Felder FB610 vs Minimax MM24

[Chuck Scheuermann]

Hello all you big bandsaw owners. I've read some posts about both these saws but would like any opinions. I'm looking at getting one of these and without price in mind, which would you choose? I'm interested from both owners of these machines their opinion. I have a cabinet shop and know I can get some good use out of a big bandsaw for cutting my own veneers, thin strips, or just ripping wood, making corbels, circles, etc. Any downsides to either? Which is more industrial? I know the resaw height of the MM24 is close to 24" and the Felder 16", but I doubt I'll need more than 16", but I suppose it's possible. Which is easier to setup, change blades, and more versatile? Some answers I know will probably be opinion only but still I'd like to know. Which will stand up to abuse better (sorry, sometimes employees aren't as careful as us owners). Thanks.

[Gregory Stahl]

I liked my MM24 so much I bought a second one. I abuse them and they hold up very well. Absolutely no complaints with them. If I need another bs I will go right to minimax.

-Greg Stahl

[Albert Lee]

the information I have gathered is that MM BS is more suitable for production, Felder BS is more for professional who builds one off item.

my MM16 will arrive soon. I originally ordered a S45N, changed to MM16.

[David Kumm]

The real comparable would be the Felder 640 that is sourced from ACM. Shorter resaw height but closer in build. Both Centauro and ACM are italian. Dave

[Rich Riddle]

I own both Minimax and Felder/Hammer tools. Without a doubt I would select the Minimax for the after-service assistance as much as the quality of the product.

[Chuck Scheuermann]

The real comparable would be the Felder 640 that is sourced from ACM. Shorter resaw height but closer in build. Both Centauro and ACM are italian. Dave

Yes, David, I guess you're right on the comparison. The FB640 is 1500.00 or so more than the MM24 though. I can get a "scratch and dent" Felder FB610 right now for 3600.00 + tax/shipping, but will I be happy in the long run- sometimes that's hard to predict.

[Chuck Scheuermann]

Interesting.... did you have their bandsaws?

[Michael Mahan]

I got a S500P (MM20) in January , I Love It
very robust & very well made putting the Laguna Ceramic guides & Driftmaster fence system on it this week

[Keith Outten]

I purchased the FB 610 for my shop. While I can't compare it to the MM machines I can say that I have been more than pleased with my new band saw. Compared to any of the band saws I have owned in the past.....well I guess I can't compare it because none of my previous saws have been this large a machine. In my one man sign shop the new Felder gets a real workout because I don't use my table saw anymore.
.

[Michael Mahan]

I purchased the FB 610 for my shop. While I can't compare it to the MM machines I can say that I have been more than pleased with my new band saw. Compared to any of the band saws I have owned in the past.....well I guess I can't compare it because none of my previous saws have been this large a machine. In my one man sign shop the new Felder gets a real workout because I don't use my table saw anymore.
.
I see you move that Felder with a pallet jack , I do the same with my MM S500P (MM20) , I doubled the 4x4 with a cross of boards I needed the table up higher due to a bad back , the slight bend over is what kills me when I have to hold the slight bend for any length of time

[Mike Hollingsworth]

MiniMax bandsaws use chain drive to elevate the guide post. I can't think of any other that does. This system is lots less apt to clog with sawdust. I rarely have to adjust my guides after raising or lowering them. Try that when your rack and pinion's all filled with dust and moves thing while elevating. I love my mm24, probably been made for 40 years or more, big upgrade from my Agazzani.

[Keith Outten]

I see you move that Felder with a pallet jack , I do the same with my MM S500P (MM20) , I doubled the 4x4 with a cross of boards I needed the table up higher due to a bad back , the slight bend over is what kills me when I have to hold the slight bend for any length of time

Michael,

Once I got my band saw inside my shop I found it real easy to move around with my mini-pallet jack. After I set it in place I noticed the height seemed best on the 4 by 4's. I'm not sure why the saw height is designed to be so low, I'm with you that bending over constantly would be nothing but a pain in the back. The next time I get my planer setup I plan to machine three new pieces so I can have a center piece to spread out the load better.

