Fixin’ Up Feldy

[Brian Holcombe]

This machine, FD250 could not hold true during a cut, it would rise over the course of travel. However, it checked out accurately in all dimensions. I found the culprit when chisel mortising. The motor is held with a thin plate which easily flexes, causing the cut to run out of the intended path.

https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1143.jpg

I have devised a repair, a large plate and support which grabs the front of the motor.

Im still in the process of making it, I will update this thread if it maintains the interest of the forum.

https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1168-1.jpg

I have to trim the bottom overhang so that it can hit all four spots.

https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1169-1.jpg

[Steve Jenkins]

If that works out would you have any interest in making another?

[Brian Holcombe]

Hi Steve,

Sure, I would be happy to. Send me a PM if you would, please.

Thank you!

[Jim Becker]

That mod sure looks sturdy! I was amazed at the play in the machine when you showed it to me on Monday...unbelievable for a machine like that which should have been designed to be rock solid.

[Patrick Walsh]

My number one complaint with Felder is their machines are not built with enough heft in places that count to assure the machine can do its job as intended. My Z700 shaper is much the same.

Put me on the list for the bracket provided it works and does not affect the height of the cutter drastically.

[Ralph Boumenot]

Why aluminum and not a thinner steel for the modification? It looks like you are losing an 1" of height adjustment with the aluminum.

[Brian Holcombe]

Thanks gents. The reason for aluminum is that the machine currently can be set below the table. I’m lost as to why one needs to ever set the bit below the table so I’d rather have the extra 5/8” (previous plate was 3/8” at the mounts).

If it ends up too high I will just bore the bottom, which allows me too keep the mass of the plate and set the height back down.

[Bill Adamsen]

Very nice solution Brian.

[Brian Holcombe]

Thanks, Bill!

Here is the final result. I wanted to bolt through the motor flange into my support, but avoid cutting the threads out of the motor flange, so I timed the threads. They pull tight.

I had to retain the original shim stack and I was able to dial the machine in square left to right but still not quite driving parallel to the table, it’s as it was originally so I may add more shim or raise the back of the table.

This setup does not flex at all when I pull up on the front of the motor.

The motor still travels below the table so I think the taller setup is a bonus. It will effect the front sheet metal which I don’t bother with anyways. I may still dump the sheet metal entirely and just put a cover over the fan.

https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1172.jpg

https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1174-1.jpg

[Jim Becker]

Brian, can we assume this is a lot "stiffer" not, despite your need to tweak the alignment? That was what struck me with the original setup...I could move it with my hand noticeably.

[Brian Holcombe]

Oh yeah, I can try to lift the front to no noticeable effect now.

[David Kumm]

Brian, while I don't consider this ideal, my late 90's FD looks to have a better mount. Yours is still way better but mine doesn't have much flex. I prefer my Bacci so the FD doesn't get a lot of use. Dave392043

[Brian Holcombe]

David, that one looks much better than the one I had. I did some hunting around to see what other brands did for this. Seems common to have the motor bearing housings replaced with bulky assemblies that bolt solid to the way table.

I put put more time into tuning the table, which was good side to side but out front to back. That allowed me to level out the motor and completely remove the shim packs. Now everything is truly where it should be within a reasonable degree.

[David Kumm]

I have a number of Euro machines from the 80s,90s, and newer and while the newer machines have some really nice features, the builds have been lightened up. Sometimes in a smart way but not always. I wonder if someone willing to pay 14,000 for a new machine wouldn't pay 15,000 if the reasons were explained. Most of the sales people I've talked to are helpful but know little about their machine's build and nothing about the competitions. Car sales are the same. Dave

[Brian Holcombe]

I'd imagine many would, especially since there is such a wide berth between the SCM/Felder range and Martin/Hofmann, etc. I bought this machine used, it's a 2004 model, but based on new pricing I'd imagine another $200 for a heavy casting in such an important area would be almost unnoticed.

Anywho, I fired it up today with the new mount, nice and quiet. The vibrating noise is gone which I'm glad about. Now to cut something.

[Brian Holcombe]

I decided to leave off the dog house and just put a fan cover on the motor. I found one here:

http://www.jrelectricmotorrepair.com/product-catalog/fan-covers-cowls/

And these guys are wonderful!

No one near me seems to deal in metric motors at all, these guys (JR) mentioned that they specialize in it.

[Brian Holcombe]

Proof in the pudding;

https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1179.jpg

[Steve Jenkins]

Looks very good

[Bruce Page]

Brian, that’s an excellent upgrade. What is the purpose of the vertical plate? Is it mechanically attached to the motor?
What metal working machinery do you have?

[Jim Becker]

Clearly "rock steady" now! I also like that you're going with the fan shroud...cleaner and less obtrusive while still doing the job.

[Brian Holcombe]

Thanks Gents!

Jim, I agree, it’s much easier to see what I’m doing with out the dog house.

Bruce, the lower bolts for the bell housing bolt into it. It puts the lifting force on two 8mm bolts and removes it from four 4mm bolts.

I have a Bridgeport mill, 36 Ton ironworker, Mig and Tig machines at my father’s shop.

[Bruce Page]

Thanks Gents!

Jim, I agree, it’s much easier to see what I’m doing with out the dog house.

Bruce, the lower bolts for the bell housing bolt into it. It puts the lifting force on two 8mm bolts and removes it from four 4mm bolts.

I have a Bridgeport mill, 36 Ton ironworker, Mig and Tig machines at my father’s shop.

Thanks for the explanation.