ITECH 260S Spiral Planer Thicknesser Initial Thoughts, Setup and Test Review
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- I think at the time of publishing, this is the first customer review of this machine so will hopefully prove useful to some. Please find specs and Scott & Sargeant's (UK's ITECH dealer) links below including their set up overview.
I've no affiliation with Scott & Sargeant or ITECH and this machine was bought with my own money.
Scott & Sargeant "How To Adjust Surface Planer Tables" video: • iTECH Spiral Planer 26...
ITECH 260S from Scott & Sargeant: www.scosarg.co...
Machine Spec:
Planing width 250 mm
Table length 1050 mm
Thicknessing capacity 180 mm
Cutter block dia 75 mm
Cutter block type Spiral
Cutter block speed 4000 rpm
Feed speed 4.8 m/min
Motor 2.0 kw 230v 1ph 16a
Fence size xx x xx mm
Dust Connection 100 mm
Weight 176 kg
Overall Dimensions 1050 x 650 x mm
Model No : C2-260S
Thicknessing table size : 600 x 250mm
Feeding block diameter : 32mm
Cutting knives : Spiral (15 x 15 x 2.5mm tip TA104118) qty 63
Maximum cutting depth : 3mm
Packing size : 1,150x640x950mm
Net/gross weight : 176/ 214kgs
size of base : 570x435mm.
Follow me on Instagram here: / bischbasch
Should've seen this video sooner. I got the same machine, only it says Bernardo AD260S. The only difference is the spiral block. Mine's a lot simpeler, with less blades, and not skewed. Bought it second hand (2 years old), with no manual or accessories. Spent a lot of time looking for the adjustment of the infeed table on the backside. No complaints however, fantastic machine, with great results. I do have the 400v version. Thx for the review!
Cheers. Yeah, I'm Pretty sure a lot of machines (bandsaws, table saws, and planers) at entry level like these, are the same basic machines from the same factory. Just the odd change here and there to a brands spec.🤷♂️ Decent for a small workshop though. 👍
Definitely the most informative and amusing thicknesser review I have seen.....I'm getting some of that wax for my hair!
😂 Cheers. I've heard it's also a pretty good beard pomade.👌
Great review and enjoyed the humour very much!
😁 Cheers Kieth mate.
You sir are the god of reviews many thanks 👍🏻🇬🇧
😁 Thank you man!
Well i waited about six months for mine to arrive just before Christmas 2020 ,ordered after a lot of research much like yourself i came to the same conclusions . Its a great machine well made and finished like you said it will need some set up ,my tables were spot on but i needed to sort out the feed roller height in relation to the cutter block not hard but takes time to get right . After a years of light use im still smiling every time i use it . Great video review which i could not have done better . A sound investment i would recommend amnd the guy's at Scott&Sargent where a joy to do business with , Dave the delivery driver was a very helpful as well .
Wow, that was a long weight. 4 weeks for mine I think. One of the tensioners for the infeed wasn't even in place on mine! I the the reason it dropped out was it needs to be backed off almost completely not to leave marks.🤷♂️ Still, couple days or so tinkering and it ran great - and does still. Honestly, I would be preferred a 12" machine but just don't have the room. This is a great compact "proper" PT though. Quiet and I love the ease of swap over.👍
Yes that's much the same as mine leaving marks ,delivery was affected by covid and brexit and the fact it got transshiped in Holland on the last leg .
Thanks a lot for making this video! Great review and humor! After a few months, still happy with it? It still seems to be the best offering at this price range...
Thanks mate. Yeah, I'm pretty happy with it. The fact it has a spiral block and the easiest swap between functions at this price range, it's a good buy I think. One small niggle after having it for a while is the tension screws for the infeed roller on the thicknesser. I have them backed off to the point there's barely a whole thread turn keeping them in place. This is the only way I can get it to not leave marks on softer woods like the white beech I use often. Works fine this way but I feel the need to periodically check the tension screws are still in place. I keep meaning to contact Scott and sergeant at some point to see if I can adjust the relationship between cutter and infeed. Can't find and obvious way to do it. 🤷♂️
I can't remember where I heard this suggestion but to make budgeting for cutters easier each time you need to turn the cutters buy one rows worth of new inserts and change out 1 row completely (Mark the dull edge) this leaves you with a supply of part worn cutters to replace any chipped inserts.
