Hi,
I’ve posted here before about my looking into a combination machine. Good feedback and I’m nearing the self-imposed timeline when I said I would buy one, August.
I’ve narrowed down the list to the Felder 741 and the Minimax CU-410. Both machines inspire a good level of drool, and I’m quite sure they are capable of turning out equal quality work product. Nonetheless, have a couple of questions that I’m looking to get feedback on.
I already have a MM-20 bandsaw, so I’m familiar with Minimax’s reputation for superior customer service. Quite frankly, I’d buy from them in a heartbeat based on my positive experience with my bandsaw. How about Felder owners? Has customer support met your expectations?
Anyone with the powerdrive Felder… I’d really be interested in hearing your feedback. Is this a must have feature for you now or a novelty that is an expensive convenience?
I am interested in the working footprint for each machine, in other words how much space do you require for the machine and around it.
Any difficulty in getting tooling for either? The Felder is more Euro in this respect… everything is metric.
Thanks much in advance…. and it’s looking like I’ll soon have a Powermatic 15s planer, 8″ jointer and a tricked out left tilt Unisaw with router table and a full size rolling outfeed setup/storage for sale 🙂
Replies
I own a few Hammer pieces and am a member of the felder group on yahoo. I recenly contemplated the same machine, but in the end I have decided to hold off. I suspect you might need to chat with some on the Felder group for info on the power drive. Most that I chat with there that have the 741 usually have the electric drive. The digi drive seems less common amoungst the users until you enter into the Format line. When I spoke to my rep about the 741 he said he did not order the 741 without the electric drive. As to customer service I can say that my former rep (he moved on) was very attentive and when you log on to the Felder site I routinely get calls. I have had very good luck as far as consumables, but I have waited for non-stock items for a while. The nice thing about these is they do not break down. There is currently an interesting discussion on the Felder group about customer service.
As for space around the machine, you will not need a lot behind the machine since the fence adjustment is from the infeed side and not a center post like so many.
I am sure you will be pleased with either machines.
Brad
thanks, I just joined the Felder yahoo group (pending moderator action).As you know, there are a ton of options available for these machines. I'm trying to be smart about buying what I will use, but also aware that how I use this machine might change if I have a specific option.I'm also on the fence about the variable speed option.
hi woodman,
apologies for seeing this late, but i have a CF741pro and might be able to answer some of your questions. i bought it second-hand, so didn't order with options, but i waited until i found one with the options i wanted. i have most of the upgrades, including the variable speed (single phase) and the power drive (for the planer), but hand cranks for the saw and shaper. i also have the 81" slider (not the 98") and the larger outrigger, and the (mobile) mortising table. i had a really nice unisaw before the felder, and it's a very nice step up. by the way, the variable speed is especially important if you plan on getting the router spindle for the shaper. if you have any questions, feel free to ask. (i'm also on the felder owner's group.)
cheers,
bert
if it's worth doing at all, then it's worth doing well.
I am not sure if you watch the woodweb classifieds or not, but there have been quite a few combo machines popping up for sale over the last couple of months. I have noticed some pretty good deals on 2003 thru 2006 models. Probably a lot to do with the US housing market.
Brad
Thanks for all the replies. I ended up watching my budget and going with the Minimax. The Felder looks like a fantastic machine but when I looked at the bottom line number the Minimax was too good to pass up.Also, I spent a lot of time considering the planer/jointer size, considering I was giving up my powermatic 15s, I wasn't sure I wanted to drop down to 12 but then I thought about it and realized that I never really used the full 15" anyways. Re the router spindle, which the felder has a pretty nice setup with, I'm not giving up my router table so this was less of an issue. The Felder shaper does look to be best in class. On the minimax side, it's better configured for American woodworkers although once you acquire the tooling I'm not sure this is an issue. The price is better by a wide margin and the company is fantastic to deal with, but it's worth pointing out that my interactions with the Felder rep in Sacramento were really pleasant and I'm sure that I would like to do business with the company.
Woodman:
For some reason, I missed your original post; so I hope it's not too late. I have the CF 741 P single phase, with variable speed and power drive on the planer.
I am extremely satisfied with the machine and its performance. I think the power drive on the planer is essential. Similarly, I use the variable speed a lot with the router spindle particularly, but also with the dado cutter.
I have a small shop (16'x22'), hence the need for a combo. The slider pretty much goes from wall to wall. For longer stock, I open the doors and/or shift the machine so the mobility kit was essential - maybe for you too?
If you plan on commissioning the machine, get David Best's survival manual.
To be honest, I believe you will be very happy with either machine. I didn't agonize over this choice because I got a deal from Felder at IWF. THe more you think about it the harder it gets!
The FOG ia a great resource and support has been very good - maybe a little "Austrian" but you get used to it.
Regards,
Hastings
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