My experience is mainly with a Felder as part of my combination machine.
But firstly I'd take issue with your opening statement. If you have enjoyed the versatility in safety and respect you must be fairly expert.
My Felder benefits from the following features:-
- Tilting arbor
- Forward/reverse rotation
- Speed control
- Alternative router shaft
- Separately adjustable infeed/outfeed fences
- Dust extraction incorporated into the fence assembly
- Sliding table with transverse fence and hold down clamp
The only additional feature I can think of on more modern machines is a forward tilting shaft, usually 5deg
I have used the machine in all its various modes but only in small production runs so have never felt the need for a power feeder.
I've used bespoke jigs when a configuration hasn't been possible with the basic table and fences.
Sometimes it is not possible to get a required setup with the tilting arbor but with the addition of an adjustable angle cutter block almost anything is achievable.
Brian
PS this machine will be up for sale soon. Get in touch if interested
