Replies

1. 
   DJK | Mar 05, 2007 04:57am | #1

   Go over to woodweb or cabinetmaker and ask. Most here pray to the Grizzly God.

2. 
   brownman | Mar 05, 2007 08:27am | #2

   Koa,
   I don't own either of these machines, but have read a lot on this forum about Felder and Minimax. I almost purchased the Felder 500's little brother from their "Hammer" line this last year but decided to wait for a No. of reasons I'll not mention here. From all that I've read on this forum I can tell you with confidence that either one of the machines you mentioned are very well built and are of the highest quality. Your choice will probably come down to personal preference and price. These companies, especially Felder, tend to want to sell you a basic saw and add on all the things you really need or should have on a saw of that quality for extra money. So it would be my suggestion for you to figure out exactly what features you want on your saw and get a quote from each dealer and work them to get the best deal.And it may be to your advantage to check them both out at their nearest dealer or at the AWWF wood show in Vegas this year, before you put down hard money. Good luck! Danny

   
   

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   Edited 3/10/2007 12:21 am ET by brownman

3. 
   JerryPacMan | Mar 05, 2007 04:28pm | #3

   I have a Hammer B3 saw/shaper comb and I think it is great.  The K500 has the Felder X-Roll slider and it is a extremely smooth and accurate slider.  I would have probably bought the K500 just for the X-Roll table if it was available when I purchased my saw.  The Hammer slider is very nice but the X-Roll is a little better.  Blade changing on the Felder/Hammer is easier in IMHO.  You use a wrench for the blade flange while you remove the large hex screw in the arbor both of which are located right in front of you.  The MiniMax uses a large wrench on the back of the blade, like my old Unisaw, while you remove the arbor nut in front.  You should have no problem with power with either saw.  When moving a sliding table saw I like using a pallet jack vs. a mobility kit.  Also, you can use the pallet jack for moving other things in the shop.  The Felder/Hammer require a pallet jack with 20" wide forks, I do not know what the MiniMax will accept.

   I highly recommend you look at both saws and then decide.  Both Felder and MiniMax will locate a customer saw close to you to inspect.  I would not spend big $$$$ sight unseen.     

    

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