Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | Dec 08, 2006 06:43pm | #1

   Both Hammer and MiniMax have video tapes and DVDs showing operation of their machines, including combos and sliding table saws. other manufacturers also have demo material.

   I've done a long evaluation, comparing the first 2 and have opted for Hammer equipment which I'll be able to comment about in a few months. Others here have first-hand experience. The capabilities and craftsmanship of these machines is quite a bit above the typical cabinet saw available to the North American market. In particular, the ability to clamp the work to the highly accurate slider improves accuracy (potentially - depending on the operator!) and safety as the operator's hands need never be near the blade.

   All the machines have well-designed riving knives and crown blade guards, provision for scoring blades.

   Rich

2. 
   ring | Dec 08, 2006 06:55pm | #2

   I've had occasion to write about these saws recently. But you didn't give enough info to be very specific. Do you have a planned budget? Are you in the US? How much of your work is cabinets?

   If you are looking for small sliders (as opposed to industrial-sized), then I'd say look at these three: Minimax, Felder, Hammer. Each has a number of options and configurations, and they're all quality products. If you're looking for a bigger saw, then Altendorf and Martin are top-notch. I have a large SCMI slider that is not considered the Rolls Royce of machines, but it has served me very very well.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   jaewhi | Dec 10, 2006 03:16am | #5

   I am here in Maryland, and my buget is 4K Max.
   I considered to buy Hammer but some one told me that Hammer's Fence is not very good....
   do you know any thing about Grizzly sliding table? they have one model for $3500 and it is not a metric machine.

1. 
   JerryPacMan | Dec 10, 2006 06:24pm | #7

   The fence on the previous generation Hammer line was very bad.  The latest generation Hammer fence is excellent and adjustable in all planes.  It is very similar to the Delta Unifence that I had on my previous saw, a Unisaw.

   Since you are in Maryland I would suggest a trip to the Felder/Hammer showroom in Delaware and check out the Hammer line.  I would also call Felder at 866.792.5288 and request the Hammer DVD just to see a slider in action.

   I was at the Grizzly showroom in October and I was not impressed with the Grizzly sliders.  The Hammer quality and engineering is excellent.  The Felder/Hammer sliders are made in Austria not China or Taiwan.  I do have a Grizzly 8" jointer and it is nice but the Hammer saw is better than the Grizzly IMHO. 

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

1. 
   Rich14 | Dec 10, 2006 07:02pm | #9

   The Grizzly sliding table saw is a commendable effort from Grizzly and is a major step up from any cabinet saw they have. But it is surprisingly lacking in the very things that have limited the "Euro" saws in the North American market. It cannot take a dado cutter. The slider is too far from the blade. (The hammer slider is within 1/4") This limits the very operations that make a sliding table so useful and safe. The rip fence does not offer the advantages of those on Euro machines. The miter fence is extremely limited (fatally-so in my opinion). The fit and finish is many steps down from Hammer quality. There is no mobility package. And last, the saw is quite expensive. As much as a Hammer K3! Rich

2. 
   ring | Dec 10, 2006 06:58pm | #8

   I have heard that the fence on the Hammer has been improved. But you've got to get to a show and see these machines in person.Don't discount the possibility of a used saw in good condition. Check out:http://www.exfactory.comA late model Minimax S3 might be going for $3000-4000.David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

3. 
   JerryPacMan | Dec 08, 2006 07:08pm | #3

   I have a Hammer K3 saw/shaper combo and love it.  You should check out the new Felder 500 line, it is priced between the Hammer and Felder 700 machines.  Go to the Felder link below for a mini review of the Felder 500.  You will have to register before you can read or print the review.

   http://www.felderusa.com

   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=31172.1

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

   
   

   ---

   Edited 12/8/2006 11:15 am ET by JerryPacMan

4. 
   Hastings | Dec 09, 2006 01:53am | #4

   I have just taken delivery of a Felder CF741P combination machine so its too soon to offer an opinion. You might want to join the MiniMax group at Yahoo and the Felder Owner's Group (FOG), also at Yahoo. Both groups have very knowledgeable folks who can help you decide which machine might be best for you.

   An american-type table saw looks pretty crude compared to the euro sliders! You should also check out Knapp and Robland both of which are distributed by Laguna Tools. There is also Rojek.

   Also check out the review in FWW of combination machines.

   Hastings

5. 
   lokiloki1 | Dec 10, 2006 04:47am | #6

   We have a Cassolin at work and I love the thing!

6. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Dec 10, 2006 08:17pm | #10

   Afternoon jaewhi...

   I have seen all the saws mentioned at the IWF show here in Atlanta in August as I checked them out for Brownman I believe (who can't see them in person). The more reasonably priced Hammer (sold by Felder), MM and Laguna are very nice. I am glad Grizzly stepped forward with their saw, but don't feel it has been refined at this point to a degree that I would want one immediately. Hopefully they will as they have done with their jointer line.

   But.. with the amount you mentioned you were shooting for, I would also look at the Rojek which is dado capable (if cutting dado's on a TS are your cup of tea) and priced below the above. The Rojek tools are distributed out of Arkansas http://www.rojekusa.com and is family owned and stock parts there. They are very customer oriented and the owner will even give you his cell phone number (which is on his business card)  and tell you to call him (even at home 24/7) if you have any problems. I had a long conversation with their chief technician and he is extremely well versed on his products.

   Just a though off the main-stream that hasn't been thrown at you!

   Regards...

   SARGE..