Thread: Which sliding table saw

I have a Hammer B3 winner the version with the spindle moulder (with collet adapters to take 1/4" and 1/2" router bits and 30mm bits) and I opted for the medium size sliding table (1250 mm). I think if space is a concern the Hammer B3/K3 winner are a good choice.

I work more in solid wood and do little sheet and I break large sheets with a circular saw and then use the slider for precision cuts.

I have added the roller kit and plan to add outrigger table shortly. However all this compounds cost quickly.

I found these helpful when I was considering my purchase.

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My impression is that the difference between Hammer and SCM is hard to quantify. SCM tends to be cheaper with a little more cast iron. However functionality wise their seems to little difference. The SCM comes with more things out of the box were Hammer tends to have many more upgrades options that compounds the cost.

On the negative I have found Felder customer service lacking in Melbourne anyway. I am not sure about other offices. I feel that the peanuts that they get on a Hammer sale does not compare to a $75,000 tablesaw. But more local staff attitude then the parent company I feel.

I would be dubious comparing Chinese sliders with European sliders.

The thing I love about European machines is everything is predicable and reliable. You set your machine up you make your cut and I feel confidant I will get exactly what I wanted. Every time.

Don't forget to look into the secondhand market, e.g. View 215 Panel Saws for Sale in Australia | Machines4u, and who knows you might be lucky in this forum's Market Place too, https://www.woodworkforums.com/f221

Of course, condition matters especially if you don't fancy learning a lot about your machine's various hidden and arcane adjustments. But some of those high end machines are built so strong and sometimes machines are let go from distressed or expanding businesses - they actually aren't knackered at all.

Best deal will be to not let your eagerness get ahead of your canny thrift. Be methodical.

Cheers, I have no issue considering 2nd hand gear. I'd even prefer it, obviously takes a bit of trust unless you know exactly what you are looking for.

Originally Posted by vovo

obviously takes a bit of trust unless you know exactly what you are looking for.

Yeah you wouldn't want to get iced!

I have always considered the MM to be better value in the past but since Gabbets no longer are the agents I don't know if that has changed. This site was set up by Gabbets before they lost the agency Woodworkers Site ǀ Woodwork Machinery :I Wood Like They used to sell an Asian slider which a few members of this forum own, Royflatemate is one.

Just on this, and knowing that the OP went through a discussion in a previous recent thread on whether to buy a SawStop or, as he's finally decided, been convinced a sliding table saw is a better way to go, I just came across this related thread from Fine Woodworking forum last year that settles the debate hands down in favour of a sliding table saw over the SawStop - see especially post #6 by 'Rich4242':

Dream Shop - Sliding table saw or Sawstop and cash to spend? - FineWoodworking

Thanks all, some great advice and yes I've been convinced to go a slider.

Curiously comparing a woodfast TS315B to a similar Minimax or Hammer. What justifies the price increase. If there is a genuine reason that the euro products are more expensive then that would help make a decision.

Cheers

I would like to make a comment on choice of sliders. I have access to a full panel saw anytime I want it and I dislike it intensely for day to day use, cutting panels on it is great, anything else I like a smaller saw such as mine. That maybe because I have ducks disease and find that stretching and reaching on it is just hard work. What it is also useful for is breaking down big timber as the blade is 350mm.

Originally Posted by vovo

If there is a genuine reason that the euro products are more expensive then that would help make a decision.

I had a look at the Woodfast TS315B and it looks like it comes with far more in the basic package like Outrigger, full on dust hood on an arm for a few $1000 less.

However Woodfast TS315B comes with a 3HP vs 4HP on the K3. The depth of cut is 95 vs 103mm.

However the biggest difference seems to be upgrades. The Woodfast TS315B comes with enough to satisfy majority of people out of the box but then seems to offer little in terms of add ons or upgrades.

The standard Hammer comes with less but then allows customisation to your individual needs which then drives up the cost. Woodfast TS315B is a single model and that's it. The Hammer sliders are the same chassis then you add, add and add to it.

The other thing is you probably do not realize how many attachments come with Felder/Hammer. When you go to the showroom, they give your this hard cover book. That has thousands of add on for their machines. Extension tables, work surfaces, replacement and upgrade parts, work holding options, dozens of custom blades, way cool dado sets, in house cleaning solutions, oils and greases, and options to extend a single function machine into a multi functions machine. One that I am tempted by is a horizontal mortiser for my Thicknesser/Jointer.

However my honest advice is go to a showroom and get a hands on demonstration. Feel both machines in your hand, adjust the blade, push the slider table, micro adjust the fence, tilt the arbour. Ask about add ons, replacement parts and warranties. Only then make a decision.

One thing to note about Felder is, while I was fortunate to buy a machine with a few rather essential 'accessories', the price of any further accessories is so stratospheric that practically, for me, those things may as well not exist. I'm not doing commercial work; if I were the equation might be different. I don't know much about Hammer (the entry level of the Felder range), but if the accessories are lower price than Felder, that would be a serious point to keep in mind, swinging consideration toward Hammer - that's assuming you'd be hobbyist or very low turnover commercial.

Another thing about Felder is, accessories on the second hand market (where they might be more affordable) are rarer than hen's teeth. I don't know if there is a more widespread/popular slider that would be easier to find second-hand kit for. But don't get me wrong - Felder is a solid and satisfying machine.

There is a rule in retail....accessories make money and the Germans are experts at it. It has the advantage that the machine can be upgraded as required but if the Asian machines had been available when I bought mine then I have a sneaking suspicion I would not own a Hammer. Certainly if I had known of Minimax at the time I definitely would have bought one instead.

Everything I was going to write, has been stated in the posts above. I’ve owned and run both mentioned saws, as well as a couple of Altendorfs and worked a Martin, and , for hobby use, only a seasoned professional would be able to pick the difference in the actual finished cut product from each brand of saw. Better to save money ( quite a lot) and get a machine that does exactly the same job, and use the savings to buy some other equipment.

Originally Posted by Gunnaduit

Just on this, and knowing that the OP went through a discussion in a previous recent thread on whether to buy a SawStop or, as he's finally decided, been convinced a sliding table saw is a better way to go, I just came across this related thread from Fine Woodworking forum last year that settles the debate hands down in favour of a sliding table saw over the SawStop - see especially post #6 by 'Rich4242':

Dream Shop - Sliding table saw or Sawstop and cash to spend? - FineWoodworking

This “discussion” above should be mandatory reading for anyone who thinks they need to buy a panel saw, of any type. Lots of good, well founded knowledge there, a good read.
Also, I agree with rich, get the mobility kit, or if it’s not available, PM me and I’ll make you one like mine I made for the Woodfast.

Choice of blade is far more important than the make of saw. So long as it is a reputable brand it will do the job.