Felder K740P Panel Saw

Review: Damion Fauser

Prominent manufacturer Felder have a long history of making high-end panel saws and they recently expanded their stable with the addition of the K740 family. Fundamentally based on the existing K700 family in terms of physical stature and rip/crosscut capacity, the K740 range features a larger saw unit and a double trunnion capable of running blades from 300–400mm and therefore able to achieve a maximum cutting height of 140mm. This was the key factor in me adding the K740P to my workshop earlier this year.

There are three models to choose from in the family. The K740 is smaller with a shorter sliding table carriage (cutting length from 1300–2500mm), the K740P runs slightly longer sliding table carriages (cutting length 2050–2500mm) and a larger outrigger assembly, and finally  the K740S has a larger cabinet and even larger sliding tables for a cutting length range of 2500–3700mm.

All units have a rip capacity of 800– 1250mm depending on the specification ordered. As I already have a K700S with a longer sliding table I selected the K740P with a shorter table and smaller cabinet, creating for me a saw capable of making large accurate cuts yet requiring significantly less shop footprint.

Standard on all variants is the tilt-away overhead guard with dust collection capability. This unit provides an exceptional level of safety, is easily height adjustable and conveniently swings away on a rigid boom when required. Dust is collected at the top of this assembly via an 80mm port, which combined with the 120mm port at the base of the main cabinet means the work area is kept reasonably clean and clear.

The motor comes standard at 5.5kw and I have this motor with the Star-Delta soft start mechanism, which creates a softer, more controlled ramp up to maximum rpm, which is 4000 unless you choose to upgrade to the infinitely variable adjustable speed which can top out at 6000rpm. I wouldn’t see this as a necessity in a woodworking scenario, rather a handy feature for those working with other materials such as non-ferrous metals or composites.

You can also to upgrade to a 7.30kw motor. I recently cut through some 130mm spotted gum and, with a fresh and clean blade, was able to quickly and effortlessly produce super clean cuts. The electric braking system brings the blade to a complete stop in a satisfactorily fast manner.

Above left: Control switches include an emergency bump-stop and are easy to see and access. Above right: Remote start controls are also situated at the lead end of the table when working with larger panels.

Tooling changes are quick and easy with the supplied tooling, which are conveniently stored on a magnetic tool rack which is revealed when the table is slid away to reveal the interior of the cabinet. A selection of riving knives is supplied when changing to blades with different diameters, and the primary flange for securing the blade is significantly larger than on smaller saws, creating more security and stability to the spinning tooling in operation.

The control switches are easy to read and easily accessible, with one set on the front face of the main cabinet (along with an emergency bump-stop switch) and a second set located at the lead end of the sliding table for a remote start capability
when working with larger panels.

Blade height and tilt are both adjusted quickly with the primary switches, and fine adjustment fidelity is in 0.1mm/0.1° increments with the fine adjustment switches.

One little quirk to be aware of with this system is that the wiring runs through the channels in the sliding table mechanism and built up debris can short the system, preventing the saw from starting, so the user must pay attention to regular cleaning of the sliding saw carriage rails. I don’t see this as a significant drawback as this is required maintenance on any sliding tablesaw in any case.

Optional electric and digital controls are available for the blade height and tilt, and the rip fence. I opted for the K2 package, which includes the electric blade height and tilt with digital display. This is a remarkable capability that I’m using more and more often.
Blade height and tilt are both adjusted quickly with the primary switches, and fine adjustment fidelity is in 0.1mm/0.1° increments with the fine adjustment switches. For the first few weeks I verified the settings with digital calipers, but am now so confident in the accuracy of the settings that I rarely check now. Adjusting the calibration to account for blades of differing diameter, or for when your blade goes off for sharpening and comes back ever so slightly smaller, is quick and easy.

The precision pin-index mitre system allows for extremely accurate angle cutting from -45 to +45°.

Like the rest of the Felder stable, this saw can be seriously upgraded with a long list of accessories that can transform this machine from a beautifully capable saw into a truly magnificent workshop capability. Dado shaft, scribing blade, larger and more capable outriggers for panel and cross-cutting, digital control on the outrigger fence, precision index mitre stop on the outrigger for effortless and accurate mitre cuts and so much more.

At time of writing the K740 as a basic unit starts at $22,000 plus options, delievery and installation from Felder. Delivery and setup charges are an extra as well. This is a fantastic addition to the Felder stable of saws, providing a bridge between the capability and quality of the existing 700-series and the cutting capacity of the larger Kappa machines. These are serious machines with serious capabilities for serious shops.

First published in Australian Wood Review, issue #122, March 2024

Review machine supplied by author Damion Fauser @damionfauser is a furniture designer maker and woodwork teacher in Brisbane. Learn more at http://damionfauser.com/

Learn more at https://www.felder-group.com/en-au