Replies

1. 
   RickL | Nov 25, 2004 03:50am | #1

   Felder stuff is nice but I think you can get a better bang for your buck with other brand equipment. As a school the students can be hard on a machine as opposed to the everyday use in a commercial shop. The combo planer jointer is a fine way to go but in your case I think seperates are the way to go. The jointer tables are liable to get slammed and you risk having the machine get out of adjustment not to mention the bottle neck factor of one machine. I maintain the machines of a woodworking school and at a commercial facility as well as being a purchasing agent for the commercial facility not to mention a scupture degree so I have a pretty good idea of your situation from all angles. Plus over 20 years of machine repair and rebuilding in the woodworking industry. Been woodworking in various forms for 35 years.

1. 
   zav | Nov 25, 2004 04:44pm | #4

   Thanks for the reply. I've had three responses to my question and all three agree that the combo machine in our situation is not a good idea. Haven't made a final decision but that's what I'm leaning toward. We need a long term view and it will be better to absorb the extra expense now and get the right set of machines than save about 12% on the cost and be saddled with an awkward (or worse) situation.

   Thanks for the feedback. It really helps.

   Zav

2. 
   Ralph_USN | Nov 25, 2004 03:53am | #2

   I have the Hammer A3-41 made by Felders.  It is a 16" jointer and planer.  Uses the metric system for measuring.  It is a 3 phase unit, which all of the combo machines from felders are by my understanding.  The phase converter is another $1300 from Kay Industries.  The only disappointment I have with my unit is the fence is a poort design.  If I had it to do over again I would have purchased the MiniMax unit.  I saw them at a machinery show and was very impressed with the design.  As I recalled the shipment took about 3 months and then when it arrived I had to ask for a replacement fence because the one that came was warped.  I too am short on space but if I could have seperate machines I would have them.  If I did I would go with Powermatic.  Check out the tool shows that are going around the country to get a close up look at all the machines.  Hope this helps.  RCW

3. 
   jazzdogg | Nov 25, 2004 04:22am | #3

   Zav,

   Unless these machines will see very little use, I'd definitely opt for two separate machines instead of an all-in-one; otherwise, the two functions cannot be used simultaneously.

   I cannot imagine what would happen if our students (600+ each semester) would do if they had to share a dual-use machine!

   If I were in your shoes, I'd be looking at used equipment like SCMI, Holz-Her, Laguna, Mini-Max, etc.

   Good luck,

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

1. 
   zav | Nov 25, 2004 04:54pm | #5

   Dear JD

   Thanks for the reply. I am leaning in the direction you suggest. I have had three replys to my question and all agree that separate machines is the way to go. I have to take a long term view and will try to find a way to go ahead with separate machines than risk a long term headache for a short term savings (about 12%).

   Thanks for the feedback.

   Zav