Hi Brett!?
As an initial response, I'll volunteer that I am currently performing precious little edge banding, so I'm an example of a (very!) low volume shop. For what little edge banding I do apply, I am using the Festool Conturo handheld edge bander. Given my space constraints and low volume needs, it's been nice to have around.?
Pros:
-- Small footprint when not in use. The tool occupies a Systainer 5, the accessories another Systainer 5, plus a trimming router, plus whatever inventory you want to maintain of glue and banding
-- I've rarely used it, but the MFT/3 table for the Conturo is handy for shelving and other smaller parts (I subscribe to the "bring the small thing to the big thing" relationship between the work and tools). When not in use, the table folds up and can be stored out of the way
-- Setup/warmup time is reasonable, I think around ten minutes??
-- Swapping between glue colors is pretty straightforward. The purging process burns through a puck or two, but I haven't found it to be a big deal
-- You're locked into using the Festool glue, but you can use just about any non-glued edge banding you want. I have used hardwood veneer and 2mm PVC without issue.?
Cons:
-- This is in no way a production machine. Apparently some production shops keep a Conturo around for inside corner work, but otherwise yeah this is a small scale machine.?
-- Cost. At $3k for just the machine, plus accessories, it's not inexpensive, though I suppose it's a drop in the bucket compared to free-standing machines.?
-- Skill: Since this is primarily a hand-held machine, there's some amount of finesse/attention necessary to dial the settings in properly and actually applying the banding. If employees will be using the machine, it may not be a great fit.?
-- You'll need to follow along after applying the banding with a router to trim the excess. Again, this can take some skill..
Anyways, I suspect you are primarily looking for input on free-standing equipment, but hopefully if nothing else the Conturo can establish a benchmark in terms of the small end of the spectrum. Good luck on your hunt!
--
Tom Gensmer
Heritage Home Renewals, LLC
Minneapolis, MN
Tom Gensmer