[Michael Mahan]

Michael,

Once I got my band saw inside my shop I found it real easy to move around with my mini-pallet jack. After I set it in place I noticed the height seemed best on the 4 by 4's. I'm not sure why the saw height is designed to be so low, I'm with you that bending over constantly would be nothing but a pain in the back. The next time I get my planer setup I plan to machine three new pieces so I can have a center piece to spread out the load better.I put my MiniMax FS41 up on 4x4 & then cross members of full lenght back front multiple rows of 2x8 +3/4 plywood top , so it negated the need for a center member
I also place vibration isolators/levelers at all 4 corners of the pallet assy both bandsaw & Jointer/planer due to uneven shop floor
the MiniMax BS now will do nickle test

[Mike Heidrick]

A MM24 is not single phase. May not be an issue for you.

I own a MM20 and it is awesome.

If you want a feeder for your 24 let me know.

Id check delivery lead times on both saws.

[Chuck Scheuermann]

Hi Keith,
Looks nice. How long does it take to change blades and set it up?
What's the toughest piece or tallest you've resawn and how did it go? Did you ever feel you needed more power?

[Chuck Scheuermann]

Are ceramic guides that much better?

[Chuck Scheuermann]

Rich,
Did you feel the quality of Felder machines was less than minimax and if so why? Specifics would be good.
Thanks,
Chuck

[Chuck Scheuermann]

Thanks Mike. I'll look into the chain drive vs. rack and pinion.

[Michael Mahan]

Are ceramic guides that much better?
Everyone who has them that I've read has loved them .
I've yet to get mine fully installed So I can't say from my personal use
but from what I see when I had the top bearings in they are Super Easy & Very Simple to adjust in a matter of seconds .
the white ceramic color on the contact point makes a good contrast to tell where the guide is at in relation to the saw blade
that may not seem like a big thing but to my eyes it is a big benefit
the ceramic is meant to run cooler than metal to metal contact
then the lack of a actual moving bearing that would wear

[Keith Outten]

Hi Keith,
Looks nice. How long does it take to change blades and set it up?
What's the toughest piece or tallest you've resawn and how did it go? Did you ever feel you needed more power?

Chuck,

I purchased my Felder FB 610 with a one inch blade on it and its still on the saw. I plan to order a better quality one inch blade sometime in the future.
The only material that I have re-sawed so far is Corian. I occasionally need to re-saw 3" to 4" tall Corian to make 1/8" thick pieces for inlays. One of these days I will re-saw something that will be a challenge but it will take a tall piece to make the 5hp motor labor :)
.

[Joe Jensen]

I have the older Felder FB540. The FB510 was a lighter frame version. I believe the FB540 was built by ACM. With the 600 series saws Felder has moved manufacturing in-house. I toured the Felder Factory a couple of years ago and it's very impressive. All the sheet steel parts are CNC laser cut with alignment tabs and notches everywhere. They are then CNC folded, tack welded by hand, and then robotic welded. I have complete confidence in Felder tools.

Also, I have the Ceramic guides and I love them. I had them on a Laguna HD16 and when I sold that I bought them for the Felder FB540.

[Michael Mahan]

Also, I have the Ceramic guides and I love them. I had them on a Laguna HD16 and when I sold that I bought them for the Felder FB540.
They are Nice aren't they :)

[Chuck Scheuermann]

You can get a single or 3 phase.
If I get the 24 I may ask you about that feeder. Won't it work on a MM20?

[Chuck Scheuermann]

HI Joe,
Isn't everything CNC cut these days? On another note, I went by Eagle Tools near me to look at the bandsaws (they have Laguna and Agazzani). Jesse, the owner though said he has no idea when can get an Agazzani because they are mid transition, purchased by a German company. Does Martin make a bansaw?. Just a thought. They looked real nice but the size of the trunnion gear that tilts it under the table did not really impress me, seemed wimpy but I am no expert. I've seen a photo of the Felder FB610 and it is a solid trunnion (if that term is correct) and a separate "gear" to tilt it.

[David Kumm]

Aggi - or at least the name and parts were bought by Panhans. It is unclear if they will produce bandsaws. Martin does not make a saw. They rebadge some Griggio machines and Griggio buys ACM and rebadges similar to Felder. Dave

[Mike Heidrick]

It will but the table really is about 2"-3" too small on my MM20. I just dont use it enough.

[Chuck Scheuermann]

Hi Mike,
Do you have a photo of the feeder? Is it a Minimax product?

[Rick Fisher]

I have a really old 24" SCM / Centauro bandsaw.. I love it .. was using it tonight.. Its been so long since I ripped lumber on the table saw, I probably forgot how.

I guess what I am saying is mine is about 25 years old and I still love it ..

I think your comparing the top of the heap. ACM, MM and Felder. Can't go wrong.