Decisions on Hammer A3-XX......
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southrider
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Part of the silent power design is a very large gullet behind the cutters to enhance the dust collection and keep the cutters from pounding the chips into the wood. There is a noticeable difference in the cut quality between the silent power head and aftermarket heads, including the Byrd.
Don't just take my word for it - google the reviews.
Don't just take my word for it - google the reviews.
Have you looked at the MiniMax 12" jointer/planer?https://www.scmgroup.com/en_US/scmw...essers-jointer-planers.893/minimax-fs-30c.748
They use the "Tersa" cutterhead
An older thread - but there are a lot like it on the webhttp://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/hammer-a3-31-vs-minimax-fs30-classic/
They use the "Tersa" cutterhead
An older thread - but there are a lot like it on the webhttp://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/hammer-a3-31-vs-minimax-fs30-classic/
WarnerConstCo.
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I saw some new minimal stuff today for the first time, short stroke slider and sliding table shaper, defiantly unimpressed, especially when I was told the price.
Tersa has and continues to be the hallmark of Italian and the best German, (Martin) J/Ps, which typically cater to larger, industrial use clients. Has anybody worked with a Tersa equipped J/P using 7.5+horsepower and compared results to a spiral cutter? Just wondering if smaller HP units benefit greater from using spirals and yield better results.
Looking at the griggio fs 530 which martin uses for their compact model.
Looking at the griggio fs 530 which martin uses for their compact model.
derekcohen
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I've had the A3-31 for about 3 years now. The silent head is amazing. Not only is it quiet enough to have a conversation while it is cutting (the DC is louder), but the quality of the cut is truly excellent. I have only just turned the carbide inserts for the first time to a second face. The wood I work with is hard and abrasive, so the longevity of the cutters is clearly in the superior category.
I bought mine with the spiral head fitted by the factory. I recommend you do the same. Save a bit longer. It will be worth it. Having the factory do it is less hassle and will be done correctly.
Add in the cost of the digital gauge as well. This is a necessity not a luxury.
Regards from Perth
Derek
I bought mine with the spiral head fitted by the factory. I recommend you do the same. Save a bit longer. It will be worth it. Having the factory do it is less hassle and will be done correctly.
Add in the cost of the digital gauge as well. This is a necessity not a luxury.
Regards from Perth
Derek
Yes, I believe you are correct
Just like Hammer is entry level Felder
For me the three of biggest differences between Hammer and MiniMax are that MiniMax does not spend the $$$$ on fancy catalogs, website, advertising, etc. (just take a look at their website and you will see)
They usually sell their machines fully equipped as most people would use them versus Hammer starting with their very basic, stripped down version and you go up from there.
MiniMax usually stocks their machines somewhere in the U.S. versus Hammer having to order it and you it takes several months to get to you
Keep in mind we are in the Fall season now and both of these companies usually have some great 'end of the year/Christmas' sales.
Lastly, if you are in the market for a jointer, planer, combo or sliding table saw and you have not heard or at least looked into MiniMax - you shouldhttps://www.scmgroup.com/en_US/scmwood/products/joinery-machines.c884
I forgot to add that supposedly the 'silent cutter-heads' greatest feature is...... it is quiet. As others have noted, a typical dust collection system is loud enough to require hearing protection so for me, the fact that the jointer is 'quiet' is a mute point.
I will mention that it is nice to be able to quickly change the knives depending on the material you are working with. Tersa knives come in chrome steel, high-speed steel, and carbide. I believe the silent cutter-head is carbide?
Carbide
Very durable but gives a reduced finish quality, recommended for hickory, teak, exotic hardwoods, man made materials, glue lines
High-speed steel
Better for all around use. Recommended for softwood and occasional hardwood use
Chrome steel
For hardwood applications. Less likely to chip the cutting edge than HSS
https://www.simantechinc.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=2
Just like Hammer is entry level Felder
For me the three of biggest differences between Hammer and MiniMax are that MiniMax does not spend the $$$$ on fancy catalogs, website, advertising, etc. (just take a look at their website and you will see)
They usually sell their machines fully equipped as most people would use them versus Hammer starting with their very basic, stripped down version and you go up from there.