That's a pretty good idea bud. They're sold in 10 packs...at S&G anyway. Figured I'd buy a pack or 2 each turn as I've seen vids of people struggling to undo some, resorting to breaking the blade off to free the screw. Now I've got 2 reasons! 👍
Fantastic review. 👍🏽🙏🏼👏🏼
Thank you!
Great review. I’m not sure anyone could improve on that👍
Thanks very much!
I was looking for a planer thicknesser recently ended up going for the Metabo as it has a brushless motor and is semi cast iron, at £650 and a long wait for stock to come in and it works well for me I did look at the axminster but did not have room in my garage for that.
The Metabo is unbelievable value really. Best equipped machine at The price point I think. Space is tight in my garage too. Everything has wheels though which helps.👍
@@BischBaschBosch also good with resharpenable blades
Nice review. Like the bit around peak load trip and Jedi powers of course. Dust Spares for hoses. Good quality and made in U.K. at competitive price.
You need a bit of machine wax action (stuff works and help keeps rust at bay 😁)
Cheers Doug mate. Already got a bit if pu hose waiting for me ( and a couple bandsaw blades) at the local dealers who sold me the extractor. Just gotta pull my finger out and get em! The silly bit in the middle of the vid about the Axminster deodorant...that's machine wax😉👍 Don't know about you but I give my saw blades a buff with it too. Seems to work pretty good.
@@BischBaschBosch the better 3/4ers takes the piss about polishing tools, keeps me amused
@@dougsaunders8109 😂😂 Yeah I often get it in the neck for that. 🤷♂️
Only machines manufactured in UK are sedgewick. The Hitech machines I have ( dust extractor) made in China. I did enquire about a planer and was informed of a 12 week waite from Chinese factory.
Great video, thanks for doing it. I couldn't catch the name of the other reviewer of the Axminster machine "Woodgrasser" as I would like to see that please?
Thanks mate. The other guy I mentioned was woodgrafter. Pretty thorough over several videos I think. Not sure but I think the axminster has changed since.
Cool I've been looking at this one!
Nice. Once dialed in, it's a great little machine. I especially like the quick swap between planing and thicknessing. If there's anything I missed in the video you wanted to know, just ask me here bud and I'll do my best to answer.
@@BischBaschBosch thank you that's great, do you think it would be much of an upgrade from the metabo hc260c?
@@samrix5793 Honestly Sam, without having used the Metabo, I couldn't say. What I could say for certain is that the ITECH would be quieter. Easier to swap between planing and thicknessing and that I think the spiral blocks are very good on difficut wood. All the planer thicknessers I've used before have been 3 phase industrial machines and, although mine obviously lacks the capacity and power of those, the spiral block makes the finish on this humble by comparison machine, at least equal to that from those machines costing many thousands ££ - if you don't do too deep a pass! As always, only you can judge whether a new investment is worth it or not really.
Brilliant review. I’ve been thinking of upgrading from my Inca 260, which I love but the transition between modes is a bit fussy. I really like the quietness of the spiral block too, and it being easier on the extractor in terms of chip size. Thanks for these videos. You’ve got a great manner and turn of phrase. I really enjoyed your Bauhaus chair one too, impeccable.
Very Kind, thanks Mark. Appreciate that.👍
Very interesting and informative review. I am new to woodworking and I have been looking to purchase one but not at this price point. I am torn between the HC260C and AXMINSTER CRAFT AC250PT. Do you think that it is worth the extra £350 and go for the AXMINSTER CRAFT AC250PT? Thanks
Thanks Mahmood. Well, in terms of capacity and bang for your buck, Metabo's HC260C is hard to beat. It also has the advantage of being a compact machine if space is tight. In fact, with it not having a floor standing cabinet, you have the option of making your own base for it with storage below. It does have a universal motor (albeit brushless) though which will be noisier than machines like the Axminster with induction motors. Also only has 2 cutters. The Axminster is a budget "proper" planer thicknesser. Cast iron beds, proper piston lift for the thicknesser and 3 blades on the cutter (something standard on higher end machines). A lot of the architecture on the Axminster AC250 is actually the same as most £1000-2000 machines. I suspect they're for the most part coming out of the same factory just with a catalogue of options for brands to choose from. The lift gear for the thicknesser on the axminster is the same as mine, as are the rollers for example. As they are on the "Trade" versions of the 250/260's.
