Thread: Hammer A3-31 or Felder AD-531

Hi Stu, I have owned the Felder AD-531 for several years and find it to be excellent. With it I bought the mobility kit and extension tables. I cant comment on the Hammer as i have not used one but I think that heavier will be better.

Don't forget to look at Minimax machines as well but they do not have the segmented head or didn't the last time I looked. I have the A3-31 with the in handle height gauge and silent head and it brings a smile to my face every time I use it. The accuracy and repeatibility of the gauge has to be experienced to be believed. For a hobby workshop I think it is more than adequate but remember the old motto, he with the most toys wins.

How do the machines compare in price?

I bought the A3-31 a couple of years ago and, with the wheel kit, shellix head and digital depth gauge is was then about $6500.

It is a fantastic machine. I cannot say enough good things. Utterly reliable and accurate. More than anything it is very quiet.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Thanks for the replies
I'm leaning towards the A3-31 as the AD is perhaps ~3K more, money that could go towards other gear!
Another question, does anyone run a power feeder with their A3-31? I'm thinking a small feeder down the track for multiple longer lengths.

I bought the AD-531 about 7-8 years ago (geez has it been that long). Last time I checked the Hammer had spiral cutterhead as an option from the factory, but there was nothing for it's big brother. I was hoping they'd make retro-fit spiral head for the AD-531 but Stefan says there's not a big enough market for them to set the factory up to do that (

If I were buying again, I'd definitely go for the big brother, as long as I could get a spiral head for it.

Hi Stu maybe you can choose the A3-31 with spiral cutterhead with carbide tips , the carbide tips have longer tool life than HSS ones . The blade is very hard and durable but brittle , when you palning or jointing the wood , make sure no nail on the board cause nails can broken the blade when the cutterhead in high speed runing .

Originally Posted by TimberNut

Last time I checked the Hammer had spiral cutterhead as an option from the factory, but there was nothing for it's big brother.

Well that's the deal breaker, apart from saving the extra dough. I doubt you'll be disappointed with the A3 31, and won't want anything more.