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I came from a Powermatic cabinet saw over 20 years and now have the same K700S machine.? I am very happy that I moved to a full size slider.? There are many things that I can do so much easier now with the slider!!
That being said, specifications say the WA80 weighs in at 1000+ kg.? That translates to 2200 lbs.? It is a much heavier built saw than the K700S, which averages around 1600 lbs.? The frame and base cabinet metal will likely resist flex better and the machine may feel more "solid" when working with it.? I would say the WA80 is more in line with the Felder K945S or even the Format4 machines (which average 1950-2100 lbs).?? The lower end Altendorf WA8 or F25 saws are likely more equal to the K700S machine.
The WA80 is minimum 7.5HP which most likely means it is a 3-phase power machine.? Do you have 3-phase power in your shop?? If you are running a Sawstop, I suspect that you only have 240V single phase A/C power.? The 3-phase machines are always recommended and run smoother and quieter, but it is definitely a considerable expense.? In my situation, I ended up with single phase because converting my shop to 3-phase power would be almost as much as the K700S cost itself.?? The downsides of single phase is motor noise/smoothness and having to deal with replacing the motor start/run capacitors.? On the Felder single phase machines, you need to hold down the power button until the motor has spun up to full speed.? Otherwise, you risk burning out the capacitors early (like within a year or less).? Overall, replacing capacitors is likely a 100-200 dollar expense.? A 3 phase setup can cost 3-10 thousand or more depending on how you do it and if you are doing a full electrician/permit install.?? If you are not doing 3-phase, then the Felder K700S is a very nice saw.
Getting the saw to your location in Michigan safely is going to be another expense.? I would likely suggest having Felder ship the product via freight from their New Castle, DE location to a freight terminal in Michigan local.? Then arrange for a local rigging company to transport it to your shop (fully insured) using flatbed and forklift.? These are not machines you can ship with a lift-gate truck.? Alternatively, you can rent a drop-deck trailer and transport it yourself, but be aware of insurance coverage.? Many consumer auto insurance companies will not insure this type of transport.? I would figure a couple thousand dollars (or possibly more) extra for safe shipping to your location.
Getting the machine setup and aligned by Felder is likely a $2k cost.? You can do it yourself (I did).? It requires a $500-800 investment in calibration and measurement tools.? It's a great way to get to know your machine.
If I have 3-phase power and a budget of around $30-35k, I might choose the Felder K945S over the Altendorf because Felder have added a bunch of features to the new K945S that are really nice.? Also, it's the lowest cost point where you could also get the PCS protection system.? But that's me.? The Altendorf looks to be a very well engineered machine with excellent build quality.
After working with the K700S for over a year, I don't regret my purchase at all.?? Based on my experience and everything I've read, the Felder saws are actually pretty good.? I've compared using both the Felder and Minimax sliding table saws and I think the Felder are nicer.? However, once you get into jointer/planer choices, the Felder products do have their problems.
-Aaron