I have to say, I've not used either machine but whilst there's nothing wrong with the Metabo, many people swear by it especially at it's price point, I would hazard that you'd be happier for longer with the Axminster. They're both budget machines with obvious compromises but the axminster has a few details making it a little more serious.
Worth considering that the Axminster has an odd table lift arrangement when swapping to thickness mode. The tables swing out/up to the front of the machine. Hardly a deal breaker but just a bit weird.
When looking at budget machines, it's not really about which ones best so much as which one has the compromises you can live with for the money.
Thanks for the very detailed response. Much appreciated. A few things to ponder now. As you mentioned sapce is also a consideration. I have a very basic dust extraction system so will need to factor this in the setup.I am leaning towards Axminster.
@@BischBaschBosch Thanks for the review of this itech - very helpful. I'm also weighing up going for the iTech versus something cheaper like the Metabo. Do note that Metabo do list the HC260C as having an induction motor on their website (which as you say, is really important to have one with an induction motor!)
hi. Thak you for the review on the machine! Thats the best bit of information i managed to find on the whole web! i am debating between this machine and axm 260 trade... which acording to some forums is a lot better. what puts me off is removal of fance to change planing mode... so itech is winning... whats your feedback after a year of owning this piece of gear? my machine will mainly be used for manufacture of solid wood tables tops ect ... would love the wider bed , but the cost are huge on itech for next model up so might have to settle on 260
Thank you mate. All those people saying the axminster is a lot better ...I wonder, have they actually tried both? That said, the comparable axminster machine is now nearly £600 more and does have some improved features. Mostly cosmetic though - better finished levers, wheels etc. It's feed rate is (and always has been) a bit better than the Itech. As is/has been the fence. It's a nice looking entry level machine. I was at the time of purchase - and still am - happy to forego the better fence, feed rate and cosmetic niceties for the ease of swap over on the Itech. For me, that's a constantly used feature and so matters. I rarely adjust the fence so that the adjustment is a bit rubbish on the Itech, I'm not bothered by. Always some compromise at this price level. Despite the Itech wearing it's budget compromises on its sleeve, it's proved a good enough workhorse so far. For most of us, even these entry level machines represent a not insignificant investment so you're wise to gather all the info you can👍
@@BischBaschBosch thank you for prompt reply. Ease of change is the biggest factor for me , wouldnt want to spend to much time on adjustments every time i mill lumber ...as per feeds ect , i am not bothered , its not for heavy comercial use. Quite like the offer now from S@S , for 2.3k with extractor and base ... so probably going to buy this ...and funny enough i was going to get Axminster until i watched your video ;P. Thanks again ! review from profesional are rare and valued...most of the YT woodworker prise manufacturers that pay them for doing so ....
@@huntermedea8536 I think with either machine, a bit of time spent setting up, and you'd be happy with either. Good luck mate, whichever you decide on👍
Just got mine and found your excellent video making up for a lacking manual. Wondering if you need to do any setup for the thicknesser bed or is that always true?
On the datum out feed mine is I think opposite to yours as it is moving the rule 8mm. Have not quite figured out how to use the two bolts by the pins. S&S video is a little confusing in explaining the relationship between Allen bolt and hex nut.
Thanks mate. So, on mine, once I had the top surfaces in planar, I planed one side ready to thickness (a full width 240mm piece). When thicknessed, I checked all sides of the wood with vernier. All 4 sides were within a 10th mm so I was happy enough. Just had to adjust the "digital" scale slightly for correct thickness. If it's off - as in one side of a thicknessed piece is noticeably thicker than the other, I think the only avenue for adjustment would be the cutter block itself. I haven't looked into doing that but can't see that being any fun at all if it needed it!
