nice! It did come with a plug as far as I remember. And it is a 6-15. Shaped like this: ( - . - ) 🤣
I'm curious as to how you like this one year on... Any annoyances or things you'd change? I have an eye on the 12" model... It's a full grand cheaper than the rikon 12" in Canada and I'm wondering where that much cost has been saved... Whether it's all import fees or something else! So I'm interested to hear how you like this machine... Would also like to know if you're using any other CWI machines!
This is my only CWI machine so far. I’m still quite happy with the jointer/planer. It’s handled everything from 15 wide panels to small box parts. The fence typically stays square even after swapping back and forth. The carbide cutters leave a great finish. If I had to guess why it’s cheaper than the alternatives, I would guess the beds aren’t quite as heavy duty as something like a Hammer machine. It hasn’t caused me any issues, that’s just a nitpick if I’m searching for one. Changing over isn’t too tedious and is negated because now I have a 16” jointer, which is great! Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks.
Did you compare it to the Hammer or Jet combo that seems to gaining popularity?
I haven't used either of those brands but I will say it seems there a variety of similarities. I've heard good things about them and would add CWI's Scorpion to the list for sure.
How well does the built in mobile base work? I would need to constantly move this around.
It works fine but I would not depend on it if you have to move the machine daily or multiple times a day. It’s just not meant for that. I would plop it on an industrial mobile base that allows movement in all directions.
Still enjoying it? I hope so... Recently bought the 16". Waiting for it to arrive.
Yup it’s doing a good job still. Just finishing up a big walnut cabinet that put the machine to the test!
@@parillaworks Mine still hasn't come... Delays after delays. Would you mind telling me the depth of the unit? CWI doesn't seem to have that measurement...
@@BlakePizzey I would say it’s a little under 40” total.
Thanks for the video. Does this run on a normal 220v breaker?
Yup, it's a normal 220v breaker. I can't remember the amperage off the top of my head but I guess something like 30amp?
@@parillaworks I've read on Fine Woodworking Magazine that helical heads will increase the amperage significantly. A retrofit helical head on a bench top planer was around 25. I would be generous with my recommendations with a bigger machine to be safe.
Just ordered one today! I have a 220v/30 amp circuit in the garage but only run one big tool at a time. Can't wait for it to get here!
Hi Do you still like the scorpion jointer/planer? Also, how did you get it off the pallet? This is an excellent video. Thank you. Mike
Hey Michael. It’s still solid. I had to replace the drive belt but it’s done well otherwise. I was alone so getting it off the pallet was a chore. Mine was actually on 2 pallets which was crazy. I made a little ramp and just slowly inched it down hoping for the best lol.
Finally a north american machine that i can use in metric!
Thanks for the review. Can you or anyone else here speak to the quality of customer service offered by CWI? The few discussions I’ve found online provide mixed to not so great feedback re: communication and service. Thank you!
Hi Dane. Fortunately, I haven’t had to get in contact with them since I received the machine. That said, working with them over email seemed to work out fine. I can’t speak to much more than that. Good luck!
I have a down payment on one of these and I'm wondering if you would buy it again...I like the review. Any updates?
It’s serving me well still! I think it’s the best value for a 16” machine. If you have no budget then of course you look at something like Felder. But I’ve been very happy with the machine.
Do you find there's any issues with snipe or feeding stock through the planer with such a short bed?
Thanks in advance for both the great review and your answers. It's not easy to find info on these machines in terms of a full review.
From time to time I'll get some snipe when planing. It's hard to predict when it'll happen because it'll happen on shot pieces too, which wouldn't be a function of the short bed. Personally, I use the drum sander as my last milling stage so snipe doesn't bother me a ton. But I've found that a light finishing pass through the planer can combat most of the snipe.
How is the snipe? This looks really similar to the Jet combo model. Wonder if it is made in the same factory?
I've gotten some snipe here and there. I typically notice a shallow finishing pass prevents this or I'll finish the piece at the drum sander.
I spoke with them a few months back and they said it was made in the same factory as Jet. I like Jet's customer service but they don't offer the 16" version so CWI looks attractive even after the new tarriffs.
@@bammortgage Also, depending where you live, Jet doesn't sell to Canada, but obviously CWI does being manufactured in Winnipeg. It is a nice option for those of us who live up North.
@@parillaworks Just bought this machine. Hopefully being delivered in the next few months. Thanks again for the recommendation.
When you installed was it difficult to get in set up correctly? I have seen on some videos with other machines they had difficulty getting them dialed in. Thanks
The hardest part was getting it off the pallet! It was pretty dialed in right off the bat but if I remember correctly there may have been a little bit of jointer snipe. To fix that you need to mess with the outfeed table which is usually fixed. There are some set screws under the bed that need to be loosened so you can move the bed up or down. Other than that, it was pretty accurate.
