Hoffman stuff

[girlfromkent]

Hello

I am currently loaning the basic Hoffman from Lion to try it out. I use a lot of hardwoods and have always struggled to get good joins on my Minigraf. I've only had it 24 hours but already it feels like a game changer.

However, for what is basically a handheld router trapped in a v shaped table, it seems hella expensive at >_ £1750+vat

Can anyone reassure me it's worth the investment?
Should I get the basic model, or go all in and get the bigger one?

All Hoffman tales and thoughts appreciated...

Thanks,
Megan

[Justintime]

There's a Hoffmann MU2-p on ebay for £900 in Preston. It looks mint and has the 1000 watt router. Looks like a bargain.
What's to say about the hoffmann other than it's a complete game changer!

[Gesso&Bole]

It’s definitely a game changer, but does require some ‘woodworking’ type skills when changing the router bit. I have an MU3 for sale, with all the (expensive) extra fences, different router sizes, and loads of dovetails. Also comes with the all important dust collection kit.

The MU3 has improved adjustment for setting the router depth and a pointer that shows where the router is going.

Mine is in new condition and comes with everything you would need.

Let me know if you want full details

[girlfromkent]

Thanks both.

Yes please do dm me with details Jeremy.

Does anyone know whether Lion's 'heavy duty' one is the mu2 or mu3?

[Justintime]

It looks like the MU3. I don't think Hoffmann produce the MU2 anymore.

[Gesso&Bole]

I'll post full details of my machine for sale in the sales section in a few minutes

Yes the MU3 is the one Lion call 'Heavy Duty'

There is quite a big difference in size of the machines - the crucial differences being how tall a moulding you can fit in, and how big the table is so you can support a long frame rail, and how tall the back fence is when you are routing shadow box mouldings.

I went for the MU3 because I wanted to be able to do tall shadowboxes - the MU3 allows an 85mm cut in a 140mm moulding.

[girlfromkent]

It looks like the MU3. I don't think Hoffmann produce the MU2 anymore.

So is their 'standard' one not an mu2? Although I don't know why I'm sweating this point

[girlfromkent]

I'll post full details of my machine for sale in the sales section in a few minutes...

Cool I'll look out for it.

[Justintime]

So is their 'standard' one not an mu2? Although I don't know why I'm sweating this point

Apparently not, it seems like Lions might have a deal with Hoffmann on a lesser known smaller model. I think @wannabeframer just bought the "standard", she'll be able to tell you the model number. I hear it's well up for the job.

[WannabeFramer]

So is their 'standard' one not an mu2? Although I don't know why I'm sweating this point

Apparently not, it seems like Lions might have a deal with Hoffmann on a lesser known smaller model. I think @wannabeframer just bought the "standard", she'll be able to tell you the model number. I hear it's well up for the job.

Sorry, I am late to the party and I have only just browsed to see this.

Yes, I have just bought the Lion standard Frame Joiner (without a demo) and the model is MU-S. I had spoken to Hoffmann directly and they do indeed only supply these to Lion. True, it isn't as powerful as the MU3 (heavy duty) but Hoffmann themselves were very helpful and confident it would cope admirably for my purposes. I don't think I have ever used a moulding that would be too tall, so on the on odd occasion of that happening, well I would find a work around I guess.

First impressions are great - as you are finding - it works like a knife through butter, and I am hoping it will turn out to be one of my best purchases. I say hoping purely because I am having a little trouble with loose mitres in oak moulding, but I am pretty sure this is down to user error and mismeasuring on my part. Justintime has been invaluable for guidance but I haven't had much time to spend playing with it yet. And Lion are on hand to help if I really get stuck.

For me, the price (ex-demo) and payment instalments made the difference, although I agree there will be some good bargains on the heavier beasts if you have the ready cash. If you haven't already as I see Gesso's one sold!