HAMMER A3 31 Jointer Planer Combo Machine

[cgmojoco]

Pricing:
    Hammer A3-31 "PROMO Price"  --> is $3,596 (plus tax and shipping)
    MiniMax FS30 Classic                --> is $3,995 (plus tax and shipping)

The MiniMax comes standard with the Tersa Cutterhead.  The Hammer offers the Spiral Cutterhead as a $799 option.  Both cutterheads have their pros and cons so it basically boils down to your personal preference.  But if you add the spiral cutterhead to the Hammer, you are now $400 more than the MiniMax

Regarding the digital handwheel that Hammer offers for $195 - consider this remote planer readout from Wixey for $70
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054RJ7AS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have read that the Hammer requires the planer table to be fully lowered to use the jointer, while the MiniMax only has to go down halfway  (4" instead of 8")  thats a lot more cranking on the wheel

MiniMax offers a 'euroguard' option instead of the American style 'porkchop' guard for around $190

ps - I was recently looking to buy a jointer/planer and ended up with a combination machine (MiniMax LAB300).  I don't want to dedicate my garage to a 'woodshop' since I have other interests and I felt the LAB300 would fit in nicely.  I put a lot of research into the decision -  Another factor was the customer service from MiniMax.  Their rep had no problems emailing me back late at night or on the weekends while the Hammer rep either ignored my questions or took several days to answer them.  I finally decided if I was having trouble getting info before the sale, I can't imagine how the after sale would go if I had problems - and this would be the guy I would have to deal with...

Again, I think Hammer is better marketed and I originally intended to buy one of their products, but my due diligence revealed the benefits of MiniMax and for me it was a better fit

Thanks looking forward to using the Wixry on the Minimax

 

[Hogarth]

I am trying to decide between the minimax fs30 and the hammer a3 31 myself. Tersa or helix? Other considerations? I am not too concerned about the noise of the minimax vs. the quiet hammer with helix head.  There will be a noisy chip collector running next to it anyway.. On the other hand, I've had a good  experience with Felder before so I am happy to deal with them. How's Minimax's service? At the end, not a big point, but I gotta admit, I think the Minimax looks better 

 

[No Clue]

I am trying to decide between the minimax fs30 and the hammer a3 31 myself. Tersa or helix? Other considerations? I am not too concerned about the noise of the minimax vs. the quiet hammer with helix head.  There will be a noisy chip collector running next to it anyway.. On the other hand, I've had a good  experience with Felder before so I am happy to deal with them. How's Minimax's service? At the end, not a big point, but I gotta admit, I think the Minimax looks better 

I can't speak for the minimax but I have the Hammer A3 31 and it has become my favorite tool in the shop. It leaves a nearly flawless surface on everything I have run through it.

I also noticed on a flyer from Felder I received yesterday they are including the spiral cutter on the A3 31 for a limited time. They both sound like great machines so it should be a fun choice!

 

[Hogarth]

Thanks for the heads up about that promotion. I'm curious if the price is the same as the promo they usually have on it? 3500 with helix head?

 

[John H]

As of the first week of Sept - you could get the base A3-31 for $3,395.  Here is a screen shot of my shopping cart at that time.  I would also be curious what the current price is  - but you have to call to find out.  Here is the link to the flyer

http://fms.felder-group.com/Aktionen/HA/us/Invitation_US_EUS/#/12/

[attachthumb=#]

 

[Hogarth]

Right, 3400, I meant. Did anyone call to find out? It's the weekend now and too long to wait to call on Monday to find out myself.

 

[No Clue]

Thanks for the heads up about that promotion. I'm curious if the price is the same as the promo they usually have on it? 3500 with helix head?

The website says $3596

http://www.hammerusa.com/us-us/products/jointer%E2%80%93planers/jointer-planer-a3-31--310-mm.html

I definitely recommend getting the digital handwheel with it. Mine is spot on.

 

[Hogarth]

Right, but here it says 3400-

 

[HowardH]

I have read that the Hammer requires the planer table to be fully lowered to use the jointer, while the MiniMax only has to go down halfway  (4" instead of 8")  thats a lot more cranking on the wheel

No, that's not accurate. I have to crank down the table about half way on my A3-31..  4.5 inches I think or somewhere there abouts.  Takes about 10-15 seconds if you are turning quickly!

 

[cgmojoco]

Picked up the used 2006 Minimax FS41 Elite this past weekend.
Cleaned it up, surface rust removed from tables.
Wired it up.
Checked for safety---all parts seemed in working order/ligned up ok.
Drum roll.....turned it on and it ran...doesn't sound like anythings wrong.
I don't have my dust collector hooked up yet, that is next.  Can't wait to test it, stay tuned!
16" for under $3600 delivered wasn't easy to find new and I'm happy with the extra size possibilities.
I'm guessing this thing will last 40+ years with minimal maintenance the way it looks and runs now.
I think I would have rather had that silent cutter head from Felder but Tersa has its bonuses too (not of which is being quite though).
I'll do a review of the unit once I have dust collection hooked up!

Christopher

 

[Hogarth]

The A3 31 with the silent cutter head is 4395$. It seems they just added the spiral cutter to the regular special offer they tend to have and calling it 'fall special". That is; $3595 plus the cutter head $799 = $4394. Well, I guess the offer is one dollar off during this deal.

 

[John H]

If your interested - go through the Hammer USA website.  Here is the link:
http://www.hammerusa.com/us-us/products/jointer%E2%80%93planers/jointer-planer-a3-31--310-mm.html

I just added this to my cart - price with silent cutterhead is $4,194 plus tax and shipping.  I would also be willing to bet that the shipping quote you get from the website will be cheaper that the quote you get from one of their sales reps.  Keep in mind the MiniMax with the Tersa head is $3,995
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[sgryd]

I have read that the Hammer requires the planer table to be fully lowered to use the jointer, while the MiniMax only has to go down halfway  (4" instead of 8")  thats a lot more cranking on the wheel

No, that's not accurate. I have to crank down the table about half way on my A3-31..  4.5 inches I think or somewhere there abouts.  Takes about 10-15 seconds if you are turning quickly!

The manual says that you have to lower the bed 17cm, i.e. approx 6 3/4". I always crank it down to 17cm. Haven't tried to crank less. But 17cm is cranked quickly.
//Michael