For years small manufacturers have been using top quality European combination machines as a cost effective method to make top quality furniture and joinery.
Now, with the advent of the new MiniMax C26 Genius combination machine – this European quality is available to every home woodworker.
The C26 combination is capable of just about every operation the home woodworker requires, at a fraction of the normal cost. MiniMax have based the C26 on their own, highly reputable, industrial combination machines.
Looking over this new machine, its easy to see the European quality you expect from MiniMax has not been sacrificed. The C26 is a beautifully presented machine, its Italian heritage is evident in the attention to detail. The sliding table glide’s smoothly and quietly, the body and paintwork are immaculately finished and all the various components can be fitted quickly and easily.
So it looks good, but is it easy to use? Having aimed this machine at the entry level market, MiniMax have kept the design simple – but durable.
MiniMax have paid particular attention to the design of the saw unit as it the most used component on a combination machine. It’s here that the C26 exceeds expectations. The blade is 250mm diameter with a sliding table right next to the blade. This unique system is ideal for any melamine, veneers or any laminated panels, as it protects the face of the panel. For solid wood, simply lock the table in position, and you have a traditional rip saw.
Mitre work is easy, as the blade is both height adjustable and tilts to 45 degrees. For even more flexibility the fence can also swing to do angle cuts. There is a handy clamp that fits on the sliding table, great for when your cutting down larger panels.
Surfacing and thicknessing unit.
Dressing timber to a uniform size is easy with the 260mm wide surfacing and thicknessing unit. Once again, MiniMax have over-engineered the in and out feed tables to ensure your work piece is held accurately and securely.
Spindle moulding unit.
The spindle moulder can be considered an industrial version of your traditional router, however, being more flexible and having greater capacity, it will open up new avenues of work.
Safety.
As with the industrial range of MiniMax machines, guarding on each of the working units have reveived particular attention, all comply to the stringent CE standards.
One of the main disadvantages of normal combination machines is the time taken to swap from operation to operation. After using the C26 we found that for this machine, this is not an issue. In fact, changing from operation to operation is easy, thanks to MiniMax’s unique design.
When not in use, the machine takes up less than a metre square. The optional wheel kit also means it can be moved around your workshop, particularly handy when you need more room for assembly. For those small and out of the way workshops, the machine can be split into sections to allow easier access.
Available from Gabbett Group the new MiniMax range can be viewed at their showrooms throughout Australia.
