We get this question often, and the answer depends on your specific application. Power feeders come in a variety of sizes and configurations — there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

👉 And just to clarify — we’re talking about power feeders, not power feeds, which serve a different purpose.

What’s the Difference?

• Power Feed (for milling machines):
  A motorized device that replaces manual handwheels, providing automated and precise control over the movement of the milling machine’s table or other components. Power feeds enable consistent and repeatable feed rates, improving both accuracy and efficiency in milling operations.

• Power Feeder (for woodworking machines):
  A mechanical device that securely pushes stock through a machine at a consistent speed and pressure. Power feeders improve safety and cutting accuracy by keeping the operator’s hands away from the cutting area and ensuring uniform feed rates.

Factors That Influence Your Choice

The right power feeder depends on several factors, including:

• The type of material you’re cutting

• Desired feed rate

• Size and shape of the stock

• The machine you're using

Because of these variables, we recommend reaching out to our Product Support team for personalized guidance. Before contacting us, please consider the following:

🔧 Machine Details

1. What machine will the power feeder be used on?
   (e.g., table saw, shaper, jointer, router table)

2. What is the make and model of the machine?
   (Helps determine mounting compatibility and size match)

📐 Material Characteristics

3. What size material will you be feeding?
   (Length, width, and thickness)

4. Are you feeding long boards, short pieces, or a mix of both?

5. Is the material typically straight or does it have irregularities or rough edges?

⚙️ Application Type

6. What type of operation will you be performing?
   (e.g., edge profiling, ripping, jointing, grooving, resawing)

7. What feed rate are you hoping to achieve?
   (Slow and controlled for precision vs. fast for production)

🛞 Feeder Configuration

8. How many wheels do you think you need?

   • Long material = fewer wheels may be fine

   • Small/short pieces = more wheels to avoid gaps

9. Are you working with materials that tend to shift or slip easily?
   (Might require higher grip or slower speed)

🔌 Additional Considerations

10. Is power supply or mounting space a limiting factor?

11. Do you need the feeder to swivel or tilt for angled work?

12. Will you be using the feeder on multiple machines or just one?