Hammer A3 31 Owners - feedback?? Loking to purchase...

[Aegwyn11]

I've recently inherited (almost literally...) a pretty decent stockpile of rough cut hardwood (mostly walnut). My wife's grandfather was a woodworker and had all this in his shop...it got passed down to her dad (non-woodworker) and he's given it to us since we're getting into woodworking. Its enough wood that I don't have a great place to store it....

We were not planning on getting a jointer/planer for a while yet, but because of this we're looking at it pretty hard. We've looked into the Griz, the Jet, and recently started looking into the Hammer pretty intensely (especially with the $3360 shipped special going on right now). At that price the Hammer is really only marginally more expensive than the Jet with a helical head, but it sure looks like the Hammer is a much higher quality machine.

So, can A3 31 owners give some feedback? I've seen comments in other threads that you guys love your machines, but I'm hoping for a little more specific info...WHY do you love it over other jointer/planers you've used in the past (or even compared to separate jointers and planers)?

Also, what do A3 31 owners not like about the machine? I've seen comments that the fence is a little prone to flex when at an angle. I've also seen comments that the mobility kit provided by Felder is crap (and based on pictures I've seen I'd have to agree).

 

[HJHMD]

You can add me to the owners who love their Hammer. When I was researching these machines, I was discouraged against the Jet by someone well known in woodworking circles because of the fence. He spoke very highly of the Griz. I ended up with the Hammer because the sale going on made it too compelling not to. As far as the fence is concerned, I find it to be a non-issue. I have also noted that some owners have placed Mag switches on the table  behind the end of the fence to keep it from flexing. Again, I have tried this and just don't find it to be necessary. As regards the mobility kit , I actually like it . It moves the machine fore and aft not sideways. But I was easily able to maneuver into the position I had set for it. It is very easy to move it when I need to which is very very rarely. Hope this helps.

Jim

 

[Dan Clermont]

Add me to the list of Happy Hammer Owners! I really, really find my A3 31 to be all I could possibly want in  jointer / planer

Dan Clermont

 

[TomGadwa1]

I am a satisfied A3-31 owner! I agree that the mobility solution design by Felder is a joke!! So much so that after I got tired of hurting my back with each use I designed a far far far superior mobility solution. I made a video on Youtube called save your back! By the way I have a lifting bar for sale as I no longer need it!!!