Just a quick nuance on what I said regarding the Forka, in general I feel that type of machine (regardless of the brand) doesn't make much sense to me, so I'm not saying it has to do with Felder. It isn't cheap (so I take it it is aimed at pros), it only does part of the job as you still have to trim the edges which makes it a four phase operation if you want all four sides banded (glue,trim,glue,trim, you need loads of space for stacking and the whole process takes quite a while and is messy) and finally it isn't the easiest of machines to use, both in handling and adjustments. Plus the quality of the work isn't comparable to a big machine. In short it doesn't in any way compare to using someone else his big machine. Only thing that makes it justifiable in my view is round shapes.
With regards to the handling of the panels, transporting to and from someone's workshop and the risk of damage, mind you, the big machines first trim the panels side by the thickness of the banding. If you use 2mm banding, you cut the panel to the size it has to be when finished, you run that panel through the machine and end up with the exact same measures only with the edge banding. Meaning you have two mm of play for sides that will be edge banded, meaning there is minimal risk. As soon as the strips are on, it's a different story all together, the panel is pretty sturdy now.
The Forka in comparison, I need to
perfectly cut a panel on the size I want minus the thickness of the edge banding. The slightest damage will be visible so you have to be really careful when stacking, moving and handling. In my experience, damage is less of an issue with using someone's big machine.
In short, if you have more than just a couple panels to do each year or even want to do this for a living I don't see how the portable unit can work. And believe me, I have tried as it took me a while to admit it was a waste of money.
If you only have the occasional panel to do I don't see how one can justify the price as it isn't cheap.
By the way, the word tends to be that Felder machines are A+ but that isn't my experience. With the risk of being put aside as a negative nagger, my Hammers (A3-31 and N4400) both needed quite serious work setting up (I did not see a difference with 'Chinese' machines, especially with regards to the N4400, spent many many hours on that), my Felder dust collector had leaks and a good friend of mine spent major cash on a couple of serious Felders and he had BigBig problems. They eventually settled the whole thing as they were unable to fix everything. We're talking months and months of emails and phone calls and one extremely frustrated customer.
Come to think of it, my neighbor broke a big casted piece on his stationary Felder shaper by tightening a bolt by hand... Of course these could just be incidents but knowing the specifics I'm thinking Felder isn't the end all brand they tend to get credit for. I'm thinking that might have more to do with their sleek and clean looks that give a certain impression and the made in Austria label. I for one would not compare them to Festool, they might have goofed up on occasion but all in all there isn't anything to compare Festool with with regards to design and quality. Let me just say Felder has disappointed me and the only other owners I know have had minor or major issues. For my next machine I will start to look elsewhere which might mean upping the budget but so be it.
Of course this is just me saying this, please research, use your eyes and form your own opinion but trust me I'm not saying things like this lightly.
Cheers, Bob.
