Combined woodworking machines - types, features, best models

Application area

Universal woodworking machines allow you to replace several individual devices and tools at once, which simplifies working with raw materials and saves effort and time. Such units help to create not only parts, but also completely finished wood products.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION!

There is another type of woodworking equipment - narrowly targeted machines, for example, planers, thicknessers or jointers. These woodworking machines belong to the specialized class, which is very inconvenient for domestic purposes. Such equipment is used in furniture factories or enterprises engaged in the production of finished parts and bars of certain sizes.

Multifunctional woodworking machines for the home workshop are an indispensable thing. They are compact, economical (many plug into a regular outlet), and allow you to do basic work in one go.

What it is?

A combined or multifunctional woodworking machine is one of the best mechanization options for a home craftsman or even for small-scale production.
As a rule, this is a unit that combines several working elements on one drive shaft:

• circular saw blade;
• electric planer blade shaft;
• A drill chuck and a carriage for making sockets for tenons are usually installed at the end of the shaft.

This set of functions is typical for old machines that were popular in Soviet times.

Modern models, in addition to old features, can be equipped with additional functions:

• 
  thicknesser and feeding system;

• cross-cutting device with the ability to adjust the cutting angle;
• sharpening machine.

A machine of this type is designed to perform several types of processing - sawing, planing, making planes parallel, making sockets for tenons. At the same time, it is possible to perform two or more types of processing simultaneously.

For example, you can plan one plane and immediately feed the workpiece in the opposite direction to the thicknesser compartment. Or make nests for tenons and at the same time saw or plan the workpieces. However, in practice it is customary to perform only one type of processing, after which they move on to another. It’s safer this way; workers don’t interfere with each other.

Best Inexpensive Woodworking Machines for Home

BISON ZPDS-255-1500

This multi-tool is designed to handle almost all woodworking jobs. The range of work is quite wide, largely due to the ability to connect a milling machine and an electric jigsaw. As a result, the product from an ordinary sawing machine turns into a full-fledged woodworking tool. For example, this equipment is useful for performing longitudinal, inclined, oblique and combined cuts; you can even perform figured sawing. The device is equipped with an electromagnetic switch that prevents accidental activation. When feeding a workpiece to the saw blade, the protective guard will automatically rise, thereby protecting the user from possible damage. Overload protection is reliable, and the engine recovers almost instantly after it. The device is equipped with a special laser pointer, which displays the cutting line with very high accuracy. The sawing depth adjustment is smooth, not stepped, which is very convenient. The device is equipped with an adjustable riving mechanism that prevents the disc from being pinched. The longitudinal and angular guides are smoothly adjustable, so you can strictly set the required workpiece size. A workpiece feed pusher is supplied with the device, so you can work even with small products without fear of injury.

Advantages

• Quite reasonable price for such multifunctional equipment
• Metal housing, resistant to physical impact
• Additional power tools can be installed
• Superb build quality
• Long warranty period - as much as 5 years
• It is possible to work with wood of considerable thickness

Flaws

• Not detected

RYOBI RTS1800

The design is manufactured by a famous Japanese company, which is famous for its high-tech devices. This model was no exception. They decided to provide it with an 1800 W electric motor, thanks to which it works quite quickly and efficiently. The tabletop is made of cast aluminum alloy, with which it was possible to obtain reliable support and guarantee an accurate cut, regardless of the material used. This device has a sliding tabletop design, which makes it possible to work with workpieces whose width is up to 480 mm. The side guide is equipped with two fixation points. The adjustment handle performs several functions - it can be used to adjust both the cutting height and the angle of inclination of the saw blade. The equipment is equipped with reliable protection against disk jamming and overload, which makes it possible to ensure a long period of operation and ensure that the tool does not fail during this time. The protractor allows you to change the cutting angle from -60 to +60 degrees from the vertical. There is a built-in compartment for storing additional parts.