@@parillaworks Thank you for your reply. One last thing I forgo to ask. Is there a mobility kit that can be purchased? Or by chance do you know if the mobility kit sold by Rockler will work? Thanks again for your assistance and the video very informative and straight to the point. I did not even know about this planer/jointer till I came across your video.
It came with a mobility kit which consists of 2 wheels and a steering bar. The bar lifts up one side of the machine and allows the wheels to work. But it isn’t a true mobility kit; it takes a little effort to move it around. I’m sure the machine would fit in one of the universal kits though.
@@parillaworks Thank you very much for your responses. Greatly appreciated
This is a well-spoken, organized review of an interesting beastly machine. I recently approached the CWI folks, but they quoted a US cost that's about the same as the Canadian cost - given the exchange rate difference that's 25% higher for an American buyer. The explanation was not altogether satisfying - Trump tariff, shipping, customs, ... I agree that it's an attractive machine, but the cost is considerable. Did you drive it back from Canada or ??? Any new thoughts or issues since May?
Hi David. Thanks for watching. I’m still happy with the machine. I recently ran a 15.5” wide walnut panel over it without issue. Pretty fun to use when you’ve been used a 6” jointer. As to the pricing, I don’t know much of the intricacies. I think it’s still well priced for what you get especially considering the narrow segment it competes in. If you have any other questions please let me know!
What was the price?
It's around $5,000 plus any applicable freight costs.
Seeing as this video is about a year old, Are you still happy with the machine? I have an 8" Jointer with straight knives and a Lunch box planer. I was considering spending 500-600$ upgrading my jointer to a helical head and waiting for the right 15" planer to come up used but at 5200$ CAD (I'm in Canada), I am debating just selling both my planer and Jointer and getting this machine. I have space for a Jointer and a Planer separately but the 16" jointing capacity is really nice. Plus at this price, its almost the same as a standalone Laguna 16" Planer with helical head brand new.
Hi Andrew. I’m still happy with the machine almost 2 years later. Wow that went by fast! The 16” capacity is awesome. I’ve jointer 15” wide panels with ease. The beds aren’t as long as a dedicated jointer would be but I generally haven’t had any issue with them. If I had the space I would get separate machines but with the space savings and cost savings were hard to pass up.
Thanks for the response. Your video has sold quite a few of these machines for them I'm sure lol.
Its hard to find much information on it vs the Hammer. Considering I do this as a hobby, this will fit the bill for almost everything I would ever need and some. Plus I'll trade the planer spot for a drum sander in the shop down the road lol. Thanks again, Andrew
How are you still liking the machine . Thinking of buying one
It’s doing well. Rotated the cutters once so far and still cutting well.
Curious now that you've had the machine going on almost two years what your thoughts are on it now? Worth the investment? Quality hold up?
I’ve been pretty pleased with its performance. It’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it from small parts to 15” wide panels. Quality seems to be there; no complaints.
@@parillaworks John thank you very much glad to hear it. This machine is certainly on my short list.
Have you ever measured the sound level? The CWI spec sheet doesn't include that. I've reached an age where noise dust are big factors in shop equipment selection.
Hi Michael. I haven’t measured the sound level. It’s definitely not a quiet machine, though I’m not sure of any jointers/planers this big that would be.
12:26 and 12:27 - the bottom table flexes a bit both when the wood hits the infeed roller, and then again when it hits the outfeed roller, how bad is the snipe?
There’s a little bit of snipe from time to time. There’s ways to combat it depending on the size of the piece. I also run everything through my drum sander which helps get rid of the snipe.
Yeah all planers have it to some degree. I was just curious as to how much snipe there is on your particular model, without using any tricks. I assume locking the height after setting it would stiffen things up a little at least.
I haven't measured the length or "depth" of the snipe but it seems on par with my old Dewalt 735. I don't always lock the table but typically try to when nearing my final passes. It seems to help some.
Thanks. Maybe some day some brand will try using some sort of lockable linear guides instead and spring loaded rollers that move a little instead of the table. There's gotta be a more rigid way to build it.
to say this fence maintains square is mistaken. you can easily see it pivot up and down when you engage and disengage the turn knobs. also, the planer bed moves when you passing that board through. i am surprised nobody has commented on this. or perhaps they have. im looking at alternatives to scm and laguna, and cwi seems good for their pricing and features, but i care most about proper function.
I think if you look closely, it's the whole machine that was rocking probably because the floor was uneven. It doesn't appear to have any adjustable feet.
