Felder KF 700 S Professional Option

[Albert Chio]

Hi Guys,

I like to get some feedback from any who might have the KF 700 s or similar type of setup. Currently I in my limited space shop (22'x32') I have the Felder K 500s with the 9' slider plus a MiniMax Formula T1 shaper. Both are basically taking about half of my shop space and thinking that if I combine them like the Felder KF 700s I would save some space plus other benefits like a slider for shaper operations, changeable router spindle for router, and tilting spindle. My only concern is regretting having separate machines. Have any of you all done the switch and have any regrets?

Thanks,
Albert

[Andy Giddings]

Albert, I have a full combo and used to have separates. A combo of any kind becomes inefficient if you're frequently switching between functions during a project. If your projects or work practices allow you to do all of your shaping in one batch then I don't see a combo as an issue. Felder has made the switch from saw to shaper and back again easier by enabling you to replicate the fence settings quickly and easily (a locating pin in the shaper hood provides positive registration) so the remaining variable is the cutter height. This again can be replicated as long as you stack the cutters/spacers in the same way and remember the height readout.

You have already listed the benefits.

One other thing to consider is whether you'll be using a power feeder or not. These typically get in the way when you're using the sliding table saw for wider, long cuts to the right of the blade so they have to be mounted on a tilting support platform. Some feeders can be hefty and lifting them up or down on the Felder support platform can be simple with a gas strut to help take the weight. I wouldn't recommend trying it without

[Warren Lake]

if you are in a small space you probably have a low ceiling, you could mount your feeder on the ceiling i had trolly I made for mine and could slide it left or right over a 3 plus foot length above the table saw, . faster to position as well as my left right came off the track and not cranking the handle in and out.

[Joe Jensen]

I went from a Sawstop ICS and a Powermatic model 26 shaper to a Felder KF700SP. I really wanted to move to a slider and a combo machine was my only option for the space I have. I was very worried about going to a combo but I was able to make it work. I don't ever want to give up the slider but I am building a new large shop and one of my first upgrades will be a separate shaper. Too often I've had to break down the shaper for a cut on the saw and even when flipped down the power feeder seems in the way.

[Mike Heidrick]

Use the separates more and buy a new space :)

Man the 700 saw shapers are nice!

[Mike Heidrick]

Joe will you do a slidiing shaper separate machine? I highly recommend them.

[John Lankers]

I have the KF700SP with a 2800mm sliding table in a 30'x34' shop, with Powerdrive it is child's play to get back to previously calibrated settings.
If I had unlimited space and funds.....
In my opinion, a shaper without sliding table is like a car on three wheels, the safety aspect alone justifies the investment.

[Albert Lee]

I am actually wanting to go separate from my full length combo. if setting up time is not an issue to you then go the KF700.

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi, I have a Hammer B3 Winner saw/shaper with the tilt up stock feeder.

I went from a General cabinet saw and shaper to the Hammer.

I also have a small shop and the combo reduced my space usage a lot. I do not regret going with the combo. The MF spindle system is nice, you can have 30mm, 1 1/4" and router bit collets. The 30mm spindle allows you to use saw blades/dadoe cutters in the shaper, and course tooling is often less expensive in 30mm bore if you wait for sales.

regards, Rod.

[David Kumm]

The beauty of the saw shaper is that if you ever find more room, a second small saw or a fixed table shaper can be added at a cheap cost. Having two shapers, one with a sliding table is sweet. The 700 quill assembly and internals are much heavier than the Hammer so it is a step up. As you use a shaper, you will find that large diameter cutters are great and there is a comfort in a heavier spindle and quill. If looking at the 700, you should also compare to the Minimax st 5. Felder has more accessories, MM may be a little heavier build. Look at ease of squaring the crosscut fence and attaching a feeder. Design of the shaper fence is also huge. Both make a good fence although I give the edge a little to the MM. Felder sliding table is second to none. knowledge is power, do some comparison shopping. Dave

[Jeff Monson]

I will 2nd what Joe J. said. I switched over from separate Powermatic tablesaw and shaper to a KF700SP. I love the space savings of my Felder but it seems whenever I'm using the shaper setup I have to break it down for a few cuts on the saw. If I ever have the chance to own a larger shop I will get a designated shaper and it will be a sliding table Felder.

[Albert Chio]

Thanks for all the feedback. I decided to keep a separate setup and replace my current 15" planer & 8" jointer with jointer/planer combo from either minimax or felder.

Also would it be worth replacing my current MiniMax shaper with one that has a slider like Felder's?

