After Much Consideration - Purchasing a Minimax FS30 J/P

[Mike Shields]

With all the research I've done (incl asking questions/reading posts here), I've placed an order for a new Minimax FS30 J/P to replace a 6" jointer and 13" planer.

My jointer is an 6" Delta that I had bought 10 years ago. It was barely sufficient, but it wasn't expensive either. I upgraded to a 8" Crescent (1940s vintage (old arn mistake)), but sold it quickly. I usually ended up paying for the milling at the hardwood store because of my 6" jointer; what a waste of a tool, money, and missing out on making sawdust. My planer is a 13" lunchbox that I think has caused some hearing damage (lol yes I use hearing protection! ).

I can't stand poor quality tools. I would rather not own something, than one with bad performance. Sometimes I learn about these things the hard way, and it has always cost me. There is something euphoric about anything of quality, but especially more so when its a tool that produces amazing cuts, resulting in something you can be proud of.

I stretched a little for this purchase (compared to what I have now), but highly doubt I'll ever have buyers remorse for the next couple decades that I'll own this machine.

Thanks for all your help.

Mike in Denver

[Chris Merriam]

Congrats. I'll be in your shoes one day soon. What made you choose the Minimax over the Hammer? What's the cost delta on the Minimax?

[Mike Shields]

Congrats. I'll be in your shoes one day soon. What made you choose the Minimax over the Hammer? What's the cost delta on the Minimax?

PM has been sent.

[Michael Mahan]

I've got a MiniMax FS41 Classic coming ! I chose a MiniMax over a Hammer due to the all Italian assembly & manufacture , the lack of waiting on boat to arrive , sales support , price .
Also have a MiniMax MM-20 ordered as well
Shipping costs on the MiniMax machines were lower than what Hammer / Felder quoted me .

[Rod Sheridan]

Mike, congratulations, you'll really enjoy your new machine..........Regards, Rod.

[Victor Robinson]

I've got a MiniMax FS41 Classic coming ! I chose a MiniMax over a Hammer due to the all Italian assembly & manufacture , the lack of waiting on boat to arrive , sales support , price .
Also have a MiniMax MM-20 ordered as well
Shipping costs on the MiniMax machines were lower than what Hammer / Felder quoted me .

I am so coming over!

[Michael Mahan]

I will need help standing that MM20 up right !
MiniMax is said to ship them now on their backs , which is Fine by me nothing worse than a dropped bandsaw

[Robert Sampson]

I purchased the FS30 and MM16 a couple of years ago. The quality is impressive, and I have been very pleased.

The biggest deciding factor for me between MiniMax and Hammer, was the "no wait" availability of the MiniMax equipment.