Dear Woodworking Enthusiast,
I am a novice woodworker who is beginning to put together a home workshop. Since my workshop will occupy my 2-car garage (more like 1 and a half) space is at a premium. Consequently I’m shopping combination machines.
I’ve looked at the Robland X31, the Mini Max CU/300K and the Felder CF 731 Professional. Between the Robland and the Mini Max the Mini Max has the edge. I like the hand-wheel for raising and lowering the table saw on the Mini Max whereas the Robland has a lever. I also think the fit and finish on the Mini Max is better. I met a couple of Mini Max owners who claimed that, internally, the Mini Max has better bracing than the Robland and, overall, is a more robust machine. The Mini Max costs a little more but the difference seems to be substantiated by the features and quality.
The Felder, on the other hand, is considerably more – about twice the cost of the Mini Max. At the same time the Felder appears to be a “world class” machine. The engineers have worked overtime on the Felder! If one can believe Felder’s sales video this is one of the most precise woodworking machines ever built. I like the fact that the jointer table tilts upward toward the center of the machine instead of outward as on the Mini Max and Robland. I also like the anodized finish on the table and fence plate, the tilting shaper head, the easy blade change process, and the optional extension tables. But, like I said, all this comes at a price.
Like most people, money is an issue – but so is value. I’ve really enjoyed the woodworking I’ve done so far and I expect to spend a lot of my spare time doing this (building furniture) in the future. I don’t want to be constrained by my equipment and I don’t want to be back out shopping for major equipment in a few years. The Felder is a serious budget stretcher but if it pays off in the long run it would be worth making the effort.
I’m hoping some of you have experience with one or more of these machines and can give me some input.
Have you owned or used one or more of these machines? If so, what did you think about them? How did they perform?
Have you bought one of these machines? The Mini Max distributor seems willing to negotiate. I haven’t discussed a purchase with the Felder folks – will they negotiate? (According to popular literature everything is negotiable – but some guys won’t.)
If you’ve owned a Felder, did you find the additional cost worthwhile?
Have you had to get service or support from Laguna Tools, Felder or a Mini Max distributor? If so, was your experience satisfactory (or better)?
I’d appreciate hearing from knowledgeable sources.
Thanks,
RQJ
Replies
My first recommendation is that you separate the saw / shaper and J / P functions. I think this allows greater layout flexibility and avoids some fence issues as well.
My second recommendation is to thoroughly do your homework. Combo machines aren't for everyone and there are lots of small but important differences between makes of machines. You should also look into the Hammer and Rojek line of machines.
I don't think you will find the Felder / Hammer dealer willing to negotiate.
Don't be fooled by Felder (or other) marketing hype. While these upper end Euro machines are pretty good, they have warts as well; find out what they are.
IMO, the fit and finish on the X31 is just below that of the Rojek, the Hammer and MiniMax are probably about the same but there is a significant difference in feature implementation.
Robland has a new model of X31, it has appeared in the latest Laguna ad in FWW but it isn't on their web site. If memory serves me correctly, Robland has decided to include a raise hand wheel on this model (what a concept!).
I have more Euro machine information on my web site.
PMB
http://benchmark.20m.com
Thanks for the information. I'll check out your website and do some more homework.
RQJ
I owned and used for years a Minimax and it was a good machine. Now I have a Felder 731 it's great to use. As far as precision goes both are outstanding. As to stability the Felder weighs 300kg plus more than the Mini Max that is a good indication. What convinced me on the Felder was the accessories available and a few features that Mini Max hasn't copied yet. The accesories of Felder make working alone even using large boards possible... i.e. a varity of table extensions that connect to any part of the machine and with aftermarket profiles to mount on other machines(band saw) can be used also on other machines. features such as a rear tilting shaper, mobile base(on wheels but still extremely stable) , and removable shaper shaft .....well they hooked me.
To get a similar quality from with tilting shaper and shaper hood that keeps the setting on removal you have to go to the CU 35 of the Mini Max. Don't get the Lab 30 it's just to small to work well on.
The only thing I find ackward on the felder is changing from jointer to planer. You have to lower the planer bed down to 19cm to be able to flip the hood. I don't remember what the new modle of the Mini Max is like on that aspect.
Service, well I never had any major problems with either machine, but to give you an Idea this morning I had a small problem with a cut off switch so I called my dealer who wasn't sure what to do, An hour later a Felder engineer called me from Austria and in 5 minites the problem was solved.
To make the choice again I'd still buy the Felder and I live in Italy where Mini Max is playing on the home field. Cost, you get what you pay for I'm happy with what I got for what I paid.
Philip Allen
Basiano(Mi) Italy
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