Thanks,
Albert

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi Albert, I use the sliding table a lot for tenons, or for smaller pieces that I can clamp to the table...........Rod.

[Jeff Monson]

Also would it be worth replacing my current MiniMax shaper with one that has a slider like Felder's?


Albert

A sliding table is nice on pretty much any machine IMO. Like Rod mentioned, cutting tenon's with a slider is really nice.

[Albert Lee]

Thanks for all the feedback. I decided to keep a separate setup and replace my current 15" planer & 8" jointer with jointer/planer combo from either minimax or felder.

Also would it be worth replacing my current MiniMax shaper with one that has a slider like Felder's?

Thanks,
Albert

There are two types of slider a shaper can have.

one type is on its X axis (most common)

another type is on its y axis, like this:
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This is my favourite type but its not common and you might have to buy new. I dont think I will ever buy anything that does not have a slider. even a bandsaw has slider these days.

[David Kumm]

I've not seen that table on a Maka but Martin, SCMI, and the Polish shapers also use them. They are the pick of the litter. A sliding table on a shaper is easy to set due to the short length. The slight downside to a longer sliding saw shaper is that the table will need to be reset to something like .002 consistently at the spindle. Most saws have tables set somewhat higher and not as exact as there isn't the need to precision when sawing compared to shaping. It does take some work to adjust a long slider that close but can be done if the extrusion is flat. Dave

[Joe Jensen]

Joe will you do a slidiing shaper separate machine? I highly recommend them.

I have started watching for a used Felder F700S shaper. At some point I'd like to move to Martin stuff but that's down the road.

[James Baker SD]

I replaced 4 separates (PM and Delta) with 2 Felder combos, saw/shaper and jointer/planer. Admittedly I use the saw much more than the shaper, but the switch seems pretty easy to me. I do have the feeder tilt bracket with hydraulic cylinder and that helps a lot.

Switching between the joiner and planer is a lot more work for me, but I love the 16" jointer too much to give it up and no room for a separate jointer that size.

[Jim Becker]

Switching between the joiner and planer is a lot more work for me, but I love the 16" jointer too much to give it up and no room for a separate jointer that size.
I find this interesting as it generally takes me about a minute to switch my J/P between functions...and it's all manual on mine, too.

[Albert Chio]

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since I posted anything here but once I am here again seeking advice on new purchase. Last time, I was asking about the Felder KF 700s vs separate saw and shaper but ended up getting the Felder AD 951 planer/jointer combo. Well now, I have the opportunity to purchase the Felder F700 Z shaper (includes selling my current SCMI Formula T1 shaper which I already have a buyer) or would it be better to keep the SCMI shaper and instead replace my Felder K500s sliding table saw with the Felder KF 700s saw/shaper combo. That way I end with the sliding shaper and bigger saw? Or would you all still recommend that I keep my K 500s slider and sell my current SCMI shaper and replace it with the Felder F700Z?

Thanks again for your all inputs.
Albert

[David Kumm]

Is the slider your only saw? If not, the KF with a fixed table separate shaper is nice. If only one saw, the changeover between shaping and sawing can be a pain. The 700Z is a great mid size shaper for all around use but I like a two shaper and two saw set up for efficiency. One fixed saw and shaper and one each with sliding table. Dave

[Albert Chio]

Hi David,

Tks for the advice. Yes, the slider is my only saw and don't have the room to add a 2nd saw. Initially I thought of just selling my current shaper and replace it with the 700z because of the slider but I am now thinking if replacing my k500 slider with the kf 700s would be better option as I basically end up with two shapers (of course one would be integrated with the saw).

Albert

[Erik Loza]

+1 to Dave’s comments. I think you might regret parting with a good, operating shaper later. Most all my clients wished they could have more than one. If the money is there, I would keep the SCMi for heavier duty profiling and then use the Felder for endgrain work. Best of luck in your search.

Erik

[Jim Becker]

I agree with Erik...the saw/shaper provides a great second workstation for the shaping type work. I wouldn't release the big shaper for sure...that would likely come back and haunt you later.

[Patrick Walsh]

I would never give up a extra shaper. I have one single shaper in my personal shop. At work I have three. I could easily use and or need another at work. I could even use a fifth at work to be perfectly Honest.

Cope, stick, panel raiser, lock miter, and one just sitting for running random moldings and or whatever.

I’d keep that shaper.

[Albert Chio]

Thanks for all your input. Have decided to take your advice and keep my current shaper and replace my k500s with the kf700s.

Tks,
Albert