Felder CF741S

Joined
Mar 23, 2019
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2
I have a Felder CF741S (2002) and recently jointer tables have bowed by 6 to 8 thou, I was wondering is there anybody out there who has had this problem and how they went about machining the tables flat again.
Thanks
Splintersagain
 
Hi there, have they definitely bowed, as I’ve experienced cast iron distorting slightly through temperature change?

I have heard of cast iron tables and tops bowing in a few instances, and coincidentally they were Felder machines too.

Some say it is temperature change that causes it, or uneneven floors too but, I’ve read experts say, that the way the cast iron was processed is the true reason. Apparently, if not processed and cooled in the right manner, problems can arise, many years down the line?

If it does need correction, there are some methods including a similar way to flattening a hand planer sole. This would probably be with a block, and various grit abrasives. Then some wet or dry paper, and a final polish and waxing.
This would be quite painstaking, and would mean a lot of checking, a machine (sander) would work too but, you risk removing too much material.

Personally, I would take the tables to an engineer or metal worker, and get them to grind and polish them professionally.
 
Hi Jiggy Joiner, had machine now for 17 years and bowing only happened recently, so would count out temp and uneven floors, I think it would be as you say cast probably not done properly as both are the same and happened after some 16 years.
Do you know if Felder have jig/feet that tables can sit in at co-planar points for holding when machining.
Thanks for your reply
Splintersagain
 
Hi Splinters, I honestly don’t know if Felder offer any such feet?, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask them.
Sorry I cannot be of more help but, I would be interested if you find any solution.
I agree too, if you’ve had the machine all those years, and the problem has recently arisen, it seems to fit in with similar stories I’ve heard regarding similar machines.

I really hope you can find a fix, maybe getting the tables re machined might not work out to expensive.
 
My thought is that if a table top suddenly bows after 17 years, then the underside support is a likely problem. Something appears to have given way.

Regards from Perth

Derek
 
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