This is a Silent Wonder

Nice machine!

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush

Is this a review to tell us that you are going to write an actual review after you actually get a chance to actually use the tool?

So far so good.:))

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

Matt, I’m of the opinion that a tool review this early isn’t completely useless, but you could help us by providing some more info about your buying experience and initial impressions.

What aspects are the most game-changing for you?

Why did you choose this machine over other options? What other options did you consider?

How is the mobility? Setup? Instructions?

How quiet is the spiral head, really?

How was the customer service you received from Hammer?

How long did it take them to ship your machine?

I’m very happy for your new tool, but I’d like to hear more if it’s going in the review section. Otherwise we ought to start a new section for “tool gloats,” – don’t get me wrong, it’s one of the fun aspects of online woodworking forums, but shouldn’t be confused with reviews.

Enjoy!

-- Optimists are usually disappointed. Pessimists are either right or pleasantly surprised. I tend to be a disappointed pessimist.

Alright, sorry for the cursory review. It really was just my initial impression and excitement. I have never done a review before so I will answer the questions as best as I can.
The game changer is that I will be able to use a jointer/thicknesser in my shop that can reliably surface and join wood. I previously did not have any jointer or planer.
I considered the grizzly/rikon/jet and a few other models prior to ordering this one. I have spoken with others who have those machines and most of them have had problems. I went with hammer after a conversation with a manufacturing expert who explained to me the best source of tooling in the world. China is second rate with quality and engineering as far as I am concerned. Austria has a reputation for excellent tooling.
Mobility is excellent. Having the mobility kit allows me to easily move the machine anywhere in my tiny shop. 13×13 is tiny.
The spiral cutter head is so quiet that
1. I feel safe using the machine without hearing protection.
2. I feel safe using the machine with children asleep in the house.
3. My dust exctractor is louder.

It is seriously quiet. I have a buddy with a dB meter who is going to help me measure.

Customer service has been fine so far. The sales staff has been prompt in returning calls and emails.
I did have a small plastic bit broken in shipping and they have sent the piece out to me already.

Shipping. Took forever. I ordered the machine in October, got it Jan 3. I understand it is in demand and has to be shipped from Austria. I am patient person.

I agree the first post was a gloat. I will add to the review as I use the machine more.

Matt:

The A3 is on my list, as well. You have piqued some interest here (in the Forum), please follow-up when you feel it’s appropriate.

MJCD

-- Lead By Example; Make a Difference

Matt, nice! I have the older model, two halves, with a Byrd head. Delaware did the Byrd conversion and sent a tech to setup correctly at my home.

However, I’m still jealous of you! Is it real quite?

-- REL, North Jersey

” conversation with a manufacturing expert ” aka Salesman .
Why don’t you copy and paste comment #5 into your posting so we can all stop thanking you for your tool gloat
I try to use my tools for at least a year so I can have something to actually review : )

-- When did quiet and quite become the same word ? I'm guessing about the same time as your and you're did.

congrats on the purchase! I’m sure that there are a lot of us here that are drooling (and jealous) over your A3, myself included!

-- Rob, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Sounds like a keeper

-- Norman

I will not flame you for the above content – this looks like one heck of a fine machine and I can’t blame you for wanting to share it with us!

I was unaware of the Felder Group and their websites have me drooling. May I ask how much you got it for? Shipping something like this across the pond must add to the drain on your wallet…

-- “Weird heroes and mould-breaking champions exist as living proof to those who need it that the tyranny of 'the rat race' is not yet final.” ― Hunter S. Thompson

I have one on order hope to see it in February….