If your rules moving 8mn, you need to try and raise the outfeed. Hinge side (where the pins are) you've got a nut inside and 2 outside. Slacken them all and try and push the bed up, then tighten, inside nut nearest the block first. Very minimal adjustment due to the pins but, if you need more height, it might be necessary to either grind a pin off (nearest to block) or slightly widen it's hole if you have a capable drill/bits (plenty of lube!). Took me a good 2 1/2 fill days to get mine where I was happy. Any difficulty though, I'd say try and get on to S&S for technical help.
Did you menage to get them aligned in the end? I have the same issue with mine. When i remove one pin, it moves but is really difficult to set it properly sjnce those camshafts have a lot of play. Mine had tables removed from the machine so now i am struggling to set them back correctly.
Nice video, thanks for sharing. How did you get the machine off its pallet and onto the trolley? We need more details than 'Jedi powers'!
I've been thinking about a machine of this size, but am struggling to imagine how to get it onto a set of wheels....
Ha! Cheers Nick. "Jedi powers" my sarcastic way of hiding the struggle. It essentially comes on 2 pallets. 1 ply one and one Euro pallet. I made a ramp using 2 bits of 2by3. One end screwed to the pallets, the other resting on my dolly. I lay some ply on the dolly so the machine could slide onto it too. I took the back cover off the machine so I Could grab the body. The rest was brute force. If I had any, I'd have probably called a mate to help!😁
I've noticed most of the machines are the same, except for Sedgwick. Why don't companies make their own equipment? These iTech's seem very cheap for a spiral cutter. Very tempting when you think the Craft machine from axminster is only a bit less. Good info btw.
I was very close to getting the baby Sedgwick (store demo machine with some use so reduced to about £2500). I was just keen to try a spiral block for my patterned table tops (cross grains etc). What sealed the deal for me with the Itech was the swap over from planer to thicknesser. Super easy, both tables lift as one. But yeah, other than the block and table joining, it is identical to almost all other £1000 - £2000 cabinet machines. Like I say I think they all come from the same Chinese factory which have a catalogue of parts companies can choose from for target price bracket or personalisation.
I think this is for a couple of reasons. For some companies, those that make hand power tools mostly say, it's because they want a PT in their range but can't justify the tooling. For those manufacturers who make large machines - like Itech funny enough - going for a generic for their baby PT makes financial sense. Maybe just adding their own tweak here and there.
I'm pretty happy with the Itech all told. I do maybe have a slight niggle that I should have stumped the little extra for the Sedgwick but 🤷♂️
Excellent review, I am looking to get one myself soon. With regard to powering it where did you get the socket? Is it just a simple case of switching a standard double socket to the one that you're using? Thanks
Cheers David. Can't remember where I got the 16A double female socket now. Plenty of options online though. Yes, straight swap for the standard 3 pin domestic double socket. Do try and run the 16A sockets off a C16 fuse on the consumer unit rather than a domestic B16. Again, it's just a straight swap, just gives more headroom for power peaks on machine start up. Get a sparky in to do that for you if you're not sure of course.👍
Great review, thanks.
Is this effectively the same as Axminsters 260 model?
Cheers. Very similar to their new AW2260 (the new "workshop" model). Same fence. Similar body and power. Both beds raise together etc. The Itech has a much better spiral cutter block though, having some 50+ cutters rather than the 24 on the axminster.
@@BischBaschBosch Ahh ok, good to know. Thanks for the info!
Thanks for such a thorough review. This is similar to the Axminster AW2260S but am concerned that the axi has much less carbide knives 24, as opposed to 66 on this machine. Any thoughts and advice is highly appreciated.
Cheers Robert. Yeah, the base of most of these £1000 - 2000 machines come out the same factory I imagine. All much the same. Looks like Axminster have changed their range a bit since I did this video. At the time, the model that was comparable to mine is what they're now selling as the £2500 professional one. The "workshop" one you mention with the 24 cutters is a new product/package. I honestly couldn't tell you how it'd perform compared to the professional or mine with 66 cutters and a 1000rpm higher speed. The more accute row angle probably makes up the difference. There are a handful of industrial planer thicknessers that use 24 cutters so the theory is sound. Cost cutting on the axminster though I think. I'd be as curious as you to see how it performed.🤷♂️
Thanks for the review. Do you know if there are any good separate planer and thickness machines for the hobbyist in the UK? I now axminster used to do one but no more.
