Minimax FS30

[Steve Wilde]

Need your opinions on this machine. I found one locally for sale for $2500. Is this a good price in your opinion? Thanks

[Patrick Harper]

How old is it and what condition is it in? I don't own one, but I've only heard good things about it. If it were in good condition, I think it would be well worth $2500.

[Steve Wilde]

The seller tells me it is 2.5 years old. It looks like it's in great shape from the pics. You can see it here:http://www.ksl.com/?nid=678&ad=33925638&cat=&lpid=

[Patrick Harper]

That's a great price. Almost sounds too good to be true. I think these machines are over $5000 new. Where is it located?

[Steve Wilde]

SLC, I actually just got a quote from minimax this week for the fs41m the 16" version. They quoted me $3995 for the FS30 and $5295 for the Fs41. I will be going to look at it this evening. My problem is I don't really need it, more of a want. I am inheriting my father's tools someday, and will be getting a 15' powermatic planer and the Delta Dj20 8" jointer. He's disabled now and really can't use them, but I really don't want to take his tools, there's just something wrong with that in my mind. I'm torn.....

[Peter Kelly]

$2,500 seems ok. I was quoted $4,000 for a FS30 Smart in late 2012.

[Patrick Harper]

Wow, I was off on the price. I think $2500 still seems fair though.

[John Sanford]

Steve,

The unit in question is the FS30 SMART. Perhaps Erik can chime in and explain what's SMART about it, as opposed to Classic. I was looking at that puppy myself, but can't really justify $2,500 just for a more convenient fence, newer paint job, Tersa cutterhead and generic mobile base. I'm more likely (but still unlikely) to jump on the MM16 available locally for $1,800.

[Steve Wilde]

John,
i hadn't seen that one. That guy with the J/P also has a K3 Winner he's going to sell as well. I'm torn on the minimax...

[John Sanford]

John,
i hadn't seen that one. That guy with the J/P also has a K3 Winner he's going to sell as well. I'm torn on the minimax...

A K3 Winner? Really? Did he give you any idea of the size and asking price.

[Steve Wilde]

Nope, he said he will be selling it soon as well since he's moving and won't have the room for a woodshed. He wasn't sure on a price yet as he was still trying to gauge the used market for a price. Keep your eyes open...

[Jim Matthews]

If the seller is a woodworker like yourself,
and has rarely used it - that should tell you something.

If you can only buy dimensioned lumber, what you need is a jointer.

Most of us don't joint anything wider than 6/4 stock.

[Jim Becker]

If the seller is a woodworker like yourself,
and has rarely used it - that should tell you something.

If you can only buy dimensioned lumber, what you need is a jointer.

Most of us don't joint anything wider than 6/4 stock.

If only edges are in question, you have a good point. But I wouldn't give up the ability to flatten lumber for anything at this point...and I tend to buy wider stock because I like it. :)
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OP, at $2500, that FS30 SMART is likely a steal.

[Erik Loza]

Steve,

The unit in question is the FS30 SMART. Perhaps Erik can chime in and explain what's SMART about it, as opposed to Classic. I was looking at that puppy myself, but can't really justify $2,500 just for a more convenient fence, newer paint job, Tersa cutterhead and generic mobile base. I'm more likely (but still unlikely) to jump on the MM16 available locally for $1,800.

Current FS30 Classic is the same as the earlier FS30 Smart. Just new designation, decals, and color scheme.

Erik