Thread: Felder FB 510 Bandsaw

Hi Warmtone,

While I wanted to ask this to start with I didn't want to derail your thread, but as it's gone cold... here goes.

Being in the same boat as you, and looking at purchasing a higher end bandsaw, I would be interested in specifically what you found to be lacking in your current bandsaws that have prompted the planned upgrade.

I would also be interested in your thought process having had two bandsaws, and looking at replacing them with a single bandsaw.

Ok Here goes:

Jet 18X - 3 HP is a good all rounder but has a tad more flex in the upper Guide post than I would like.
It is a well finished smooth running saw that was well aligned out if the box. It is great for smaller blade sizes and I run a 6mm blade for general purpose detailed cutting duties. I haven’t tried anything as big as a 1 inch resaw blade on this machine as I decided to delegate resaw duties to the industrial 24 inch Sipa.

I acquired the Sipa 600 on the advice of GregoryQ on this forum. The Sipa is v similar to the Meber 600 -
In contrast it has a super rigid upper bearing post (rack & pinion).

I bought this machine in an unloved state from an Aluminium factory I spent many hours (actually weeks) rebuilding/tuning it. This included new bearings in the 3 phase Seimac motor, a complete strip down of the chassis, new spray paint job to get rid of the depressing green and I also reconditioned the Euro blade guides.
Fortunately there was no major damage or wear.

I learned a lot about bandsaw tuning and I now appreciate why the Italian built saws are revered.
These older machines were built before the era of economic rationalism!

I also reconditioned and trued the tires and installed a VFD to provide a soft start for single phase mains. A sweet running beast with a massive cast iron bed you could sleep on. It has a foot brake - but on the downside lacks a mitre slot in the bed and cludgy adjustments to angle the bed. Also no indicator for blade tension.

There are benefits with two saws - avoids tedious blade changes but I want to get some workshop space back and a single modern no compromise machine like the Felder FB510 with ceramic guides is about as good as it gets.

If a 20 inch saw can satisfy Mark Duginskie I am sure it will more than meet my needs.

But my highest priority is a Planer/Thicknesser and currently exploring the Hammer A31 helical.

Thanks for the insights warmtone

If you are interested in the FB 510 have a look at utube and search on “Manor Wood”
https://youtu.be/-LH6s8wM7IQ
this guy has done a few reviews on the saw and makes some interesting videos building stuff. His new workshop has high end Felder gear and he is obviously doing well with custom built furniture.

MW was not happy with the standard FB510 euro guides (see the video) and forked out extra for the ceramic guides. But overall he is very happy with the performance - it does cut very accurately when properly set up.

Originally Posted by warmtone

If you are interested in the FB 510 have a look at utube and search on “Wood Manor”- this guy has done a few reviews on the saw and makes some interesting videos building stuff. His new workshop has high end Felder gear and he is obviously doing well with custom built furniture.

He was not happy with the standard FB510 euro guides (see the video) and forked out extra for the ceramic guides. But overall he is very happy with the performance - it does cut very accurately when properly set up.

Warmtone, it Manor Wood . . .

Originally Posted by Pat

Warmtone, it Manor Wood . . .

Agreed - now corrected.
Thanks
Brian

Brian, I agree with the issues with the Felder Guides. I have a Hammer N4400 and have replaced the stock guides with the Felder Ceramics. Worth the expense!

Hey,

I have the Felder FB 600, not the exact machine your looking at but I can tell you what I have is excellent. Very sturdy and well made machine.

I’m in Kinglake if you want to come and have a play with it and see for yourself.

Cheers,
Mike


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Originally Posted by warmtone

If you are interested in the FB 510 have a look at utube and search on “Manor Wood”

Ta. I have seen his videos. I would suspect that like you no doubt, I've read just about every review and watched every video about the A3-31 and FB-510

Come to think of it, why don't you just buy a house next door to me in Hobart, and we each buy one machine? Sounds like a plan to me!

Hi Thanks for the offer as I am yet to see any Felder Bandsaw running.
The one in the show room is impressive to look at but it’s not a demonstrator.
There is nothing like seeing a machine in action!

I may take up your offer.......!

For sure. Well just PM me if you want to tee something up.


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Originally Posted by woodman-79

For sure. Well just PM me if you want to tee something up.

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woodman - 79 Thanks for the demo and yarn today.

The Felder 600 performed as expected - quiet, smooth and accurate!
Also nice to see a decent sized table with rack and pinion tilt control.

I have no doubt the FB510 I am considering will be in the same class.

Originally Posted by warmtone

woodman - 79 Thanks for the demo and yarn today.

The Felder 600 performed as expected - quiet, smooth and accurate!
Also nice to see a decent sized table with rack and pinion tilt control.

I have no doubt the FB510 I am considering will be in the same class.

After exploring a few alternatives including the Minimax S500 US I have decided to buy the Felder FB510.

Both are great bandsaws but for me the Felder offered a better fence system with extension tables and the new x guide system (ceramic guides).

Felder also offer a 4hp 3 phase motor which I prefer - smother running than single phase/longer life. Oktoberfest provided an opportunity to negotiate a great deal on the showroom model.

Happy to report on performance when the beast arrives.

Congratulations! I'm suite you will enjoy your new felder stable.

I ordered an A3-31 yesterday, but the bandsaw is going to have to wait, so will just think of your great outcome.