Hammer A3-26 experience
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Max Fracas
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- Jan 28, 2013
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A3/31 on the way...should have it by late May or early June. Besides getting 220v to my shop I now need to Craigslist my Powermatic jointer and Dewalt planer.
copcarcollector
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Max Fracas said:
Would you mind posting the configuration (cutter head, any other add ons) and price? Or if you prefer, via PM?
I recently purchased a Jet 12" J/P combo with helical head, and am questioning my decision!
I notice that quite a few of new Hammer owners had the DeWalt 735 and wondered how they would rate the difference of working with the wood between the two. I know the noise may be more on the DeWalt over the straight blade Hammer but what other impressions between the two are there? Of course I'm coming from a couple of Ridgid machines so there may be a significant leap.
g1_lo
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Not sure if you've already taken the hit.
My two pence worth.
For me the spiral was a no brainier.
1. Four settings before you have too replace.
2. Accidental machining error and chip and blade = 1 minute downtime by just rotating the affected blades.
3. Reduced noise might not seem like a big deal, but even an hours running means you could if you wished not use ear defenders.
4. The life of the blades seems rediculously long. I haven't tracked it but I would think we've done 40 hrs and still cuts the same as the first hour. That's predominately machining tulip, maple and oak.
Hope this helps.
My two pence worth.
For me the spiral was a no brainier.
1. Four settings before you have too replace.
2. Accidental machining error and chip and blade = 1 minute downtime by just rotating the affected blades.
3. Reduced noise might not seem like a big deal, but even an hours running means you could if you wished not use ear defenders.
4. The life of the blades seems rediculously long. I haven't tracked it but I would think we've done 40 hrs and still cuts the same as the first hour. That's predominately machining tulip, maple and oak.
Hope this helps.
FWIW, I just got a phone call from home telling me that my A3-31 was delivered while I was at work today. That will give me something to play with this weekend. However, doubt that I will be able to get it ready to run this weekend. Unpacking it and getting it mobile are my first priorities. I will report back if anything noteworthy comes out of it.
I ended up getting the A3-41 with the silent power cutterblock. I may have been able to get the A3-26 in my basement but I knew that I would not be happy with the 10" capacity, so I bought the A3-41 and will keep it in storage until we buy or build a new house. I got a really good deal during the sale before Christmas and figured that the prices would be going up, so I went ahead with the purchase.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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copcarcollector
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[member=13588]Runhard[/member] Too bad you have to keep that beauty all wrapped up for now, but I am sure it will provide years of enjoyment once you get it running.
Oh, is your storage in a high school gymnasium..?
Oh, is your storage in a high school gymnasium..?
copcarcollector
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Runhard said:
Fantastic! [wink]
Here's a picture of my A3-31 as it was delivered last Friday. I actually bought one before Christmas also, but the delivery company damaged it, so I rejected it. Felder has been great during the whole thing. They have been very nice about it and were very good about keeping me informed regarding getting another one.
View attachment 1
For comparison purposes, here is a picture of the damaged one. Felder emailed a picture of what the shipping packaging was supposed to look like. The shipping company had completely removed the protective frame around it and tipped it enough that the tip gauge was full of blue beads. The pallet jack forks would not fit in the slots of the black pallet you see under the machine. They could not have gotten it off the truck even if I wanted it! I sent the picture to Felder and they agreed that I should reject it.
View attachment 2
I am very pleased with the way Felder handled everything and it was worth waiting for a brand new one.
Shipping from DE to Georgia was $250 (~730 miles). I agree that shipping is one area that can be negotiated. "Exchange rate support" and accessories are two other possibilities.
View attachment 1
For comparison purposes, here is a picture of the damaged one. Felder emailed a picture of what the shipping packaging was supposed to look like. The shipping company had completely removed the protective frame around it and tipped it enough that the tip gauge was full of blue beads. The pallet jack forks would not fit in the slots of the black pallet you see under the machine. They could not have gotten it off the truck even if I wanted it! I sent the picture to Felder and they agreed that I should reject it.
View attachment 2
I am very pleased with the way Felder handled everything and it was worth waiting for a brand new one.
Shipping from DE to Georgia was $250 (~730 miles). I agree that shipping is one area that can be negotiated. "Exchange rate support" and accessories are two other possibilities.
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[member=4826]suds[/member]
That seems pretty high to me. I was originally quoted $300 for shipping when I was going to order the A3-31, my shipping for the A3-41 was even better. I have a commercial shipping address and a forklift, so maybe that is why it was cheaper. I would try to negotiate with them more on shipping and make sure you purchase during one of their sales, I believe they have a sale going on now. Accessories are also negotiable. I worked with Liz when I ordered my bandsaw and she was great. She actually helped me some with the A3-41 when I wasn't getting much help from the guy who was responsible for my territory.
That seems pretty high to me. I was originally quoted $300 for shipping when I was going to order the A3-31, my shipping for the A3-41 was even better. I have a commercial shipping address and a forklift, so maybe that is why it was cheaper. I would try to negotiate with them more on shipping and make sure you purchase during one of their sales, I believe they have a sale going on now. Accessories are also negotiable. I worked with Liz when I ordered my bandsaw and she was great. She actually helped me some with the A3-41 when I wasn't getting much help from the guy who was responsible for my territory.
Thistleman
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I recently took delivery of a felder AD741 and opted for the silent power cutter head. Noise was my main concern as I have neighbours close by. It is not just the volume of noise that is reduced but the pitch is significantly lower so it does not penetrate as much. Also having machined 600 board feet of Iroko the surface finish is fantastic
