UNIMAT 1 is the next step up from PLAYmake, made by the same Austrian manufacturer for children aged 8 and over. The Elementary Set is its school version: the parts of one modular system combine into a jigsaw, a wood lathe, a sander and a hand drill.
The lathe works in three ways: between centres, with a faceplate for flat round parts, and as a miniature lathe with collets for thin rods. The jigsaw cuts plywood and solid wood up to 7 mm thick, and the drill takes bits from 1 to 6 mm. A 12 V motor with a gearbox delivers 4,000 rpm at the spindle.
Compared with the basic UNIMAT 1, the school set adds a longitudinal slide, two faceplates, a metal turning rest, 10 spare jigsaw blades and a transport box. Typical class projects include an aeroplane, a propeller car and a solar windmill.
Good to know
PLAYmake jigsaw blades also fit UNIMAT 1, so one spare pack serves both.
UNIMAT 1 is designed for children aged 8 and over. For younger children, choose PLAYmake.
In the package
Parts for the jigsaw, wood lathe, sander and hand drill
