A combined woodworking machine puts saw bench, jointer, thicknesser, spindle moulder and mortiser on one base and one motor — often the only way a small workshop owns five capabilities without five machines.

What It Actually Does

One machine, one footprint, one motor. You switch operations by raising or lowering each unit and setting the fences.

Typical units:

  • Circular saw bench for ripping and cross-cutting
  • Surface planer (jointer) for flattening and squaring
  • Thicknesser for parallel dimensioning
  • Spindle moulder (shaper) for profiles and rebates
  • Mortiser for joints

Why Small Workshops Choose Them

1. Space. A five-function combination takes about the area of a single machine — decisive in a garage or rented unit.

2. Investment. One machine and motor cost far less than five, and you gain capacity you would otherwise outsource.

3. Flexibility. Short runs and custom furniture need many operations on few pieces — a combination keeps every capability in reach.

4. Power and mobility. Most run on single-phase or compact three-phase supply and move on castors — no rewiring to reorganise.

What to Check Before Buying

  • Configuration: which units are standard, which optional
  • Table size on saw and jointer versus your longest stock
  • Changeover time: hand wheels, quick locks or powered movements
  • Saw fence and tilt range, cutter block type on the planer
  • Safety: guards, saw brake, dust ports on every unit

The Practical Result

A combination will not match dedicated machines on throughput. The real question is whether you can afford five machines plus the floor space — when you cannot, a combination is how you take the work.

Ask about SICAR combined machines and current configurations →