If you like insert heads, not getting them is just deferring the cost. You still spend the money, and more. The cost savings of insert heads is well published; Google is your friend. The additional cost of my insert heads paid for themselves in about a year and a half based on my hostorical knife sharpen/replacement schedule. YMMV but, the eventual pay off comes sooner than you expect.Originally Posted by Greg Parrish
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
Contributor
Hi, the Silent Power head is well worth saving for if you're considering the A3-31.
Also buy the digital height gauge, the metric one makes most sense as the planer elevation is 2mm per revolution.
The mobility kit is also well worth it.
There may still be AWF show discounts next week, I would contact Felder on Monday to see if they're still available.........Regards, Rod.
[OP]
Contributor
Oh wow. Price jumped $800 in last 2hours on the A3-31 straight blade. Went from $3,300 to $4,100.
That at doesn’t count another $800 in VAT and shipping. Doh........
Contributor
I went from a DW735, with Shelix head, and a Powermativ 54A, with Shelix to the A3-31. I did get it with the Silent Power head though, not the straight knives. Like those others before me, I would urge you to go with the helical cutters as well. I’d assume the straight knives would be adequate, but you’ll probably always wish you’d upgraded instead. I’m space challenged in my shop so the sombination unit works well in that aspect. As I’ve stated in other threads, the power afforded by the A3-31 is the biggest advantage, especially when coming from using the DW735.
As stated, definitely get the digital handwheel as well. I got the metric one, which works great on the Hammer where a turn of the handwheel gives that 2mm of travel.
Clint
Moderator
You mention VAT...are you "up north"?? That can factor into folks' recommendations, too.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
[OP]
Contributor
No, I’m in Florida but the EShop on their website quotes it in the price.
Moderator
If you are in the US, you should not have to pay VAT...we don't have VAT here.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
[OP]
Contributor
Didnt think it should apply but was in the total when I was estimating shipping. Regardless, I’m not ready to get one yet so I’ll have to just call when I am. I’m still working my way through getting all my tools back in their place after my recent toolbox sell.
Thinking I may focus on a workbench as next acquisition anyway which will push the combo machine further down the list. Have been exploring the Lie-Nielsen and Sojberg benches, and looking for other options to compare. Prefer to buy rather than build I think.
Contributor
I like the finished cut offered by Teresa knives, the small scallop is barely noticeable and often cleans up with a thin shaving from a hand plane.
With sharp knives and an eye on grain direction I usually have zero tear out.
Bumbling forward into the unknown.
[OP]
Contributor
Is Tersa a brand of knife or a style of cutter head? I’m finding Tersa brand knives but wasn’t sure. Thanks.
The Tersa head holds indexed double-sided knives. Sort of an adjust-once, flip or replace knives as required sort of a setup.
Last edited by glenn bradley; 08-11-2018 at 3:57 PM.
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
Moderator
It's a double sided knife system that allows you to quickly and easily either turn them over or replace them or move one or more laterally to eliminate notice of a nick in a knife. They are the "standard" system on SCM/MiniMax J/Ps and on many others in the market and are great as a straight knife system. Replacements are economical and multiple types of metal are available including carbide for "really knarly" work. The gibs in the cutter head hold them in place via centrifugal force and to move or remove them, you just tap the gibs loose and slide out the knifes...carefully so you don't cut your hands/arms to shreds, of course.I personally have really enjoyed having the Tersa system in my J/P.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Contributor
He must be in the "English" site, meaning the Great Britain site, they have VAT.
The OP needs to go to the US site for Felder.......................Rod.
Contributor
I went from a 6" Jet straight knife jointer and DeWalt 735, also straight knife, to a Hammer A3-41. Love it, should have done it years ago. The 12" would have been fine, but wasn't in stock and I haven't regretted going with the 16" at all. I think you should reconsider the long term investment of the Silent Power head. It's really quiet and leaves a beautiful surface.
Member
Despite the Felder e-shop's e-commerce-like appearance, I think they are a company where sales are primarily run through a sales rep (even when I've bought a blade or something on the e-shop, my rep has called to check). So I wouldn't rely on the e-shop pricing - email the sales people and get a quote.
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