Most Woodworkers who are fortunate enough to have their own “Shed” have possibly taken many years to build up their collection of pride and joy Tools and with every job they do they think of the improvements they can make.
The addition of a Combination Machine needs some careful thought hence the caption to this article.
There are 2 points to consider one the physical aspect and the other, will the combination machine meet the strict requirements of the owner of the Shed.
The physical aspect:
In the main this is just a matter of mathematics however it is important to make sure the floor space is adequate as operating a combination machine at times requires 360 degrees of work area, many home workshops (Sheds) do not have an oversupply of floor space and the fitting of a set of transport wheels would be a big advantage in these circumstances.
Requirements of the Combination Machine:
Woodworkers need to be satisfied that the purchase of the Combination Machine will enhance their Shed and not only give them satisfaction in the quality of work the machine produces but that it will add to their pride in their decision to purchase this particular woodworking machine.
The Mini Max C26 not only solves the physical aspect with only occupying one square metre of floor space at rest, it also fills the requirement for a “Combination Machine”.
“The benefit of purchasing the Mini Max model C26 Genius Combination Machine”
The C26 has been designed for the domestic market and manufactured in Italy by “Mini Max” which is part of the SCM group, one of the largest manufacturers of high quality woodworking machinery in the world, incorporating much larger combination machines than the C26 and a very comprehensive range of CNC controlled machines, so the basic engineering know how and practice is built into the C26.
“The features of the Mini Max model C26 Genius combination Machine”
The C26 has 5 basic operations, Rip Saw, Sliding Table Panel Saw, Surface Planer, Thicknesser and Spindle Moulder and is powered by 3 independent 2 HP 240 Volt single phase motors.
“Mini Max C26 Rip Saw”
(Although the cutting of solid timber and flat panel material is done by the same Circular Saw, the selection of tooling is different hence they have been separated for a better understanding of what is required to obtain the best result.)
The Mini Max C26 Rip Saw / Panel Saw has a Speed of 3900 rpm which results in a cutting speed of 3060 Metres per minute or about 10,000 FPM in the old scale which is ideal when using Tungsten Carbide Tipped saw blades. Smaller diameter saw blades require less Horse Power to cut a given thickness of solid timber due to less leverage against the tooth face and in turn against the saw spindle.
A Rip Saw is normally used for ripping down solid timber (cutting with the grain) and it is important to select the correct type of saw blade. For the C26 the saw blade would be 250 mm diameter with a tooth pitch of Approximately 15 to 20 mm and a “rip” tooth profile which results in a clean curled shaving. For best results the saw blade is set at its highest position to give a vertical or chopping action.
Some timber specie tend to spring (open or close) when cut and to avoid binding on the saw blade (even when the riving knife is set correctly) it is a good safe practise to set the aluminium rip fence to a forward position of about the centre of the saw blade.
The maximum distance from the saw to the rip fence is 500mm and a maximum depth of cut of 70mm. As well as precision rise and fall to the saw blade the C26 also has an accurate tilting adjustment from 90 to 45 degrees.
Ensure the Sliding Table is in the locked position prior to carrying out any ripping operations. Use the Push stick wherever possible.
Another advantage of the C26 is the 250mm saw blade will lower below table level (which the operator will do when changing from saw blade work to using the spindle moulder) this allows for grooving operations to be carried out without having to change the saw blade.
The sliding table is primarily used for the dimensioning of flat panel material, such as Plywood, Chipboard, MDF Board and most flat panels faced with decorative veneer and Melamine etc.
It is here that the Mini Max C26 demonstrates its ability to give optimum results to the Woodworker. Its cutting capacity is very large when considering the actual size of the machine. The sliding table has a travel of 1070mm and slides close to the saw blade that results in a more controlled cut, as the panel is not being moved across a “dead table” as is the case with other machines.
The cross cutting capacity is 850mm using the standard cross cut fence however larger panels can be cut by not using the fence stop or by purchasing the larger outrigger assembly as an optional accessory. The maximum distance from the saw to the rip fence is the same as for the “Rip Saw” 500mm.The sliding table surface is anodised to prevent marking of melamine faced panels.
