Timesaver wide planer / beltsander combination machine

[stanmillnc]

So now that I'm getting 3-phase power to my shop, I've decided to purchase a wide planer / belt sander combination machine. Looking at the Timesaver model and used units on the market. Finding mostly 37" and 43"; I don't think I'd need the 43" capacity, but I guess it would be nice to have? I can get a better deal on the 37" units which would cover all I currently do. 

My current business model focuses on live edge slabs, up to ~34" wide. I've got a LT-40 wide Woodmizer and don't like breaking out my CSM unless I absolutely have to, so very rare for me to mill wider than the Woodmizer can handle. However, perhaps the 43" unit would open up a market to plane / sand table-tops for customers? 

Also how much should I factor in age of the machine? These Timesavers seem to be built like tanks, so I'm not necessarily scared of an older model, but I suppose newer models are always better. Anybody on the forum with a Timesaver that can help me with this decision?

[scsmith42]

I have a Timesavers 52" three head WBS. Before that I had an EMC Pioneer (Laguna) 37" single head WBS.

Belts are less expensive for the narrower models.

HP is king! My 37" had around 22hp and I would not want less, especially if you are using the WBS to flatten slabs.

Unless you are doing glue ups, it's best to match up to your other capabilities.  Having said that, 42" capacity is nice because a lot of table tops are 42" wide.

[customsawyer]

Every time I match up to my capacity I end up getting some bigger capacity and then have to upgrade other machines down the line. I've never wished a machine had less hp. and I don't remember saying that a planer is to wide.

[K-Guy]

I've never wished a machine had less hp. and I don't remember saying that a planer is to wide.

Isn't that like saying a girl is too pretty? smiley_jester

[Southside]

I've never wished a machine had less hp

No kidding.  Caught myself one day saying something along the lines of "boy those newer ones have 50 more HP, bla, bla, bla", while riding around in my 300 HP tractor - quickly came back to reality... :

[busenitzcww]

I have a 37" and would love a 42" just because of all the table tops we do. If you can swing it go big!