Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | May 23, 2005 07:14pm | #1

   Hello, is anybody out there who uses a powerfeeder.

   Jeff

2. 
   Bioman | May 23, 2005 08:09pm | #2

   Just got one, not much I can share yet.

1. 
   JeffHeath | May 23, 2005 09:32pm | #3

   What did you get, what size, and for what tool?

   Jeff

1. 
   Bioman | May 24, 2005 02:19am | #12

   A 1HP Steff.  Eight speeds, four rollers.  My shaper is a 6 HP with a 30mm spindle.

3. 
   billburke | May 23, 2005 10:44pm | #4

   JHeath,

    

   The size of the powerfeed shouldn't be related to the frequency of use, rather it should be related to the HP of the shaper motor and the size of cutters used.  The larger the HP and cutters, the larger the powerfeed.

   I have a 5HP shaper with a 1.25" spindle.  I've mounted a 1HP powerfeed.  To tap the holes simply:

   - Place the mounting template (if supplied) at the location you desire.  Remember to verify the mounting holes will not line up with the cast iron webbing on the underside of the shaper top.

   - Use a hammer and punch to indent the cast iron top in the center of the hole locations.

   - Drill a small pilot hole through the top at each hole location.

   - Enlarge each hole with larger bits until you've reached the appropriate size for the mounting bolts.

   - Machinist oil could be used when drilling, but isn't necessary.

   Good luck,

   Bill

    

1. 
   JeffHeath | May 24, 2005 12:58am | #8

   Bill

   Thanks for the tips.  I appreciate it greatly.

   Jeff

2. 
   JeffHeath | May 24, 2005 01:11am | #9

   Bill

   Due to the fact that I live out in the country, I'm gonna have to order this powerfeeder.  None of my somewhat local sources keep them in stock.  Would you happen to have an opinion on the Grizzly power feeder.  $783 delivered for a 1 hp 4 roller feeder sounds pretty good.  It's a 4 speed with forward and reverse, which I think would probably come in handy.

   Thanks,

   Jeff

1. 
   georgek | May 24, 2005 02:13am | #11

   Jeff, R.A. Ness (woodworker's Emporium) on Milwaukee Ave. in Niles has the 1 HP Delta feeders. Here's their number...847 824 0565, give them a try.

1. 
   JeffHeath | May 24, 2005 02:59am | #13

   Georgie

   Thanks, buddy.  I'll give them a call.

   Jeff

2. 
   billburke | May 24, 2005 04:06pm | #15

   Jeff,

   I don't have any experience with the Grizzly powerfeed, nor do I know much about it.  I have a Delta and I'm pleased with it.  You could never go wrong with 4 rollers.  The 4 speeds will be fine, and the reverse will be beneficial.

   Bill

1. 
   Adrian | May 24, 2005 04:53pm | #16

   Get 1 hp minimum, four wheels, more speeds are better. Apart from some German ones, they're pretty much all identical and some say are all made at the same factory.

   Like someone said, it's not how much you se it.....it's, will it do it when you do need it. 1 HP.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

4. 
   philip | May 23, 2005 11:38pm | #5

   Jeff,
   In addition to what Bburke said you need to get those holes in vertical and the tap must also go in straight. If you have an engineering buddy he probably has a tapping guide. Otherwise you can just eye ball it against a vertical surface placed on the table.

5. 
   johnR5 | May 24, 2005 12:05am | #6

   I have a 1 1/2 hp delta power feeder on my 5hp shaper.

   I also use it on my router table and on my table saw when I

   have to lots of riping to do.

   Great tool.

   looking to buy another one

6. 
   acornw | May 24, 2005 12:12am | #7

   I have never tapped the holes, just bored them a bit oversized and used bolts.  We all need a little forgiveness now and then.  Save your accuracy for the wood.

   I have several 1 hp feeders with the heavy stands and all the adjustments.  I love using them.  I would stay away from the smaller feeders since they tend to move around, flex, and are hard to track, and the stands don't hold the settings.  We track our feeders off parallel by about 1/4" to keep things tight to the fences/bearing.  When first set up, try a bunch of dry runs to determine the pressure to the table, angle and such.  It gets to be second nature pretty quick. 

   A good feeder will allow you to do the forbidden but outrageously cool climb cut.  The surest way to eliminate edge tearout on even curly Maple. Keep your wits about you, start small, and think before you ever turn anything on (as usual).  Do not attempt large panel raises or molding cuts as a climb cut.

   If you can, put your router table back to back or next to the shaper, and you can swing the feeder from one machine to the other.  It will make a router table much more productive. 

   I also favor a 4 wheel over the 3 wheel on our shapers, and we can run 80# panels with no problems.   

7. 
   migraine | May 24, 2005 01:29am | #10

   I have used many powerfeeders over the years and I personal still have a HOLZ  3 wheel, 8 speed power feeder and I have had this for 20 years with no problems except borrowed it to use on a static converter(3 phase) and burnt out the motor.  It cost ~$400 to have it rewound.  I have also many other and I have owned a JET 4 wheeler in the past.  I have never had a problem with it bogging down, but have had a shaper bog down while using it.  

   Just never use a 3phase power feeder on a staic converter.  A rotary converter is OK 

   Make sure you get one that has the good urethane wheels, not the cheap ugly, light yellow wheels that come statndard with most feeders.  These tend to deteriorate quickly and don't grip the material well.

    

1. 
   JeffHeath | May 24, 2005 03:02am | #14

   Migraine

   Thanks for the info.  I hear what you are saying about the wheels not gripping the stock.  I have the same problem with my Williams and Hussey moulder, even after I replaced the old ones with their stock new wheels.  What's the point of having a feeder if it doesn't feed.

   Thanks,

   Jeff