Not really mate, outside of industrial machines. Your best bet is looking for decent used machines. The old axminster trade spiral head thicknesser was apparently quite good. Jet did a couple of decent surface planers, but quite narrow at 6 and 8 inch. If you have room, you'd be better off looking for old 230v industrial machines I think. I guess the combination machines proved more popular in the UK as space is tight for most hobbyists.🤷♂️
how "thick" is the cutterhead? like 100mm 72mm etc
75mm diameter. 66 knives.👍
Love the in depth review , it’s just the level of detail I wish all reviewers go to. After a year of use, is there any issues you have found with it? I’m heavily considering getting one too, in my tight workshop, on a rolling base as you have. Any advice, if you were to buy again would be greatly appreciated, say if you had it knicked but by some miracle insurance give the cash you paid.
Thanks Tom. After a year or so use, i don't really think about it much - which is a good thing. It just does the job. I probably should give it a service though.
If I have any niggles, one I mentioned in the video: I don't like the fence angle adjustment. Common type at this price though. I hate the colour, but that's been changed to grey on new ones. Lastly, something else I mentioned in the video - the tension spring bolt for the infeed roller. On mine, to have it loose enough that it grips but doesn't mar the work, it's literally on by a thread. Any looser, it'll drop out! I'll look at it again when I service it to see if something can be done. Longer piece of threaded bar perhaps. Minor niggles really. Works fine day to day. Still haven't needed to rotate the blades yet either!👍
Hi. Great review. Can I just ask, are you still happy with this machine? I’m torn between this one and the Axminster AP260SPT. They seem very similar apart from the itech being easier to switch between thickness and planer.
Thanks. Yeah, I'm pretty happy with it. The ease of swap over is why I chose this machine over the axminster. I can't directly compare the two but it does look like the axminster has a better (and longer) fence. Mine stays at 90 degrees all the time so I'm not bothered but could be worth considering if you wanted to plane bevels. My only regret is not buying - or having room for - a machine with wider beds. Both the itech and the axminster seem decent entry level spiral machines really.
@@BischBaschBosch thanks for the response. Something to mull over the weekend. Both look to be good machines. Availability will probably be the deciding factor.
Could you do a video on how to set the thicknesser?
So the dial indicator is accurate?
Hi. By dial indicator I assume you mean the digital readout behind the hand wheel to adjust accuracy for depth? I may do. I've had a few questions so may address them together. In the meantime, there's a little cover behind the hand wheel between it and the digital readout. Loosen the grub screw on it and move it out the way. Underneath there are 2 further grub screws. Loosen those and turn the numbers until they match the thickness of of a piece you've machined and measured, then lock the grub screws back down. You might have to do this a couple of times to get right.
@@BischBaschBosch Thank you. I have this P/T, and I've never tried to balance the tables - are you planning on doing a detailed video on that. I did watch the S&S video, and it's not as clear as I'd like.
I guess I'm a bit worried about making it worse! Thank you for your video.
@@Parafinn1970 I wasn't planning to buddy, no. If I can find the time I'll try though. Have you checked your tables with a straight edge to see if they're in planar with each other? Also worth using the rule method to check the outfeed table in relation to the cutter block. With a metal rule resting on the outfeed table, check the cutter/blade drags the rule no more than 5mm when you rotate the cutter. A little less than that is fine but it should move the same amount each side of the cutter block/table. If it's different, the outfeed table will need adjustment. With the infeed raised to 0mm, you should use a 1m+ straight edge (the back of a guide rail would do if nothing else) to check it's level with the outfeed table. If these are OK, then no worries. If they are out of whack, you will have problems with your stock. It won't be properly flat or square and/or will plane unevenly. It could take me a while to do a video if I do one so if you really don't want to attempt adjustment yourself, maybe call S&S or other outlets of such machines to see if they know of anyone offering a set up service. Worth a try.