Advantages

• Very powerful product for its price
• Cast aluminum table
• Availability of a soft start system
• Excellent workmanship
• Long period of operation
• Reliability

Flaws

• The disc has slight play

Einhell TC-TS 2025 U

The universal table sawing machine is suitable for performing work in a small workshop or in a country house. With its help, you can trim edges and accurately cut pieces made of chipboard, plywood, and solid wood. The unit is equipped with a 2000 W motor, an angular and parallel stop with an eccentric clamp, a guide carriage, and a chip removal device. When working, use a disk with a diameter of 250 mm. At a rotation speed of 5000 rpm, it provides a cutting depth of up to 80 mm at an inclination angle of 45 degrees. The powder-coated work table measures 640x487 mm. If necessary, the surface can be increased with side expanders. Despite the dissatisfaction of some buyers, most users really liked this machine.

Advantages

• Low price
• Possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner
• Weight – 20.2 kg
• Availability of a pusher with a clamp
• Adjustment of height, disc tilt
• Built-in ruler
• Protective cover

Flaws

• Strong vibration
• No soft start

Hammer MFS900

A cutting disc with a diameter of 165 mm cannot change the cutting angle; it only cuts at an angle of 90º. The supporting surface of 300*227 mm and the compact dimensions of the main mechanism allow it to be used even in limited space, as well as to be easily transported from one place to another. The popularity of the model is explained by the rich additional equipment: a spare set of carbon brushes, a disc for wood, a diamond disc for ceramic tiles, a polishing disc, a device for water supply, and a dust collector. The device has the function of connecting a vacuum cleaner; during operation, small particles are collected in the dust collector.

Advantages

• large additional equipment
• smooth speed control
• budget price

Flaws

• No

Hammer FRZ1200B

The powerful engine runs quietly. There is a rotation speed adjustment for working with cutters of different diameters. The features of the turret stop allow you to make grooves of different depths, and the spindle lock makes it easier to replace the cutter. The kit includes an adapter for a vacuum cleaner, which allows you to remove dust particles during operation, 6 and 8 mm collets, a copy sleeve, and a parallel stop. For a home workshop in which piecemeal and rare work is performed, it is rational to purchase multifunctional equipment with universal characteristics. This will allow you to perform multiple processes in a small area, saving money, but at the same time reducing the amount of manual labor and increasing productivity.

Advantages

• powerful engine
• inexpensive model
• easy setup

Flaws

• No

Interskol FM-40/1000E DM

Branded Russian-made equipment has rotation adjustment, a turret stop for changing the depth of the groove, as well as spindle locking. The main mechanism includes 6 and 8 mm collets, a flat and roller copier, 2 parallel guides, and a ruler. It is possible to connect a vacuum cleaner to a dust removal adapter to remove small particles. The manufacturer provides a 24 month warranty.

Advantages

• wide functionality
• increased equipment
• work area lighting

Flaws

• The start button is inconveniently located

Device classification

Universal woodworking machines are suitable for most woodworking tasks.

By degree of versatility

Many devices use the principle of tool multitasking - when the same machine unit can perform several functions, it is enough to change the attachment. This technique is well suited for sequential processing of edges, cutting grooves, and other individual work operations.

Mini woodworking machine for sawing and drilling

All tools must be in stock, at least one at a time. This will reduce the number of downtimes due to the breakdown of one of them.

On average, such machines are capable of performing 5 or 6 functions. The main ones are: cutting wood using a cutter, sawing and planing using a cutting shaft, drilling, milling, grinding, and the last task can be solved using a disk or tape.

By type and power of equipment

Equipment power is one of the most important selection criteria. It determines how thick the workpiece can be processed and what sizes of grooves and holes can be made. With the proper dexterity and knowledge, very soon you will be able to create such a machine - already from wood cut by yourself.

Wood lathe

There is one more characteristic that will allow you to quickly and efficiently create such a masterpiece - the number of revolutions of the electric motor, which is often directly related to the power of the motor.

ATTENTION!

Basically, home machines have a power in the range of 0.9−3 kW. In this case, the shaft rotation speed varies from 2800 to 3600 rpm. That is, lower ones are not produced, and there is no point in purchasing higher ones.

