Has anuone had experience with either the Felder AD 731, Mini Max FS 30, Roland XSD-310 or Rojek MSP 310M? I am looking for a machine which will allow me to square larger dimensional lumber such as 8 – 10′ 1 x 12. These machines were listed but not reviewed in Taunton’s 2006 Tool Guide.
I greatly appreciate any feedback.
Rick
Replies
I've used the older Minimax and it took any question of the worthinesss of the quality of the tool. The units are much better now. There's user groups on yahoo for most of these tools. Go there for more people and perhaps you can find one near by to visit.
I have the FS30 Smart. I highly recomend it.
Todd
If u have the money,Felder is the best.
As an Austrian who lives quite close to the Felder HQ and has worked on their machines for years I can only recommend them. I do not know any of your American made machines, but doubt whether there is anything more versatile and accurate on the market. I own a Felder CF 731 Professional (which incorporates a AD 731) and a Felder F 700 and am more than happy with them. The money should not be a consideration, really, as with everything the quality you get for many years of use compensates easily.
Markus
I have the Felder AD731, and think it's a terrific machine. Hammer is a cheaper alternative, but the blade adjustment for the Felder cutterhead, which makes it easy, is not there on the Hammer. You can also get a Tersa variant for the Felder. However, it's probably not worth the money. Felder is a nice company to deal with. However, so is MiniMax, which has terrific customer service (I have their bandsaw--my favorite power tool).
Check if they still make the 12" j/p though.
I also just put mine on a HoverPad. The Felder mobility kit is very good, considering you are hoisting a machine that weights over 1000 pounds, and are moving it around. The pad need adjustments, but does move the jointer better.
Thank you one and all
I purchased the mini max. The deciding issue for me was that Hammer is made off shore. Felder seems to make a great machine but was more expensive than the mini max. As an added bonus, Mini Max USA is based in Austin, as am I. Hense, shipping is not an issue.
Again, thanks for your input.
Rick
Minimax machines are Italian, No? I think that the bandsaws are, perhaps that is not true of the entire line.John
John,
Yes Mini-max machines are Italian, the parent company SCM Group makes the combo machines, the bandsaws are built by Centuaro of Italy and re-sold under the Mini-max name..
Mind if I ask which one you bought, and how much it cost?********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I bought the FS 30 smart. As to cost, they are not inexpensive. There is some willingness, on their part, to negotiate. Customer service and proximity to my location are what sold me. All of the sales people are wood workers. Now that is a concept. They do not make a mobil base for this unit. The representative with whom I spoke, suggested that an HTC base will work on the unit. I am leary of putting 800 pounds on one of their mobil bases. Perhaps, I can modify the base to better manage the weight. Any thoughts??
Rick
I looked it up, and they list the net weight as 650 pounds -- and one of the HTC bases is rated for 700 lbs, so you should be okay. Just to be sure, you might want to call HTC to double check which stand they recommend for the machine.You're going to love those Tersa blades............********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Thank you for taking the time to look that up.
Rick
Glad to help............. but I'm hoping you will come back here with a report on your likes and dislikes when you have had a chance to try it out. I think one of these machines is in my future..........********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I am going to pick this up Friday. If you drop me a line next week, I will tell you what I have learned.
Rick
I did send you an email with my regular address, but why don't just post your comments here?I"m sure I am not the only one who is interested in what you have to say. Thanks.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
How did you get the hoverpad under your planer/jointer? What compressor are you using?
Getting the HoverPad under the machine once was fine I had to do it four times, until I finally came up with the answer (well the manufacturer did). I had to stiffen the pad with a sheet of plywood. The compressor is a fairly small Makita portable. I now also use my little 5 gallon auxiliary tank. I still ahve to recharge the compressor once or twice, but it is still easier. To answer your question, I keep an old car jack around for jacking up heavy weights. I did it in stages.The HoverPad is good; with a large compressor, I would say it's probably great.
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