MiniMax usually stocks their machines somewhere in the U.S. versus Hammer having to order it and you it takes several months to get to you
Keep in mind we are in the Fall season now and both of these companies usually have some great 'end of the year/Christmas' sales.
Lastly, if you are in the market for a jointer, planer, combo or sliding table saw and you have not heard or at least looked into MiniMax - you shouldhttps://www.scmgroup.com/en_US/scmwood/products/joinery-machines.c884
I forgot to add that supposedly the 'silent cutter-heads' greatest feature is...... it is quiet. As others have noted, a typical dust collection system is loud enough to require hearing protection so for me, the fact that the jointer is 'quiet' is a mute point.
I will mention that it is nice to be able to quickly change the knives depending on the material you are working with. Tersa knives come in chrome steel, high-speed steel, and carbide. I believe the silent cutter-head is carbide?
Carbide
Very durable but gives a reduced finish quality, recommended for hickory, teak, exotic hardwoods, man made materials, glue lines
High-speed steel
Better for all around use. Recommended for softwood and occasional hardwood use
Chrome steel
For hardwood applications. Less likely to chip the cutting edge than HSS
https://www.simantechinc.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=2
On the inventory of Hammer vs. MM...I think Hammer keeps more inventory on hand now than they previously did, so this may be less of an issue depending on your timing and what you're looking for. In my case, I purchased a machine from each company, the Hammer was in stock, the MM was being conceived at the factory in Italy. My point being, I wouldn't use this as a differentiating factor until you've asked for a delivery timetable and determined it's an issue for you.
WarnerConstCo.
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The minimax stuff looks cheap. Handle, knobs, clamps, etc were kind of pathetic for what the price of the machine was. Grinds on the tables were not very pretty, thin sheet metal, etc. I could never bring myself to spend that kind of money on that kind of machine.
WarnerConstCo. said:
I thought the same thing. Almost crude looking finish. One youtube video of a Minimax bandsaw, mentions sticking issues with the rack and pinion mechanism and sawdust raining down on the user. Also, while the fence may be cast iron, it just looks crude and I don't think it has a high/low capability. The same video shows the underside of the fence is rusty on a brand new machine. Maybe the performance makes up for a few peccadillos?
ben_r_
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Wasnt even convinced from the images I found online that the Minimax stuff was built better than the Hammer/Felder stuff. I am fortunate enough to live near the Hammer/Felder location in Sacramento and have been there a couple times to check out their tools. Everything looks amazing and the build quality it top notch. They had quite a bit in stock when I picked up my N4400 a few years ago and they have even more now. Cant wait to bring home my A3-31 from there someday.
ben_r_
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Its in an office complex with a small warehouse attached to the back and last I was there they had machines setup in a small showroom setting. And yes, last time I was there its a walk in atmosphere, no appointments needed. If you go, try and meet Liz, she's awesome and has been there for years now.live4ever said:
Cool, thanks Ben. Now I can stop by the next time I'm in the area. I'll be getting an A3 at some point from them and maybe a bandsaw so it definitely makes the purchase a little easier when there's a place to look over the machines, pick up, etc.
WarnerConstCo. said:
Usually I hear the exact opposite about MM, in comparison to the Hammer line. But then again, those forums did have a strong MM presence via sales reps.
Besides old American and top of the line German, would you prefer Felder/Format J/Ps to SCMI/Nova J/P? Curious to hear your insight Warner.
WarnerConstCo.
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escan said:
The only combo machine I have messed with is a wadkin fm. My customers don't really have a use/need for a combo machine, they want stand alone stuff.
Scmi makes good stuff, my only issue with any of their machines are the electronics and the metric frame motors. Those motors just don't last that long, talking 3phase motors. I have American made nema frame motors that are over 100 years old still running strong.
I do despise all the plastic knobs and handles, they are always broken. Metal and cast ones don't break with normal use.
I am just use to a machine being used hard for 60 years, being rebuilt and ready for another 60. I don't see these felders, hammers, MM, or even the newer italian/ German stuff lasting that long. Lot of that has to do with the electronics in this new stuff.
