CS299, CS199 or VN42 Underpinner.

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dennykyser

dennykyser

True Grumbler
Joined
Jul 14, 2008
Posts
98
Loc
Pennsylvania
This is my last question on which underpinner to get, I will order one Tuesday.

I know I have came up from $2000.00 but want the best I can get as this will be a one time purchase.

I have heard good things about all of these and did some searches but they seem pretty old. Hoping to get some opinions of those who had the chance to actually use some of these machines.
 
I have used several underpinners including VN42 and CS299M.

When I purchased my 299M I looked at many other options.

For me the 299 was the best option I could find and IMO is superior to the VN42, albeit at higher price.

The 199 is a newer offering - seems to be at more of a budget price than the 299. I have not used the 199.

I would have no hesitation in buying another 299 - great clamping action, easy to change nail size (during joining if needed), can lock clamping mechanism if desired while Cornerweld sets up, has been very reliable, great service from LJ and Active Sales.

Having said that many friends have VN42s and are satisfied with its performance, especially given the lower price point. For me though, it just wasn't in the same league when I made my last buy decision.
 
I have the 199 about 3 or 4 months now great machine.

I would have a low production operation when it comes to producing frames.
 
Thanks guys, and although I will not be purchasing this from Larson Juhl, they say they would not be able to get one for a couple months, I am hoping I can get the parts from them if I need them. I can order it Tuesday, and have it Friday and probably will go the CS299. This is an item that would not be easy to upgrade later, as the resale will be horrible and shipping a pain. This is one case I will just get the best I can and plan on it outliving me.
 
Funny at the time I was buying the 199 was the one that was available from my distributor.

From what I can gather both machines are the same or very similar with the 299 having some extra features.

Price is fantastic if you can get it for around $2000, I’m in Europe and I paid Euro €2430 (about $3280 at the time) including delivery and VAT at 21.5% (VAT is a sort of sales tax which I was able to reclaim as I’m registered as a business for that tax as an input of set to output VAT), I got a great deal at that price given some of the list prices in Europe for that machine, interesting given that the manufacture site is in France.

Anyway good luck with the purchase and also with your new business venture.
 
I own a VN42 and I wouldn't recommend it. Now, mine was purchased used and was just not maintained so it's in horrible shape. I just plain don't like the way it works, though. I learned on a Cassesse and when I can afford to get a new underpinner I will probably be getting a 299. Going with the 299 is a good decision.
 
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