Replies

1. 
   MyTacoma | Dec 08, 2003 09:52pm | #1

   Not sure if you had the chance to visit the Mini Max Owners' Group. There are many owners/postings on that site. I'm expecting a delivery of FS-350 pretty soon. If I had the money I'd prefer the wider FS-41 (16" jointer/planer). It's $2k more but that extra 2+ inches would really make a difference. I also own the MM16 bandsaw and recently got the SC4W sliding table saw (950 lbs!). I'm very happy with my purchases. Good luck.

   Newman

   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MiniMax-USA/

1. 
   BOBABEUI | Dec 08, 2003 10:59pm | #2

   Thanks for the information.. I have already checked out the Minimax forum that you so kindly supplied the link for, was looking for some other folks (other than the Minimax forum's) perspective on Minimax jointer/planer combo's.. I too own a MM16, that I love..

   Now if I can only convince the wife the FS-350 will fit in the basement.. well that's another story

1. 
   MyTacoma | Dec 08, 2003 11:36pm | #3

   Yea I think it's a good idea to get some unbiased opinions. The only thing is there are so few Mini Max owners compared to the "Big-Three" manufacturers that you'll most likely get opinions from someone who frequents the MOG site. I probably wouldn't have purchased any of the MMs without the group forum since there's so little information out there.

2. 
   Salemjoiner | Dec 09, 2003 03:50pm | #4

   Hi, I just bought a used FS350, and have been very impressed with the machine.  Lots of power and seems very accurate.  Even having been used in a millwork shop this unit seems to have held up very well and still remains accurate, which says a lot I think about overall quality.  I was impressed enough that when I decided to upgrade bandsaws I started looking seriously at the Mini Max products, and just ordered the MM20 yesterday.

1. 
   BOBABEUI | Dec 09, 2003 04:14pm | #5

   Salemjoiner,

   Thanks for your response.. Glad to hear the machine could survive the rigors of a millwork shop (maybe a used machine is not out of the question).. The entire MM product line seems to be very robustly constructed.. Good luck with your purchase..

3. 
   cigarmike | Dec 10, 2003 12:22am | #6

   Go to Sawmill Creek website and check archives. A gentleman named Becker recently got one and wrote some notes about it there. I too have been lusting after one of these machines, and currently awaiting some info.

   I like the fact that both tables lift up together; it can be placed against a wall to minimize space requirements; quick change knives in the event you hit a nait when planing that recycled heart pine.

   It is one sweet looking machine that I hope to own someday.

1. 
   MyTacoma | Dec 13, 2003 10:45am | #8

   Mike, the new version of the FS-350 is set up exactly like the FS-30 (12" j/p). Here are some of the changes: The infeed table swings up and out in an angle and takes up about an additional 8 inches in the back while the outfeed table operates the same. The fence unit mounts in the center instead of the infeed table and takes up about a foot in the back. The blade guard is American-style and made of orange plastic instead of the Euro-style guard which I'd prefer. The mortising unit mounts on the front instead of the back, a huge improvement. Finally, they dropped the "0" and call it FS-35.

4. 
   kensshop | Dec 13, 2003 04:05am | #7

   Bobabeui,

   I mentioned to Chris in another discussion that I know where an FS-350, new, can be had for around $3,700.00.  If you're interested, call me, weekdays, at 1-800-342-0911.

5. 
   Dustmight | Dec 13, 2003 02:40pm | #9

   There's a guy by the name of Jim Becker who moderates the "Tools and Tool Buying" forum at the Woodmagazine.com site, and who hangs out at Sawmillcreek.com who bought one several weeks ago. He posted some observations of his 350 on one or both of those sites....sorry I can't remember which. He'd be a good one to contact for info, and he's typically pretty objective. (He has a website @ http://sawsndust.com/ that might have some info too)

   A general plug for MM.... A good friend of mine bought an MM16 about 2 months ago. Not only am I very impressed with the machine, but his buying experience with MM was outstanding. I really admired the way the refused to denounce their competitors. (The reverse wasn't the case). At this price level, most folks are going to "sold" by sales hype and MM didn't even try. They patiently answered questions over a period of months until he decided (the competition was hot-to-trot to get him to buy), then they made every effort to get him the machine at a good price at a convenient location. He ended picking it up at the Syracuse WWing show. (very heavy machine!)

6. 
   sharp | Dec 21, 2003 07:35am | #10

   look at felder too. similar price.

1. 
   MyTacoma | Dec 22, 2003 01:19am | #11

   Felder doesn't have a 14 inch j/p but I think you're referring to the Felder AD 731 (12 inch j/p), which retails for $4,995. The base 16 incher AD741, starts at $7,395, with the digital-drive model going for $8,790. Felder machines are individually made and take three to four months for delivery. These machines are in high demand so you can expect very little or no discount from the salespeople. It's like going to a Mercedez dealer and asking for a discount. I was about to purchase their K700 Pro tablesaw but the salesman would not budge on the price. He eventually knocked off $200 and this is a $6,400 tablesaw! Mini Max on the otherhand is more flexible with their prices and they usually stock their machines at their warehouse. You can get the redesigned FS-35 (they don't call it FS350 anymore) for around $4,500 with the Christmas special and they'll work with you even further on the price if you make multiple purchases. The Rojek 16" j/p with Tersa might be a good option if you want the size but not the price. I think that goes for $4,300.