autolock Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 Can anybody give me some advice as to which finisher would be the best to buy.i have been out of shoe repair trade for a number of years and am opening a new shop this year,i have used whitfield and power machines in the past and was wandering about hardo and flexham as i dont know anything about these.i understand everyone will have there own preferance but i was looking for a few pointers before i decide,space is not a problem any ideas greatly appreciated. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petercoulson Posted January 21, 2011 Report Share Posted January 21, 2011 ooh oooh Hardo Hardo.. Freezedryseal 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 We bought a second hand Hardo in 1994 (from a trade supplier) and it has worked faultlessly since. I've not used another brand, so cannot give any comparison. If I ever had to replace it, I'd look at all options, but certainly another Hardo would be my starting point. Over to Keith... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 I don't think you can buy a Flexham in the UK anymore so you can rule that one out! Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 n.b. I love the topic heading: "WHAT FINISHER" sound like a particularly niche magazine title! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 I have the Whitfield (now standard) finisher and bench press which I find really good - I would recommend 3 phase as the running costs are nothing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fast Fix Elgin Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 I work with a refurbished 3 phase power finisher but the shop has single phase elec so have a converter...had it 5 years now the converter overheats sometimes( not often) and it makes a constant drone I think inverters are the way to go if you want a 3 phase machine but only have 1 phase elec... I am currently looking to upgrade my machine to a Standard 720 with airflow workbench the 720 would be 1 phase with 3 phase inverter running grinding wheels(good idea) also you can dictate what trimmer head set up you want(another good idea) But..........bloody expensive But if the work is there it wont take long to get the investment back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 Re: what finisher by Fast Fix Elgin » Sat Jan 22, 2011 1:00 pm I work with a refurbished 3 phase power finisher but the shop has single phase elec so have a converter...had it 5 years now the converter overheats sometimes( not often) and it makes a constant drone I think inverters are the way to go if you want a 3 phase machine but only have 1 phase elec... I am currently looking to upgrade my machine to a Standard 720 with airflow workbench the 720 would be 1 phase with 3 phase inverter running grinding wheels(good idea) also you can dictate what trimmer head set up you want(another good idea) But..........bloody expensive But if the work is there it wont take long to get the investment back we have had 3 phase connected properly to our shop (luckily) was a lot to do - but our electricity bills are now abot £20.00 per week! so it is definitly worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 I have a 3 phase Whitfield 700 bought refurbished 26 years ago, only replacements have been a brush, a bearing and a switch relay. Still on the same dustbags and still sucks like a.....................like a.........................I forgot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 Still on the same dustbags (where's the cough / splutter icon?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 I feel a lecture looming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 just wait till Keith hears about this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 you know it makes sense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 I have a 1991 whitfield 700 (you'd have all loved a look round that factory, real old English!) It is on its 4th Bag. I change mine every 5-6 years depending on my mood! Well worth a new bag once in a while, makes a big difference! It seams to me that most of these machine will last a lifetime if treated right, both Keiths Standard Engineering & Peters SiServe have impeccable reputations so for me personally its always a close call as to which to give my hard earned to! its just a shame that I don't use either companies in the main stream of working life, many of my regular wholesalers could learn a thing or two from both. Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 Better the old bag you know than a new one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petercoulson Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 Better the old bag you know than a new one. No. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auto Key Wizard Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 Better the old bag you know than a new one. Install a new bag ya tight git. My 26 year old WHB 700 had it's first replacement last year, it does make a difference Even though with the old bag it still sucked a leather sole to the wide dust port on the scourer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 See you didn't need a new bag. No Tel You gave in. You bought a bag. lol I will not resist. I will hang on to the bitter end until the old girl cant suck no more. To be honest Tel when I can remember to empty the bin and shake the bag I still need to strap myself in for fear of getting myself sucked in............Ooer missus!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted January 22, 2011 Report Share Posted January 22, 2011 there's too much strapping & sucking going on for my liking... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petercoulson Posted January 23, 2011 Report Share Posted January 23, 2011 just remember if your old bag is sucking that well it probably has a hole and you should get divorced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted January 23, 2011 Report Share Posted January 23, 2011 y petercoulson » Sun Jan 23, 2011 1:01 am just remember if your old bag is sucking that well it probably has a hole and you should get divorced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autolock Posted January 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2011 Thanks for all youre replies,i am now looking for an old one that still sucks well,,sounds like more fun than the newer madels ,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithm Posted January 24, 2011 Report Share Posted January 24, 2011 Sorry, been off for a week nursing the missus and need to get back in the swing Firstly, it's important to identify your budget, many approach our trade underfunded from the start, but it's fundamental to your decision. This will greatly affect your buying options as it depends what's available. Make sure you look at all your options when spending many thousands of pounds on any machine that should last you in excess of ten years. I would suggest you try the different types and choose from there. It is equally important that the machine fits your way of working, has the right power supply and looks right. Look very carefully at the tooling options, this is something often overlooked in order to meet a budget. But remember, this machine will be unchanged for many years, so get it right the first time! Please have a very good look around our website, which should answer many of your questions, and take things from there. You are more than welcome to visit our well stocked showroom and have a tour around our factory Keith Malyon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autolock Posted January 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2011 THANKS keith as a matter of linterest what would you roughly say the cost would be to set up a shop correctly ,? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted January 24, 2011 Report Share Posted January 24, 2011 Thats a big ask. New or recon. Depends what you have already. You'll need more than just a finisher..... Outsole stitcher, blake (yuk) patcher (definatley) press (possibly). Bench, lasts, stock I assume you have all the key cutting gubins and stock. Then there's engraving if you want to get into that and I would recommend it, but if you are close to me then I would'nt more ££££'s. The list is endless. If you fancy a chat either pm me or the chatrooms a good place to hang out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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