Power feeders

[land_kel]

For those that use a shaper do you have a power feeder.

As I want to keep all my fingers, as well as use larger bits for making S&R doors, large  width at 70mm (2.75") and use a shaper over my CMS with OF2200 due to cutter configurations I would like recommendations on power feeders, motor size but don't want to kill the bank in doing so.

Hobbiest, no production but safety first...  Need to count to 21!

David

 

[stvrowe]

I use a Steff 2048 power feeder with my shaper and have had it for about 10 years.  It is 1 hp and has 4 feed wheels and 8 speeds.  There are a lot of different models ranging from 3 wheel 4 speed units all the way up to 6 wheel units, variable feed, and tracked.  It all depends on what features you want and how much you want to spend.

When I was looking, I considered CoMatic, Steff, and Univer.  At the time CoMatic was (and still is) on the lower end of the price spectrum and it seemed to have mixed reviews so I opted for one of the more expensive feeders.  The Univer was about 50% more expensive than the Steff and was more than I wanted to spend but I am sure I would have been happy with it.  I chose the Steff primarily due to the wider speed range than the other models and the price.  I would recommend a Steff feeder to anyone. 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

My favorite is my old Festo. 

If i had to buy new, probably be a Maggi. 

 

[junk731]

David you are now limited with options of manufactures in new power feeders as Co-Matic has taken over the production of most. Many are rebadged and sold under names with few modifications. That aside you have to consider what your going to be using it for. The reason I say this is there are a lot operations where using the power feeder in the vertical position is desirable yet not all power feeders will work in this position. Do your research if this is a feature you might want.

John

 

[John H]

Steff

Decide on the number of wheels, decide on the number of speeds and then decide if you need to take out a loan

I have a Steff 2038 - 3 wheels with 8 speeds.  (It has a lever you move to select the gear range and then you have a switch to select the speed - so basically you have 4 speeds forward and 4 speeds in reverse).  Very high quality - made in Italy, weighs around 150lbs.  Make sure your getting single phase (if that is what you need) because it costs more.  I believe all Steffs have the "advanced tilting head" which can be used in any orientation.

http://www.steff-usa.com/Maggi-Steff-Feeders-s/1821.htm

I bought mine from WoodWerks - they may not have all models displayed on their website but you can call them and ask for pricing.  Shipping from them is only $50 for residential liftgate and I don't think you will beat their prices
http://www.woodwerks.com/steff-2048-power-feeder-9259.html

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

The Festo's were 8 speeds forward and 8 backwards, mostbi have seen on a feeder.

 

[ajcoholic]

The Festo's were 8 speeds forward and 8 backwards, mostbi have seen on a feeder.

Both my Cantek branded feeders (one 3 one 4 wheel) are 8 speed forward and 8 reverse.  The motors are two speed wired, there is a quick change mechanical gearbox on the feeder for 4 speeds for/rev on the fly - to get the other 4 you have to remove the cover and swap the two main drive gears positions.

My Maggi is a nice 3 wheel feeder going strong for 26 yrs, 4 speed.  Burnt the motor out once and had it rewound ($$) but it runs pretty much daily.