The Framers Forum

In case anyone is interested in the Hoffman Routers. There is a new cheaper range being sold by UK Woodworking machines. All you need to do is change the £10 router cutter to the Hoffman type you can then use the Hoffman 'keys. A single cutter is £485 +vat and a double headed cutter for a little more. I have the Hoffman MU2, but these are a similar machine, similar quality for far less money. The machines are UK made by Genisis woodworking machines, solely disributed by UK Woodworking machines. The single cutter is called 'Whale' and the double headed cutter the 'Swallow'. Both are marketed on E-Bay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Whale-sin ... 565088edbb

Thanks calvin the framer, I was thinking about a Hoffmann but this is far cheaper £399.00+vat

This cheaper machine does not tell you very much about it's specification. Also a careful examination of the displayed picture reveals some significant differences between this machine and the Hoffman.

1. The Hoffman has an adjustable dovetail depth stop. I can't see one on this machine. Perhaps this machine does not have one.

2. The Hoffman side fences are adjustable by means of a long slot in the base plate. This machines fences are adjustable by means of a slot in each fence not the base plate. This suggests to me that this machine is significantly smaller in physical size than the Hoffman, which may be a factor to consider.

3. The Hoffman router uses a 6mm diameter router bit. This machine does not specify it's collet size and this would need checking out before buying if you plan to fit the Hoffman router bit. If this machine cannot be adjusted to accurately accomodate the length of the Hoffman router bit, then the Hoffman dovetail keys won't fit. (Major issue here) Mind you, what's wrong with using this machines own dovetail keys?

4. The Hoffman Machine includes a dust extraction port, which would be an important feature, if used in a framing workshop environment. It looks to me like this machine probably does not have a dust extraction port at all.

It is not difficult to see how they are able to produce this machine at a cheaper price and as usual you still get what you pay for. I would certainly like to see one of these machines in use and be able to ask more questions before I would consider buying one.

Also what happens when the router motor dies and you need a new one, or some other spare parts? Having seen the Hoffman demo at Lion's NEC stand, I'm still looking to buy the Hoffman.

Does anyone know what level of quality is claimed for this machine. Is it a hobby level, or a professional level machine?

Look at the machines properly. The depth stop is on the left side as you look at the machine. The angle plates for positioning the moulding is travelling in a dovetail groove. The machine is clearly aimed at the same level of user as the MU2 Hoffman is. The top plate is slightly smaller by 4 inches overall, so what? I have an Hoffman MU2. The Genisis British made machine was exhibited at the International Wood Work show NEC last year but not launched for sale. None of our trade suppliers took up the option apparently, so another distributer did the deal. Can't really see what the problem is looked good to me, and if I hadn't got the hoffman I would have bought one. But with two underpinners, and the Hoffman I've enough toys.

Hi Calvin,

Thanks for the update, the machine is starting to sound Interesting!

I can't see the depth stop, although I can see the black knob on the left hand side. It might have something to do with my 10 year old computer and monitor.