MB304

A three-side planer/moulder for turning sawn boards into finished timber. The top face and both edges are machined in one pass, so a rough board goes in and a dimensioned or profiled board comes out. The top cutter runs a 300 mm head at 7,200 rpm and takes up to 8 mm in a pass; two side cutters set in the table fix the width. Feed runs at 3 m/min for a finish cut or 6 m/min for construction timber.

205 mm8.1 in
8 mm0.3 in
6.3 kW8.4 hp

Figures are for the MB304 with both extension tables fitted. Chip extraction and wheel sets are ordered separately.

Get pricing

What it does well

Machines the top face and both edges in one pass, so a rough board comes out dimensioned or profiled
Three cutter heads instead of four, which makes knife changes quicker and profile knives cheaper
The top cutter turns at 7,200 rpm and takes up to 8 mm off in a single pass
Feed is set at 3 m/min for the finest moulding surface or 6 m/min when the finish matters less

What's included

Machine with the top cutter and both side cutters, knives fitted
Two extension tables, one for the in-feed and one for the out-feed
Tool kit, planing-knife setting block and shims
Operating manual and spare parts list

How it works

The assemblies that decide how the cut comes out.

Three faces in one pass

A board goes in on the in-feed table and comes out machined on the top face and both edges. One horizontal cutter sits in the top of the machine and two vertical cutters sit in the table, one either side of the work. Width and thickness are set on the machine rather than on the timber, so every board off the same setting comes out the same size.

Knives change from the top

The hood lifts on its hinge and everything is reached from above - the top cutter for planing or moulding knives, the two side cutters for profile knives. The machine arrives set from the factory and the knives are set with the supplied block, so moving between dimension planing and a moulding is a knife change rather than a re-setting of the machine.

Each cutter has its own motor

The top cutter, the two side cutters and the feed run on separate motors. A board that stalls can be cleared by starting the cutters first and bringing the feed in after, and a cutter can be run on its own while setting up. A chain drive takes the power to the three grooved feed rollers and the rubber out-feed roller.

Tables at both ends

The body is 1,100 mm on its own. With both extension tables fitted the machine runs 2,610 mm long, so the board is supported on the way in and on the way out. Both tables lift off for transport and for storage against a wall.

Every detail

Close-ups of the parts you will adjust.

Control box and the vision panel over the cutters - each cutter has its own start button

Out-feed side of the head - the extension table carries the board clear of the cutters

Three-quarter view with both extension tables fitted

See it cutting

MB304 — Watch video

Video coming soon

Filming is under way — ask us and we will send the cutting clip.

Specifications

Max planing width: 205 mm8.1 in
Planing width with conversion: 300 mm11.8 in
Max take-off: 8 mm0.3 in
Planing height: 10 to 70 mm
Three-side width: 25 to 205 mm, top face and both edges
Three-side height: 10 to 60 mm
Min workpiece length: 600 mm23.6 in
Cutter heads: Three - one top, two side
Top cutter: 72 mm diameter by 300 mm wide, 3 kW at 7,200 rpm
Side cutters: 30 mm spindles, tools up to 140 mm diameter, 1.5 kW each at 3,000 rpm
Feed speeds: 3 m/min for moulding, 6 m/min for construction timber
Feed rollers: Three grooved 40 mm rollers and a rubber out-feed roller, chain driven
Total power: 6.3 kW8.4 hp
Power supply: 400 V three-phase, 16 A CEE plug; 230 V three-phase option
Enclosure class: IP54
Chip extraction: Minimum 2,500 m3/h through three 100 mm outlets
Machine weight: 280 kg617 lb
Overall dimensions: 2,610 mm long with both extension tables, 743 mm wide, 1,132 mm high

The machine is supplied set from the factory. Electrical connection differs by market - confirm it for your site before ordering.

Shipping & logistics

Ships as: One wooden case - the machine and both extension tables crated together
Shipping weight: Machine 280 kg; packed weight confirmed with your quotation
Warranty: 12 months parts and labour

Accessories and attachments

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a three-side and a four-side machine?

A three-side machine machines the top face and both edges and leaves the bottom face as it was sawn. You set the finished width and thickness, run the board with the sawn face down, and that is the job done. A four-side machine also machines the bottom face, which means the in-feed table has to be packed up to control how much the bottom cutter takes off the board.

Will it cut mouldings as well as flat boards?

Yes. The top cutter takes planing knives for flat work and moulding knives for profiles, and the two side cutters take profile knives for the edges. Going from dimension planing to a moulding is a knife change; the cutter heads stay on the machine. Hundreds of standard profiles are available, and custom knives can be ordered.

What supply does it need?

400 V three-phase on a 16 A CEE plug, with a 230 V three-phase option. Total connected load is 6.3 kW. Tell us the voltage and phase where the machine will run and we will confirm the connection before the order is placed.