By other criteria

It is very important to pay attention to the replaceability of parts and attachments. Even a multifunctional machine necessarily has its main function, and the rest can be provided by interchangeable attachments. In one, the manufacturer has provided a larger number of replaceable knives; in the other, it has improved the shaft or mounts for drilling.

Multifunctional machine configuration option

Some models may use others instead of these tools. For example, instead of a cutter there is a knife module, instead of a grinding wheel there is a belt. When choosing a machine, you need to pay attention to the size of the circular saw, the maximum dimensions of the drill, the working width of the planing, and the cutting depth. All these parameters must be indicated in the product data sheet.

The machine must be secured to the workbench only with special devices provided by the manufacturer. Self-activity will not lead to anything good here.

By choosing the maximum dimensions, you increase the capabilities of the machine in terms of processing different workpieces on it. But at the same time, the power of the electric motor increases, and hence the energy consumption and the dimensions of the machine itself.

The best woodworking machines for the mid-range home

Makita 2704

This is a rather expensive model, equipped with a motor with a power of 1650 W; at idle, this saw is capable of reaching up to 4800 rpm. This allows you to make cuts with a depth of up to 91 mm. It is allowed to work with wood, plastic and other similar materials, but to saw metals, asbestos-cement based products, and rubber-like materials. Ideal for use at home or in a small carpentry workshop where its use is required from time to time. The design is not too tall, so it can easily fit on a workbench, but the kit includes a set of legs and corners in order to mount an open-type stand. In addition to compactness and mobility, the design is characterized by a high level of accuracy when it is necessary to process small parts. The machine will be able to produce oblique, straight, combined and other cuts, and trim workpieces. From previous models, the device inherited a starting current stabilization system, a reliable electric brake that stops the engine a couple of seconds after the power is turned off, and a four-section work table. In the latter, the left and right parts are sliding, so if necessary, you can process workpieces of decent size. The tabletop is made of cast iron, its surface is carefully polished. The grooves for installing the protractor are located both to the right and to the left of the saw blade.

Advantages

• Sawing workpieces cleanly and quickly
• The tabletop is made from carefully polished cast iron
• Reliable engine overheating protection is provided
• Starting current equalization system extends tool life

Flaws

• High cost of equipment

BISON SRF-254-1600S

The Russian-made device, with a maximum power of 1.6 kW, can process wood up to 254 mm wide and 120 mm thick, so it is suitable for the manufacture of wooden furniture. The manufacturer has provided automatic advancement of the board during the thicknessing process, which facilitates the work of the master. The cast tabletop is polished and resistant to deformation. High-speed knives can cut soft and hard wood. The dust collector changes location for comfortable work. The device is mounted on a stand and can be installed both on the floor and on a tabletop.

Advantages

• possibility of processing non-standard workpieces
• blocking switching on during a power outage

Flaws

• No

BISON sr-330-1800

A Russian machine that is popular because it is an excellent alternative to famous foreign brands.
Here there is practically no overpayment for the brand, which is an important advantage. High-quality components are used in production. The machine itself is repairable; finding the necessary spare parts in Russia is not a problem. Two shaft rotation speeds are used. Users note that the unit has excellent stability. There is anti-biting protection with quick reverse for returning the workpiece. Specifications:

Power 1,800 W;

Rotation speed 9,000 rpm;

Knives 2;

Planing depth 3 mm;

Weight 40 kg.

Advantages

• reasonable price
• excellent characteristics
• device reliability
• ease of operation

Flaws

• quite heavy machine

Metabo TKHS 315 C DNB

The model was developed to work with wood and construction and finishing materials made on its basis. Can be used both at home and on a construction site. The motor power is 2800 W. Its performance indicators allow you to solve even quite complex problems. The kit includes a rip fence that ensures precise and straight cuts. The saw blade diameter is 315 mm - significantly higher than average. It ensures cutting of fairly thick boards. The workpiece base can be expanded, making it possible to work comfortably and easily with wide products. The product is characterized by a design of increased strength. The body is made of steel sheets, the table top is galvanized. To ensure the maximum level of safety for the person working on this machine, there is a protective transparent casing made of special plastic. The legs can be unscrewed and the saw can be installed directly on a workbench or table; there are rubberized gaskets. The legs themselves, if necessary, are screwed to the floor with bolts or anchors. The number of revolutions reaches 2990 per minute. The greatest cutting depth is 85 mm.