How is the snipe on the planner
Hey Norm. The snipe is moderate and somewhat unpredictable. I think it's more prevalent on long boards but it can happen on other sizes as well. Often times I'll run stock through the drum sander anyway so it isn't a huge deal for me.
How flat is the jointer bed?
It’s not something I’ve tested specifically. But it seems to be flat enough and yields great results.
$?
I went on the CWI website twice and requested information. No one ever emailed or attempted to call me back with on availability of this machine. Also tried to call but did not get a live person on the phone. Maybe I should try again and just bad timing. Or more difficult to get help for U.S customers
Hey Robert. I’m sorry to hear about the lack of communication on CWIs end. Shoot me an email and I’ll send you the contact info of the gentleman I worked with to buy this machine. Thanks!
Whaaaat? This is a Canadian channel? 😉
Ha!! :)
Seriously though. That’s an awesome piece of machinery! I have limited room in my garage and looks to be perfect. Looking forward to seeing you use it more often. Thanks for all you do!
Did you have to pay customs on that?
Hey Jesse. I can't remember exactly. It may have been mixed in with the shipping cost. This was back in 2019 so things may have changed since.
@@parillaworks Makes sense, thanks. I have a deposit in for one of these machines, seems like the waiting list is fairly long. Are you still happy with yours?
Yup I’m still happy with it. It’s been almost 3 years and I just rotated the cutters for the first time. The cut quality is back to being like the day I received the machine.
Made in Canada you say?
Well it’s sold from Canada. I believe it’s made overseas somewhere, not 100% sure where though.
That's the same Jet machine made in China, not Canada. It doesn't look too bad. Not as nice as Felder from Austria with Silent Power cutter block.
LOL traditional pork chop style
I’m seriously considering this 16” jointer / planer combo. I’m from Toronto, and I’m trying to do my serious little hobby in a 1 car garage. The price is just right at 5200 CDN , just don’t have the 220 power . I wonder how much shipping would cost
My quick check indicated that the machine sells for abou $5,000. USD. I lost interest the moment that I saw the price. I will continue to live with what I have.
Thanks for the somewhat unbiased (at least until CWI starts sponsoring your channel...) review on this combo jointer/planer. I can see why your overall impression is positive.
Having been a proponent of bridge guards since 2015 (see my RUclips video where I discuss the one I had made for my vintage Wadkin 16" jointer: ruclips.net/video/4DPdTNGxVMY/видео.html).
One suggestion to help even out the wear of your knives when jointing is to move your fence towards the operator side instead of always leaving it at its widest position. In fact, you could move it so as to leave just enough space for the jointing operation you're doing at that time. This will enhance safety because if leaves less of an open space.
One other advantage of a bridge guard that you haven't yet caught onto, but will as time moves along, is the ability to skew the stock you're jointing across the full face of the cutterhead, evening out wear and tear, but enhancing the cutting operation because of the skew. Yes, I understand that each of the knives are all set on a skew (at least I am assuming they are on your machine), but increasing that skew angle will improve cutting even that much more - especially on highly figured stock.
Hope this helps, and welcome to the wide bed jointer and bridge guard club!
Thanks for watching Marty. I will say I'm still pleased with the machine. It's handles some 15" wide panels without issue. I appreciate the tips as well as the link to your video. That's a beautiful jointer! Using the guard has gotten easier and become more natural. The only time I don't like it is when I'm jointing thin stock; just tough to keep pressure on the piece as I'm moving past the guard.
@@parillaworks So in the case of thinner stock, do you just back the guard off to just over the width of the stock and use pushblocks? I don't see how to keep a thin board that will bend or chatter staying flush against the bed without pressure on the wood near the cutter. Another thought I considered is if you had a piece of perfectly flat stock, say 2" thick (call it 'push stock') and wider than your stock being jointed, you could put it on top (creating a sandwich with the stock being jointed between the bed and the push stock on top) and then use the guard as designed. Maybe even gluing sandpaper on one side of the push stock to make sure it doesn't slide. Thoughts?
Honestly, jointers are the one machine that kinda freaks me out in terms of safety and I hate the idea of having the cutter exposed for any type of operation. I'm looking to upgrade in a couple months.
@@petertzagarakis8739 Great question. The euro guard definitely has some drawbacks but overall its pretty solid. I would say anything under 1/2" thick gets pushed through with push block and the guard out of the way. Like you said, I'll move the fence as close as I can to minimize expose cutters and run the piece through. I also do this with a really light pass, taking minimal material off each time to make it easier to push through.
Why am I watching commercials within a commercial
Too many damn commercials every 3 minutes. Can’t focus on what you saying