Kity Bestcombi (K5) Combination Woodworking Machine - Re-commissioning and Demonstration

Time for a big upgrade to woodworking corner! I needed some machinery and after much reading chose to get a combination machine. This is a Kity Bestcombi, very similar to their previous model the K5. Combis seem to be loved and hated in equal measure but I suspect in large part it comes down to the quality of the machine and ease of switching between functions, both points where the Kity scores well.

Kity were a French company with a factory in the Alsace region, making woodworking machines from sometime in the 1970's upto 2003 when they were taken over by Scheppach and production moved to China, a few years later the brand was killed off altogether although some designs lived on as Scheppach models.

Check out Kity's promotional film here (in glorious early 90's VHS)

Kity K5 / Bestcombi manual here:

Some general information about the Kity company and their machines here:

Katie's channel:

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[dragontattooee]

Once again Max, you’ve made a video that brings back memories, my dad was a carpenter . The sound of the thickneser reminded me of days with dad, thank you so much

[EastLondonKiwi]

Hi Max what a lovely piece of kit. I am sure it will help you improve your wood working workflow immensely. I have also considered a small multi-tool station like this for my own needs, I have just never found one close enough to me to pull the trigger on. One thing I think you'll discover with a station like this; is that it will have limitations, mostly in its ability to return to a previous setup exactly. The fact that you must make significant changes to the machine to change from one function to the next will also mean that these setups should be considered carefully. I think you'll need to look at a project differently and incorporate the refactoring of this machine into the workflow. So that you can keep the machine in one state for as long as possible before making a change. That might mean making more of one item or making items you will not need immediately that should have cuts or features similar to items you do need now. For example, doing all the jointing and thickness-ing before moving on to the table saw. I also agree with you that Jigs on a machine like this will be your friend. And with your talents, I am very sure you can manufacture many of these yourself without the need to spend too much money buying them in. I am looking forward to seeing this lovely little machine popping up in your content from time to time. I am very sure it will serve you well. Take Care D

[flatbrokefrank]

My farther in law had a Kitty set up, he loved it and he wasn't easily pleased, when he passed on we sold it to a chap in Ireland, an acquaintance of the new owner picked it up in a well known supermarkets refrigerated truck!

[hazzalandy]

Brilliant bit of kit, I have a Coronet Minor which is fairly similar but 1950s and British, very useful thing

[stephenlesbos]

I came here as it's what why dad ran in the 80s. I'm more into metal so I've subscribed to your content. Big (work safe) love 😽

[chrishamilton-wearing]

If I were you, I would consider fitting an NVR e.stop switch on the slot morticing side of the machine. And possibly fit one on the infeed side to the table saw as well as currently if things get a bit frisky the stop button is on the opposite side of the machine to where you will be standing. Really liked this vid and look forward to seeing the combi in use for the organ.

[whitacrebespoke]

My dad was a big advocate of combi machines in small spaces. you need to think about all your work processes with a combi as changing functions and set up time is where efficiency is lost. You want to do all your jobs with one function in one hit then move to next function.

[donniblanco]

A Quality Piece of Kit there Max - Nice Find 👍🏻

[Jonathanbaker]

Great bit of filming Max, I must say I'm impressed with the. What a shame that the company is no longer with us.

[alastairmackay]

You learn so quickly. Downside of any multi-tool is the set up and assembly of components before a cut is possible.

[rexxig]

That's a great bit of kit. I inherited a Kity 612 bandsaw from my late father who was a joiner, he purchased it in the mid 80s and it's still going strong in my workshop!

[bobkendall]

Great bit of kit, just be careful and please show us your hands next Christmas so we can count your fingers!

[srp]

It’s worth getting a tin of machine table wax - I think Liberon is the brand. Especially useful for the thicknessing table, it’s also good for all the sliding parts and fences. You’ll then get a much better feel for what the blade is doing as it cuts, as the friction of the wood on the tables is reduced dramatically.

[robertvanderzaan]

Wow max, that is a really nice machine.Versatile and compact! Never knew such a thing existed or I would have bought it instead of all the separate machines

[onetalentedman]

Top quality machines Kitty I've owned several been a cabinet maker myself over 52 years. The build of these machines are second to none. I would of paid £1500 for that machine you just purchased for a snip.

[georgeclements]

I'm not generally a fan of multi-function equipment, but this looks like a well made piece of kit.
Best wishes.

[crispinleslie]

Max- never heard of a K5 before… now I NEED one

[terrytamblyn]

Used one of this machines for years, and built many items on it, they are a great little machine, although I did loose the end of a finger on the spindle moulder my own fault by not using the guards for a quick cut. It looks in very good order and will serve you well. Have enjoyed your videos for a long time, and have learned a lot, keep up the good work.

[thesundaycarpenter]

Great video. I like how you have added loads of new camera angles and cuts in your video work. I always watched your older videos and appreciated the long form of each shot but this one has a much quicker pace to the video cuts. Nice. I know that is hard work moving the camera around so much but it really does look great.

[stephenhcharlton]

P.s Max merry Christmas mate and best of luck for the future 👍