Advantages

• High cutting precision
• Minimum vibration during operation
• Possibility of use in domestic and industrial conditions
• Increased cutting depth
• Reliability and durability

Flaws

• The tool is a bit expensive for home use

BOSCH GTS 635-216

The mechanism with a cutting disc with a diameter of 216 mm works carefully, creates a clean cut, and small chips are drawn into the dust collector, which is easy to clean. The compact body is made of thick, durable plastic. The working surface is 500*658 mm and has no additional expansion. In addition, there is a 12 month manufacturer's warranty.

Advantages

• there is a soft start
• vacuum cleaner connection function

Flaws

• high price

How to choose the right one

First of all, you need to think about why you are purchasing equipment: will it be one-time work on the machine, or do you plan to use it for permanent work. It is better to decide in advance on the list of tasks that you plan to perform on the machine. Study the lighting, the presence of sockets, measure the plane on which you plan to install the joinery product.

It’s better to imagine in advance where and how your machine will be located, and what kind of work you will entrust to it.

General recommendations for choosing a universal wood saw: when choosing a combined machine, it is better to pay attention to models with a circular saw. This “helper” is useful for almost all types of work: from preparing timber to cutting blanks for furniture. In addition, many machine models are equipped with a jigsaw. A stationary tool is much more convenient than a manual one, it does not block the master’s view of the material blade, and you don’t have to worry about the progress of the saw, because everything is provided for in advance by the device.

When working on the machine, use only dry wood. This will reduce the load on the machine and improve the quality of the product.

Additionally, woodworking machines are equipped with attachments for drilling, milling, edge processing, cutting quarters and grooves. There are models that combine up to five different functions, while others provide only two.

The best woodworking machines for the home in price/quality ratio

Makita MLT100

The Japanese manufacturer offers a high-quality and reliable machine that will work for quite a long time without breakdowns.
The model is highly durable and comfortable. The saw can change the height and angle of inclination if necessary. For control, special levers are provided that have a measuring scale. Many people use this device, including on a semi-professional basis, because the accuracy of woodworking is high. Specifications:

Made in Japan;

Power 1,500 W;

4,300 rpm;

Power cord 2.5 meters;

Weight 35 kg.

Advantages

• high accuracy
• convenient machine
• the saw can change the angle and height
• long service life without the need for repairs
• you can find the necessary parts for repairs

Flaws

• high price

Ryobi RTS1800EF

Higher performance of the tool is guaranteed by a motor with a power of 1800 W, which allows you to process wood of any density. The position of the material in the stop is adjusted by smooth movement of the instant clamp. It also operates at speed 1 which is 4500 rpm. The disc installed in the machine has a diameter of 254 mm. The device provides a cutting depth of up to 55 mm at an angle of 45 degrees, and up to 80 mm at an angle of 90 degrees. The size of the table made of cast aluminum is 560x710 mm. The kit includes a folding frame, support, 2 wrenches.

Advantages

• Disc position adjustment lever
• Easy riving knife adjustment
• Smooth start
• Electronic engine overheat protection
• Compartment for storing components
• average price
• Extendable table
• Light weight

Flaws

• Bearing quality
• Disc play in the transverse plane

Bosch AdvancedTableCut 52

Multifunctional universal products designed for both straight, longitudinal and even angular cutting of workpieces made of wood of various species, from the softest to the hardest. The tool is perfect for both home use and the workshop. It takes up a minimum amount of free space, and it can also be used to unravel various wood and particle boards. The vertical cutting angle is adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees. An original feature is the adjustment of horizontal cutting angles from -60 to 60 degrees. This parameter can be changed using a special pull lever and a rotary handle. Saw blades do not require special maintenance during operation - there is no need to lubricate or sharpen them. Sawing is carried out without vibration due to the use of the latest NanoBlade technology. With the SDS system you can change the saw blade manually, without using a key. The device has a fairly long warranty period - 3 years. At a right angle, the maximum cutting depth is 52 mm, at an angle of 45 degrees - up to 35 mm. The weight of the device is not very large - 8.5 kg. The product is equipped with an electric motor with a power of 550 W. The set includes a universal shield that prevents shavings and sawdust from getting into the operator’s eyes; there are pushers and supports that protect hands when sawing any workpieces.

