I did it again...Hammer A3-31 on the way!

[HowardH]

I knew better than to look at their website.  The main page on the site shows the list on this machine is $3990 but when you dig a little deeper it says $2999.  I have been thoroughly impressed by my Hammer K3 table saw.  It is everything it's cracked up to be, just like some other German tool company we are familiar with.  So the Hammer is a $1000 more than the Jet but it's 4hp verses 3hp and it's a lot beefier.  I sent an email and they said they were going to have a price increase but if I wanted it at $2999 I could have one.  Ah man.... next thing I know I'm faxing my signed order along with a deposit and another 3 month wait. Would have never done it had it remained $3990, not with a Jet at half that.  So come July I'll have a Dewalt 735 and Rigid 6" jointer for sale to help offset the cost a bit.  I guess I'll also have another 220 outlet put in too.  Carl with Felder told me since they redesigned the A3-31 this past year, he hasn't sold a single Felder 500 series J/P.  He said the Hammer version is just that good at half the price of the Felder version.  This Fall I may have to set my sights on a N4400 bandsaw.  I think I will be good to go after that!

 

[Timtool]

FYI Hammer is Austrian, not german! But that doesn't change that they make good stuff.
I have the N4400 bandsaw and think it's very good for the price, also been lurking at the A3-41 if only for the extension table design.
But i think i will next invest in their shaper.

 

[Frank Pellow]

Congratulations!

I just took delivery of my Hammer A3-31 this week.  See the thread: http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/a-hammer-a3-31-jointerplaner-has-arrived/

 

[Dan Clermont]

Well Congrats Frank!!!!

When are you pulling the trigger on the Hammer B3 Saw/Shaper  ;D . Too bad I sold my B3 and the guy has had it in storage for the past 2 years 

Cheers
Dan

 

[HowardH]

Frank, did it take three months for delivery?  I ordered my K3 in early Jan of this year and it was delivered the first of April.  I was told to expect the same thing.  BTW, I didn't mean to insult any Austrians that may have been following this thread.  Other than the language, I'm not sure what else the Germans and the Austrians have in common besides very high quality woodworking tools!  [big grin].  We would love to visit both countries at some point. 

 

[Frank Pellow]

Howard, it took a month and a half for delivery.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Congrats, Frank!  I have one that is the older style and love it -- having 310mm of jointing is surface planing nirvana! 

Scot

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I knew better than to look at their website.  The main page on the site shows the list on this machine is $3990 but when you dig a little deeper it says $2999.  I have been thoroughly impressed by my Hammer K3 table saw.  It is everything it's cracked up to be, just like some other German tool company we are familiar with.  So the Hammer is a $1000 more than the Jet but it's 4hp verses 3hp and it's a lot beefier.  I sent an email and they said they were going to have a price increase but if I wanted it at $2999 I could have one.  Ah man.... next thing I know I'm faxing my signed order along with a deposit and another 3 month wait. Would have never done it had it remained $3990, not with a Jet at half that.   So come July I'll have a Dewalt 735 and Rigid 6" jointer for sale to help offset the cost a bit.  I guess I'll also have another 220 outlet put in too.  Carl with Felder told me since they redesigned the A3-31 this past year, he hasn't sold a single Felder 500 series J/P.  He said the Hammer version is just that good at half the price of the Felder version.   This Fall I may have to set my sights on a N4400 bandsaw.  I think I will be good to go after that!

Congrats Howard!  You will have a full Hammer Shop if you get the Bandsaw -- of course, there is the F4 Shaper too!  I love my Hammer -- it is the older style, but it has worked great for the 5+ years I have owned it!

Scot

 

[HowardH]

I thought about getting the B3 originally but I saw how expensive the tooling is for a shaper and I have this perfectly good Jointech router table set up with the PC 7513 motor.  So far, I haven't regretted the decision.  I'm really looking forward to getting the A3-31, as much as getting the slider.  I have learned the hard way that having properly prepared material is extremely important in getting the correct results we look for.  I haven't had to take out my TS75 for awhile and I probably won't until I have to break down some sheet goods.  It's a long standing debate around here about the necessity of having a good table saw as the center point of your shop and for me, it is.  I don't do it for a living and don't travel to other's homes to do the work.  The slider is safe and effortless, just like my Festool. 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I know new machines are all nice and shiny and new, but I outfitted my whole shop for just about what that one machine cost you.

Of course all mine are 3 phase and average about 2500 pounds each.

 

[peter halle]

I know new machines are all nice and shiny and new, but I outfitted my whole shop for just about what that one machine cost you.

Of course all mine are 3 phase and average about 2500 pounds each.

Did that include your time to inspect them, pick them up, rebuild and refurbish, electrify, electrify the shop, etc?

Not trying to be a jerk, really just interested because my situation may change in the near future and would like information.

Peter

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I know new machines are all nice and shiny and new, but I outfitted my whole shop for just about what that one machine cost you.

Of course all mine are 3 phase and average about 2500 pounds each.

Did that include your time to inspect them, pick them up, rebuild and refurbish, electrify, electrify the shop, etc?

Not trying to be a jerk, really just interested because my situation may change in the near future and would like information.

Peter

I have probably made over 1/2 back selling and upgrading too.  Even having 25 hours wrapped up in restoring a machine that cost 400 bucks is a deal when the thing cost 3200 bucks in 1942.

I have paid more for something that I needed to put to use right away.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

My Kapex is set up right beside my 140 year old BS. [big grin]

I know, ironic.  I like the nice power tools and I happen to think the best WW machinery was built 70+ years ago. 

I spent enough years in college to realize I would not be happy wearing nice clothes every day.

 

[peter halle]

I love it when we talk TOOLS.

Peter

 

[HowardH]

me too!  ;D Sorry I got off track...  How bout them Bears!