Replies

1. 
   robkelly | Jan 12, 2005 11:54pm | #1

   You don't need 1 hp. I've got 1/2 hp from Sunhill and it feeds 8/4 stock as well as smaller stuff. It was about $500.  It has 4 speeds, all of which I use. It is a necessity for doing moldings, 80" doors, or anything longer than about 36". If you don't do that sort of stuff, you don't need a PF. It's also good for long rips on the TS.

2. 
   hammer1 | Jan 13, 2005 01:30am | #2

   Machinery can take a quantum leap in pricing as you go from light duty to industrial. Everything about most industrial pieces is heavier duty and built for continuous use. If you were running a 5 hp, 1 1/4" spindle shaper on heavy stock, a 1/4 hp feeder would get tossed across the shop. The big boys are gear driven and have anti-kickback features, they are often 220v. They have 3" or 4" heavy pipe for the mounts as opposed to 1 1/4" steel rod.

   I think the same manufacturer makes all the 1/4 hp units, Gizzly, Delta, etc. I have one and because I do multiple and repetative pieces, I think it works great. Instead of mounting the unit directly to my tools, I use a mounting plate. This allows me to move the feeder to different machines and to put it in a variety of positions. You wouldn't be able to do that with the larger size feeders.

   Stock feeders are a nice addition to the shop. They improve safety, quality of the cut and help cutters last longer. If you have some missing fingers, arthritus or just a lot of pieces to run, they can't be beat. They are not worth setting up for just two or three pieces.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
3. 
   Ridgewood | Jan 13, 2005 01:51am | #3

   I've got a feeder on my General International 3hp shaper.  I bought it originally to run 10,000 linear ft of tongue on 1 1/4" flooring I recycled.  I wasn't too sure about spending the money at the time, but now I have no regrets.  Now I use it for raised panels and the like.  I really like the fact that my fingers aren't in the way of a spinning cutter.  My wife has actually used the feeder for putting small chamfers on the edges of boards.  The power feeder makes things so much safer.  You can also take slightly larger cuts with a power feeder.  Instead of fighting a panel with my hands and arms, the power feeder does the work.  I reduce the number of passes across the cutter when raising panels.

   Ultimately it's your decision, but the increased safety of a power feeder is more than enough justification for the cost of the machine, at least in my opinion.

   Doug