New machines
Christchurch Men's Shed
Sunday, 15 November 2026
Thicknesser
After the demise of the old machine (the motor module burnt out and replacements are no longer available) we have purchased a new model from the Axminster "Professional" range.
This is a more up to date design with spiral HSS cutters and it appears to be a lot quieter in operation with a better dust collection system.
The operating instructions recommend that a dust collector is used to prevent a build up of dust however it should also be vacuumed out after use.
It is important that wood, especially reclaimed wood or counter tops are checked over for nails, screws etc - anyone damaging the cutters will be most unpopular!
Belt and Disk Sander
Having encountered problems with the old unit (bearing failures) it was decided to replace it with a new, more robust unit from Record Power
Dust extraction on the new sander is much improved with the unit hooked up to a dust collector.
Having already had a fair bit of use, this one seems to be holding up well.
Bench Grinder for Sharpening Lathe Tools
A key factor in the success of woodturning is in having sharp tools
With this in mind we have refurbished an 8-inch bench grinder with one 180 grit CBN (cubic boron nitride) wheel and one "white" oxide wheel.
The CBN wheel is for use with modern HSS (high speed steel) tools. Older carbon steel tools should only be sharpened on the white wheel.
Showers of orange sparks indicate carbon steel......by comparison, HSS produces very few sparks of a more light yellow appearance.
....and on the subject of sparks, please don't put bags of shavings under the grinder - this is a fire hazard just waiting to happen!!!
The 8-inch wheel diameter will result in a flatter (less concave) grind on tools compared to 6-inch wheels.
The tool rest can be moved to either wheel as can the grinding jig for sharpening swept back / fingernail grinds on gouges.
We can purchase a second tool rest if required.
Face shields and safety goggles are provided and your trustees strongly recommend that they are used at all times when operating the grinder, the polishing mops and especially the wire brush wheels
To maintain the integrity of the new grinding wheels, it is preferable that refurbishing old bench chisels, plane blades etc is done on the old 6-inch grinder
Contact Information
John Pegram - Membership Secretary
Find Christchurch Men's Shed
The Old School, 254 Lymington Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5ET
Additional Information
Located in the Lower Hall of The Old School. The Old School is near Highcliffe Medical Centre and opposite Highcliffe Play Park by the pedestrian light controlled crossing.