I’ve added the Little Proteus Power Feeder from Al Ladd to my table saw. I’ve been using it for a couple of months. It’s a terrific addition. It provides a very consistent and repeatable cut as well as a huge safety benefit. I can literally put the assembly on the saw and have it working in under 30 seconds. Removing it is closer to 5-10 seconds. No exaggerations. from Sawmill Creek woodworking forum

 

 

The Little Proteus Power Feeder

I designed the Little Proteus because I was tired of not using a power feeder.

Traditional feeders work well — but they’re heavy, awkward to move, and often overkill for small shops and occasional operations. I wanted something light enough to mount quickly, easy to maintain, and practical enough that I would actually use it often.

The Little Proteus is a lightweight, drill-powered feed system intended for experienced woodworkers who want more consistent stock feeding on machines they already own.

It is not a substitute for understanding your machines. It is a tool to assist with feed control once you already know how to perform the operation safely by hand. To work smarter, not harder.

 

The price  for the new unit delivered  in the lower 48 is $409.  Available now

Download the Owner's Manual here.

Kits  for the  original plywood version will continue to be available, at a reduced price, in two levels, until parts run out. See currently available kit options, or  preview photos and description of the new Little Proteus here.

 

What It Does

When properly set up and used by a competent operator, the Little Proteus can help:

• Maintain a steady, controlled feed rate
• Keep hands farther from cutters during feeding operations
• Reduce burn marks caused by inconsistent manual feeding
• Reduce physical effort during repetitive cuts
• Apply downward and fence pressure while propelling stock forward

Like any powered accessory, it must be used with judgment. A feeder can improve consistency — it does not eliminate the inherent risks of woodworking machinery.

---

Typical Uses

The Little Proteus can be used with:

Table Saws
Ripping, grooving, and rabbetting operations with steady feed.

Router Tables
Consistent feed for moldings and shaped stock, from shorter pieces to longer runs.

Band Saws
Resawing boards of width limited  by your saw's abilities with controlled feed pressure. Feed pressure at top and bottom of a six inch wide board.

Shapers
Light-duty shaping operations (experience strongly recommended).

For any unfamiliar operation, learn to perform it safely by hand before attempting to power feed it.

---

Design Philosophy

Lightweight and Portable

At approximately 12 pounds, the Little Proteus is significantly lighter than most conventional mini or industrial feeders. It can be mounted on smaller router tables, compact band saws, and even job-site table saws where heavier feeders would be impractical.

Powered by Your Drill

The feeder uses a brushless motor drill supplied by the user.
• No onboard electronics
• No power cord
• Variable speed controlled by your drill

This keeps the system simple and serviceable.

Dual-Geometry Roller Design

The outboard feed roller serves two roles: in table saw mode it functions as an additional  horizontal feed roller, providing more roller engagement and often helping guide the off-cut past the blade; in band saw resaw mode it becomes the upper vertical roller. This reconfigurable geometry provides wider top-to-bottom engagement than even most dedicated  industrial resaw feeders.

Quick Mounting

The fence-mounted T-track (user provided) interface allows typical setup or removal in under a minute, without drilling or tapping your machine tables.

Serviceable Parts

• 2″ wide feed rollers are standard 76 mm longboard skate wheels (widely available)
• STL files available for certain non-critical components

The goal is long-term usability, not proprietary dependence.

---

Compared to Traditional Mini Feeders

The Little Proteus was developed as a lighter, more portable alternative to traditional mini (“baby”) power feeders.

It is:

• Substantially lighter
• Easier to move between machines

• Easier to perform adjustments for stock thickness
• Free of onboard electronics
• Priced below traditional mini and industrial feeder systems.

It is not intended to replace heavy industrial units in production environments. It is designed for small shops where portability and simplicity matter.

 

---

Safety Considerations

Woodworking machines are inherently dangerous.

The Little Proteus can assist with feed control, but it does not eliminate the possibility of kickback, cutter contact, or machine malfunction.

Before using:

• Understand the operation manually
• Follow all host machine safety procedures
• Keep guards and riving knives in place where appropriate
• Never adjust feeder or machine while running
• Feed only uniform stock with a straight edge against the fence
• Do not exceed reasonable manual feed speeds

If you are uncertain about an operation, consult an experienced woodworker before proceeding.

The feeder ships ready to mount on your t-track equipped table saw or router fence,  or on a simple plywood plate you provide for resawing on a band saw. Detailed instructions included, both to mount on any machine and use the feeder.

 
 Pricing

Dust Management

An included magnetic dust hood and vacuum adapter allow for improved dust collection during feeding operations.

 

Warranty & Service Philosophy

The Little Proteus is built to be simple, durable, and repairable.

For two (2) years from the date of purchase, I will replace at no charge any part that fails due to defects in materials or workmanship under normal operating conditions described in the manual.

If a part is damaged due to operator error, misuse, or accident, I will make replacement parts available at my cost plus 50%, plus actual shipping, as long as I am reasonably able to supply them. The same pricing structure applies to parts that wear out after the two-year warranty period.

My goal is to keep these tools working in shops for many years — not to create disposable equipment.

To support long-term serviceability:

• STL files are available  cost free for  components most apt to be damaged in use
• Feed rollers use standard 76 mm longboard skate wheels available from multiple suppliers

This warranty is limited to repair or replacement of parts and does not cover incidental or consequential damages.

If you have questions about setup or repair, you are welcome to contact me directly.