Jointer Planer Decision

[Matthew Rock]

I am currently shopping for a Jointer Planer, and the Hammer A3-31, Minimax FS-30, A3-41 and Minimax FS-41 Classic are where I have landed. I think that the 12" machines will work, but if I can swing it, the 16" would be better. I have searched forums and asked salespeople, but I am still unsure about the differences between the Hammer and the Minimax in build quality.

The Minimax machines are about $1k more, is there a good reason for this?

Thanks in advance for any advice/insight. I do own a MM16 and a T40N, so I am familiar with Minimax.