Need advice on Combination machine purchase
Hello, I've been around here awhile, but don't post very much. I'm a hobbyist woodworker who builds furniture using primarily solid stock, though I do a bit of veneering and occasionally use sheet goods.
I'm prepared to make the switch to a saw/shaper combo and a jointer/planer combo (two seperate units) to replace my stand alone machines (PM-66, Delta 8" jointer, etc.). This would be to save some space, but also to gain some capacities and new capabilities. For example, I don't currently own a shaper and I also like the functionality and inherent safety offered by a sliding table.
The purpose of my post is to get the opinions of folks who have first hand experience with Mini-Max Elite series and/or Felder 700 series machines as these are the two I'm considering. My primary requirements are:
16" jointer/planer capacity
8.5'-9' slider capacity
Single phase
Power drive and digital readout on the planer would be nice, but not a deal killer.
I've done a number of searches here, read quite a few threads and have learned quite a bit. I'm also a member of the MOG and FOG, Yahoo user groups which have also been a great source of information. Over the next three days, I'm visiting the shops of MiniMax and Felder customers who live near me, and who have the machines I am interested in. In the meantime, my Felder and Mini-Max reps are both sharpening their pencils and refining their quotes.
I currently own a MM20 bandsaw, so I'm well acquainted with the quality and excellent customer service offered by Mini-Max. No complaints there at all. On the other hand I also own a BMW motorcycle and admire the German/Austrian penchant for overengineering everything. I've heard only good things about the quality of Felder, but this seems to come at a steep price.
Not looking to start any arguments here or to discuss customer service merits, etc. I'm really interested in hearing from folks who have used similiar machines from both companies and can offer learned opinions on quality of product compared to cost.
Also, what about accessories for both companies? I know Felder has a ton as I have their catalogue, but what about MM? Their website doesn't show much and frankly, I forgot to ask my MM rep.
Regards,
John
MM ST4 Elite and FS41 Elite
Hi John. I own both of the MM machines you are looking at. I've been very happy with both machines. I don't know the differences between the ST-4 and the S315WS. I bought the ST-4 because it had all the options I wanted, rear tilt shaper, digital fence, 8.5 ft slider, scoring blade, power feeder on a swing away mount. A couple of things I like about the the ST-4, you might want to check the S315WS: the ST-4 scoring unit can be used while still using the 12" saw blade, some saws require you to mount a 10" blade when you use the scoring unit. The ST-4 also has a separate motor for the scoring unit. The scoring unit also tilts with the main blade. The ST-4 power feeder mounts on an arm that swings away to the side, some mounts tilt down, so you need to do some lifting to swing it up. The ST-4 uses a 5/8 dia saw blade bore, so you can still use your old 10" saw blades and dado head. Some saws have larger spindles or special saw blade mounts, so you need to modify or replace your old blades and dado head. The ST-4 does not have electronic speed control on the saw or shaper motors. My ST-4 is three phase, 6.4hp motors on both the shaper and saw, 1hp motor on the scoring blade. I run it off a 3 phase rotary converter, which I keep in another room because of the noise and switch it on and off with a remote starter. If you buy a single phase unit I believe the motors are 4.5 hp.
I lost interest with the Felder because I couldn't get it through the salesman's head that I didn't want a Hammer and for some reason he just wouldn't give me much info on the Felder line.
I was unable to see a Felder before I bought my MM, and I don't have much Felder knowledge but my impression is that the Felder is a great machine and has some advantages in the electronic speed control, electronic drives, and optional accessories but the cost of the options can add up quickly.
Having said all this if I were to do it again I would look a bit harder at a separate saw and shaper. I think I would use the shaper more if I could just leave it set up all the time. I bought the combo because I felt it was a better value that a separate saw and sliding table shaper.