Advantages

• The device allows you to cope with almost any household tasks
• It is possible to adjust the angle of inclination with an accuracy of a degree
• The saw blade requires no maintenance
• There are safety tools to ensure operator safety
• Long period of operation
• High quality manufacturing and assembly

Flaws

• Can only work with wood and wood-containing materials, not suitable for polymers and metals

Encore Corvette 11M

Universal products that, provided that special discs are installed, can be used to work not only with wood, but also with laminated panels, various plastics, aluminum profiles and other similar materials. The product has a high-power commutator motor, which ensures high rotation speed of the saw blade. The body is made of hard plastic with stiffening ribs. It is able to withstand significant physical stress while working. The motor starter is electromagnetic, which completely prevents electric shock to the user even if a malfunction occurs. The disk protective casing has an original design, which is also designed to ensure increased operational safety. The system for adjusting the angle of inclination and reach of the saw blade is smooth. You can install transport or parallel stops on the work surface, which are included in the kit. Along with the saw, there is also a collapsible stand, which allows you to install it not on a table or workbench, but autonomously. An adapter ring is also provided for discs whose mounting diameter is 32 mm. You can connect a vacuum cleaner to the tool to collect chips. The maximum disc diameter is 255 mm. The gear transmission, which is responsible for transferring torque to the disk, resists wear and heavy loads well. The highest number of revolutions is 5000 per minute.

Advantages

• Quite a budget model
• Can connect a vacuum cleaner
• There are holes for installing a router or jigsaw
• Not very noisy

Flaws

• The plastic case is still not quite what you need for a tabletop sawing machine

Bison ZPDS-200-800

The unit is designed for longitudinal, oblique, inclined, combined, figured sawing and milling. Powered by a motor with a power of 800 W, which provides a spindle speed of 2950 rpm. The diameter of the installed disk is 200 mm. Such parameters allow cutting wooden products to a depth of 40 mm at an inclination angle of 90 degrees. The fixed desktop has dimensions of 337x550 mm. The kit includes a riving device, a protective casing, a pusher, an angle stop, a longitudinal guide, and 2 wrenches.

Advantages

• Low price
• Compact dimensions
• Light weight
• Protection against accidental start, overheating
• Adjustment of depth and cutting angle
• Possibility of connecting a vacuum cleaner

Flaws

• Poor performance
• Cutting depth

Adviсe

To select the correct unit, the following technological features should be taken into account:

• The bed (steel, aluminum, cast iron) actively dampens the vibration that occurs during operation of the mechanism. The larger the size and more massive the mechanism, the less vibration occurs during operation. When choosing a home option, do not forget that in conditions of limited space, the lighter the frame, the more mobile it is.
• Working surface. Your choice of the right size should depend on the type of product being manufactured. If it is small in size, then the desktop can be from 40 to 90 cm. For door production, it is better to purchase models with an increased surface of up to 130 cm.
• Engine power. When making large cabinet furniture, you should choose equipment from 5.5 kW; for frequent processing of large parts, a mechanism up to 3 kW is useful; for infrequent use at home, a 1.5 kW motor is suitable.
• Engine type. The stepper motor is installed in inexpensive models. The disadvantages are the lack of electronics, and they are also inferior in accuracy and smoothness to other types of engines. The crescent type is more expensive, but has maximum precision and smooth movement in the process.
• Number of axes. Simple milling cutters process a blank in three axes; more complex designs provide the ability to create relief in four or five directions, and the tool head has greater freedom of movement.
• Replacing nozzles. The best professional and semi-professional models have a magazine of attachments with several types of cutters to speed up the work process. If you rarely change attachments, any milling device will do.
• Operating voltage. For home use, it is better to purchase a mechanism with a 220 volt connection, but it will have lower performance.