Hammer A3-31 and N4400 On the Way! Any tips?

[Prizen]

Hi All

I have ordered a N4400 bandsaw from Hammer along with their A3-31 Planer (Jointer) / Thicknesser (Planer).

I am purely hobby only, but take it seriously (clearly, with the above kit).

Although admittedly the Felder kit is a step up to Pro level from the Hammer, I still feel that my skills won't quite match up to what the Hammer standard offers.

Doing my best learn and practise. Anyone with experience using these machines have some tips on setup and care/maintenance?

I know I need dust / chip extraction, so am thinking of adding the Felder AF-12 extraction unit.

Otherwise, I have seen some posts here on some dust extraction mods, which I will look at doing.

Any advice?

Cheers

 

[rmhinden]

I have an A3-41.  I posted my experience with ordering and installing it, including dust collection here:
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/ordered-a-hammer-a3-31/

I am very happy with it, and I suspect you will enjoy yours.

Bob

 

[Prizen]

many thanks Bob!

 

[montyss]

I don't have the Hammer Bandsaw but you are going to Love your A3-31 Hammer Jointer Planer. It does make it so much easier to do nice work. I looked at them at the IWF in Las Vegas last year and returned home and ordered one. If you didn't get the digital height wheel (in mm ) you should add that to your purchase. With it you can get the your work pieces the same each time by returning to that number on the dial. Always keep your beds waxed with a non silicone wax or the product made by Felder for tables.

 

[Prizen]

I've ordered the diall as an extra. Tks for advice on table lubrication, will get a suitable product for that.

 

[derekcohen]

I have both machines.

The A3-31 must have the digital gauge. I hope you ordered it. Fortunately, it is an add on. Unlike the helix/spiral heads, which are not retro-fittable. Get them now. Overall, this has been a highly reliable machine.

I have had the N4400 about 10 years now and made a few small, but relevant mods. Search for them on the forum. They include dust control, a resaw fence, best blade for resaw is a carbide Lenox Woodmaster CT 1”, added a Wixey digital gauge for repeatable cuts, and a few more things. Excellent bandsaw.

I also have the K3 slider, and that is another dream machine that came along after 30 years of mediocre machines. Having said all this, I did decent work on lesser machines. The Hammers certainly helped make it all more enjoyable.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[bertv]

I own both (A3 31 with spiral cutter head). Apart from the digital wheel a must add accessory is an extension table. If you buy only one, add an extra support (to the 'other' machine) — that way you can switch it over from the A3 31 to the N4400. AAMOF I bought two short extensions and the longer one with the leg, so I can configure both machines to be the most efficient, eg when planing long posts having extensions on the A3 is a must.

Oh, do not buy the AF12. Go at least one model up. Makes a heck of a difference. I use the AF14.

 

[southrider]

Simple piece of maintenance advice. Always remember to disengage the feed roller for the planer when you switch over to the joiner. Otherwise you'll end up with flat spots in the rubber drive wheel, and you'll have an annoying clunk clunk sound during use (found out the hard way.....).

 

[Prizen]

Thanks for the heads up on the AF12 vs AF14 extractor!
Also, on the importance of disengaging the feed rollers!

In relation to extension tables etc., I will need to review the most cost effective options for these.

Also, has anyone got a good source for bandsaw blades in Europe? In the UK I know of TuffSaws, but they are not currently shipping outside of the UK!