Felder AD741 vs SCM FS41E .... Opinions?

[whacky]

I've seen this addressed a few times in various context, but wondering if anyone has any direct knowledge, opinions, experiences with either machine?

I am looking to upgrade from my Jet 12" helical combo machine to something more robust and more accurate/easier to keep in tune.

IN particular, if anyone cares to share any experiences with either, what I care most about is how easy they are to maintain accuracy. Did they come perfectly aligned? And especially how easy are they to adjust back into co-planer?

The jet machine has tables that aren't perfectly flat and its a pain in the ass and terribly touchy with its coplaner adjustments. So much so, that I hate the machine.
And I hate hating my machines.

So I need something new, that doesn't cause me the same hassle that I love like I love my domino.
Considering this is a festool forum, I'm clearly willing to pay for it.

So please let me know if you have any advice on the matter.
Much appreciated.

For reference.
AD741 with digital planer readout power drive and silent cutter head is ~$12,100
SCM 41E with manual planer adjustments and readout with Xylent cutters will be around ~$11,000

 

[rmhinden]

Felder also makes the Hammer line.  I have the A3 41 that I have been very happy with.  It came perfectly aligned, so I don't have any experience adjusting them.

They are expensive, but less than the ones you quoted.

Bob

 

[festal]

I think Felder offers comissioning service as an option where they will send a tech out to commission your new machine for a fee.  Might be worth doing that to get it perfectly dialed in

 

[Peter Kelly]

I've had an FS 41e for some years now, no complaints at all. Mine has the standard Tersa knife system, never felt like I needed the spiral one. Both machines are great however Felder builds their equipment to order so the lead time to receive anything from them can be several months. SCM stocks most of their Classic line / MiniMax machines at their facility in Atlanta.