REVIEW:
Mini Max FS-350 Jointer/Planer
Many more serious hobbyist woodworkers are investing in much more capable equipment these days. Cabinet saws are pretty much standard and many people have moved up to 8" jointers and 13-15" planers. These three workstations make up the “work triangle”--the most basic power tool combination necessary for milling lumber in preparation for quality joinery. But when you think of it, why would you not want to be able to flatten the same wide board with your jointer that will easily fit in your planer? Yes, you can rip a board narrower so it will fit on your 6-8" jointer, but that could very well affect a beautiful figure in an adverse way. Fortunately, there are European-designed machines avialable today that can alleviate this problem for about the same investment as individual tools from a reputable manufacturer of similar capacities.
The Mini Max FS-350 (now available as the FS-35 Smart with additional features) fills this need nicely for my shop...and it’s been a pleasure to use. I like working with wide boards and only rip them down when the board itself dictates it to be necessary. Both the jointer and planer functions have a 14" capacity and the long, 71" bed length insures that you can flatten and straighten longer stock with ease. The 3.6hp motor powers through wide stock without even breathing heavy and changing over between functions takes less than a minute. But more on the machine in a moment...first, about the company.
Mini Max USA
Mini Max USA is part of the SCM Group based in Italy and has been in the machinery business for a very long time. (There is a complete history on their web site) The people who run the company and interface with the customers are a pleasure to work with and certainly have the customer in mind when it comes to service and consideration. My first exposure to them was at the IWF show in Atlanta Georgia back in August 2002. The equipment really caught my eye and the rep I spoke with there, Michael Kahn, stayed in touch despite the fact that I was not a buyer. Given that the company is attending many of the touring woodworking shows for both the professional marketplace and the hobbyist space, I had the opportunity to further evaulate their offerings and speak with Michael and Erik Delaney from time to time in person. Apparently, they recognized my interest and in early October 2003 Jim Strain, President of Mini Max USA gave me a call and made an offer on the FS-350 show display that I couldn't refuse...and didn't. Since taking delivery in November, they have answered my questions quickly and responded to my suggestions sincerly. One can’t ask for any more than that!