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The main concerns I have are whether working with one is "inconvenient" in having to change from station to station. My thoughts are that I'll be the only one using it can only do one function at a time anyway right? So i don't see it being an issue.
The main reason I want one is lack of space. My thoughts are that I can store the machine on one side of my 2-car garage and roll it out to my driveway when working easy as pie so to speak. I think this might be a pipe dream though. How well do the machines hold tolerance when moved and how much of a beast is it to move a 1,000 lb chunk of iron around?
So I don't know if you have thoughts or comments you can add along these lines. But i would appreciate your opinions.
phil
Phil,
finally got back into town. here are my 2 cents:
Change-over: In general not a problem. The worst scenario is the change-over from shaper to saw. Let's assume that you have the shaper hood and fence mounted and need to use the saw for cutting a 4x8 sheet. You may have to remove the shaper hood/fence and turn down the cutter head. Cutter head position is repeatable within 10th of millimeters easily. Shaper hood and fence is easily repeatable within a millimeter or 2, but will require a test cut (imho) after re-installation. Position of power feeder will most likely need re-adjusting - if used. All other change-overs are neglegible.
Moving: I have the mobility kit on mine. sofar I have changed the location about 10x....still haven't found the optimal set up. Suffice to say, moving is surprisingly easy. I can roll the machine anywhere in my shop without any problem whatsoever. I also have not noticed any decrease in accuracy. I have used my combo in a position where the floor was so uneven, that the sliding table was moving when not in the locked position. However, I have now marked the place and leveled the machine on its final resting place. So when I moved it a while ago to mount the aircleaner on the ceiling, I checked alignment of most everything with dial indicator and precision squares and test cuts and could not tell a difference before of after.
and a final thought: When I was taking the plunge and I had narrowed the choice to 3 manufacturers, I visited shops that had the equipment to see it in action (ask the manufacture for references). For me, the investment in the combo was a one-time purchase which I plan to keep forever (baring I win the powerball). I wanted to make absolutley sure that I got the best equipment for my money. I also found that manufacturers that also offered industrial equipment generally had a better product. I hope I don't sound like a used car salesman and I am not a paid advertiser for Felder, but IMHO, Felder has the the top of the line in that class.
Fit and finish, craftsmanship, safety features, quality, availibility of jigs and options, special tooling, longevity of the company, technical support and support on the FOG (Felder's Owner Group on Yahoo)sets it apart from the others.
Also, check the FOG group website, there are combos for sale at reasonable prices. There was one listed on woodweb about 10 days ago, it may be still available.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to call me. Also, you are most welcome to stop by kick the tires.
Good luck!
Bernhard