Complete this online form with details of your enquiry and one of our advisors will call you back.
Power feeds are automated, motorised feed units fitted with rollers that drive material through woodworking machinery at a constant, controlled speed. Most commonly used on spindle moulders (shapers), table saws, and planers, power feeds remove the need for manual feeding—dramatically improving operator safety, finish quality, accuracy, and productivity.
At Gable Business Finance, we arrange specialist finance for power feeds and workshop machinery, supporting UK joinery shops, furniture manufacturers, and production workshops with Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Refinance, and Debtor Finance. We frequently deliver better terms than dealer finance, particularly where power feeds are purchased alongside other machinery or as part of a workshop upgrade.
This guide explains how power feeds are used, why they are a smart investment, and includes a machine-specific finance FAQ.
A power feed is a standalone motor-driven unit fitted with rubber-covered rollers that push material through a machine at a steady, repeatable speed. Mounted via an adjustable arm and stand, the unit can be positioned vertically or horizontally depending on the application.
Power feeds are designed to:
Eliminate hand feeding
Keep material firmly against the fence and table
Deliver consistent cutting pressure
They are widely regarded as one of the most cost-effective safety and quality upgrades in a woodworking workshop.
By keeping hands well clear of cutters, blades, and moving parts, power feeds:
Significantly reduce injury risk
Improve compliance with workshop safety standards
Are strongly recommended for spindle moulders and shapers
Consistent feed speed and pressure prevent:
Chatter marks
Burning
Inconsistent profiles
This is particularly important for mouldings and decorative work.
Power feeds enable:
Continuous, uninterrupted production
Faster throughput on repetitive work
Reduced setup and handling time
They are ideal for batch and production work.
The rollers hold material:
Firmly against the fence
Flat on the table
This results in uniform cuts and profiles across every component.
Automating the feeding process reduces physical strain, allowing operators to:
Work longer shifts safely
Maintain consistent quality throughout the day
Most power feeds feature:
3-roller units for general-purpose work
4-roller units for increased stability and control on longer stock
Rollers are typically rubber-covered to grip material without marking.
Power feeds range from:
Small “baby” feeders (1/8 HP) for router tables and light-duty work
Medium-duty units (½ HP) for general workshop use
Heavy-duty industrial feeders (1 HP+) for continuous production
Power feeds are mounted on:
Adjustable stands and articulated arms
Allowing precise vertical and horizontal positioning
Suitable for multiple machines within the workshop
Most models offer:
4 to 8 fixed feed speeds, selectable via gearbox
Higher-end units with electronic, continuously variable speed control
Speed control is critical for balancing finish quality and productivity.
The primary application for power feeds, enabling:
Safe cutting of mouldings
Consistent profiling
Reduced kickback risk
Used for:
Long ripping operations
Preventing burn marks
Maintaining straight, consistent cuts
Power feeds help manage:
Long or heavy stock
Consistent downward pressure
Improved surface finish
In some setups, power feeds provide:
Automated, precise movement of workpieces
Controlled feed rates for specialist operations
Toe-in the feeder slightly towards the fence to keep material registered
Ensure adequate downward pressure to prevent lifting
Always confirm the unit is securely mounted and aligned
Remember: while power feeds improve safety, incorrect setup can still create hazards
Prices vary depending on size, power, and specification:
Small / baby power feeds: £400 – £900
Mid-range workshop power feeds: £900 – £2,000
Heavy-duty industrial power feeds: £2,000 – £5,000+
Used power feeds: Excellent value available
Power feeds are frequently financed as part of machine safety upgrades or workshop expansions.
Hire Purchase is a flexible and cost-effective alternative to overdrafts or bank loans, allowing workshops to upgrade safety and productivity immediately.
How HP works:
Fixed or variable monthly repayments
Payments matched to workshop cashflow
Immediate use of the power feed
Ownership transfers at the end
Key benefits for power feeds:
Capital allowances usually claimable
Interest payments tax deductible
VAT typically recoverable upfront (subject to VAT status)
Simple, clear documentation
HP is ideal where power feeds are long-term workshop assets.
Finance Lease is a tax-efficient option that keeps cash free for other uses.
Key features:
Rentals matched to cashflow
Fixed or variable rate options
Payments broadly match depreciation
VAT payable on rentals rather than upfront
End-of-term options:
Retain the power feed for a nominal annual rental, or
Sell it and retain most of the proceeds
Operating Leases suit businesses focused on low monthly costs and off-balance-sheet funding.
Advantages:
Residual value reduces monthly payments
Fixed rental costs for the term
Off-balance-sheet treatment
VAT payable only on rentals
If you already own power feeds outright, refinance allows you to unlock their current market value without selling them.
Common uses include:
Funding additional machinery
Supporting cashflow during expansion
Reducing reliance on overdrafts
Debtor Finance releases cash tied up in unpaid invoices, supporting:
Material purchasing
Payroll
Further equipment investment
It works particularly well alongside power feed and machinery finance.
Yes. Power feeds can be financed individually or bundled with other woodworking machines under a single agreement.
Hire Purchase suits workshops that want ownership of a long-term safety asset.
Finance Lease suits businesses prioritising flexibility and cash preservation.
Absolutely. Used power feeds are commonly financed, and Gable often secures better terms than dealer finance, especially when funding multiple items.
Yes. Repayments can be structured around production volume or contract income, ensuring the equipment pays for itself.
In most cases, yes—when funded via Hire Purchase, subject to your accountant’s advice.
Although power feeds are relatively compact machines, funding them properly—especially as part of a wider machinery strategy—requires specialist understanding.
Gable Business Finance offers:
Specialist expertise in woodworking machinery finance
Funding for new and used power feeds
Access to a wide panel of UK lenders
Flexible options: HP, Finance Lease, Operating Lease, Refinance, and Debtor Finance
Simple, transparent documentation
The ability to beat dealer finance in many cases
Power feeds are one of the most effective upgrades a woodworking business can make—improving safety, finish quality, accuracy, and productivity in one step.
With the right finance structure, UK workshops can install power feeds immediately without restricting cashflow.
By working with Gable Business Finance, you gain access to tailored, competitive funding solutions designed specifically for power feeds and woodworking machinery.