@@BischBaschBosch That's really helpful - thank you.
Hi
Great Vid, do you have a link for the 16amp socket you used ?
Cheers Stephen. It was just a 16a double outlet from Toolstation. Got it from their eBay here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Industrial-Socket-IP44-Twin-240V-16A-2P-E-/293305355729?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
@@BischBaschBosch Top man cheers. Am in the same boat as you so have to be careful what i change in my garage, looking to get a bandsaw too so the double out let will be great, i will only be using them 1 at a time so i am going to run a tempory circuit to a Type c mcb so they will be on there own circuit .
Yeah, a C type 16A mcb does the job. Runs both my PT and chip extractor together no probs. The double socket I have is the always-on type mind. No switch on it (couldn't find a double with switch). You could always interupt the cable to the double outlet with an isolator switch. I just unplug when done myself.
I’ve got the 300 version and in all honesty, I’m not to impressed by it, the fence is not flat so it’s really difficult to consistently get a perfect 90 degrees, when thicknessing the best it handles is 0.3 of a millimetre, admittedly that’s on 140mm wide boards but only pine, my old much cheaper record power planer honestly performed better, nice review though 👍
Cheers mate. I think something's wrong there. I think I mention in the vid that it's not comfortable doing more than 1mm or so cuts. 90%of the time I set for 0 5mm passes and is fine, above and below, even on 240mm width hardwood. 3 things I would check is first, your locking lever is actually locking the thickness bed. 2nd, check the motor drive belt and feed roller tension. 3rd, adjust the feed roller tension springs. I'd probably call S&S for technical support if that didn't work. Sure as shit should be able to feed/plane off more than 0.3mm in thickness mode. I'd call S&S about the fence too bud. Putting up with a bent one ain't on. Get on the blower to them 👍
Thanks for getting back to me, so I bought the machine just over 3 years ago on Black Friday, then on the Sunday I had quite a serious injury, it must of sat in the back of my van for about a yeah, I’d forget I even had it lol, not after sympathy, just making the point that it’s had very little use, I actually rotated the blades (for the first time) the other day to see if that helped(it didn’t) they all undone very easily but two cutters did crack when I tightened them back up, something to watch out for, I think you have to be very careful you have them seated properly, so I found your video wondering if anyone else had any issues, not really seen a bad word anywhere about these machines, it’s almost like mine is feeding the material to fast for the machine and it completely stalls it, anyway I’ve rambled on to long, thank you for your advice, I will start working my way through you suggestions, great video, you’ve picked up a new subscriber 👍👍👍
@@mikeswoodencreations5712 I understand mate. Feed rate's an interesting one. I noticed when looking at the specs of machines that the itech (My one in particular) was quite slow compared to rival machines. Even some sub £1000 machines. And it does actually feed quite slow. I've no issue with this but I wonder if they changed the gearing if they were having stall issues? Have a tinker but again though, I'd defo see if you can talk to a technical bod at S&S. Best of luck and thanks for the sub!😁👍
@@BischBaschBoschI had a bit of slip,with thicknessing on mine which I traced to the top of the slot for the clutch lever just touching the lever arm. A few minutes grinding the slot out at the top has fixed it.
I note from Keith's (Ragnbonebrown) review that the new versions now have the same adjusting grubscrews on the outfeed side hinges so setting that side up will be a lot easier on their version. Mine has the older mounting and was a nightmare to get right - took about 6 hours!
@@michaelblackmore883 All good info, thanks Michael. Yeah, mine has the "pinned" outfeed hinge. Was a pain. Think I spent about 2 1/2 days solid getting mine just so!👍
Can anyone in North America recommend a similar model to this that is available here?
I'm not in the US but I think something like the 10" Grizzly or JET if they're still available. There are spiral blocks available for both of those I'm pretty certain. Of course you guys call them jointer planer instead of planer thicknesser so I would leave the word "thicknesser" out of any search.
@@BischBaschBosch We share many things, apart from a common language.
@@charleskrueger5523 😁 Seems that way sometimes eh?
Traduzione troppo veloce e imprecisa non si riesce a seguirla
Sorry about that. I try to speak as clearly as I can. 🤷♂️