Replies

1. 
   RickL | Dec 13, 2007 08:23pm | #1

   Scalloping would be a function of the feed speed in relation to the cutterhead or knife markes per inch. You can mathematically compre it to other moulding and shaping operations and get a pretty good comparison. You can also slow the feed down even more to increase cuts per inch. I think you gettin too far ahead of yourself in unknown assumptions. Old timers with shaper experience would know about single knife cutters, which I'm border line in that  category.

2. 
   user-109342 | Dec 13, 2007 08:56pm | #2

   I have one of those.   It works as advertised.  There is one knife and two counterweights for each profile.  Of course you could buy three knifes of each profile for a lot more money.  There are two different sprockets; a faster one for just planing and a slower one for molding.  Mine came with the slower speed sprocket, and yours probably has that one installed also--if not the slower speed sprocket kits are still available.  (In fact I have an extra- I bought it before I realized that my machine was already geared for the slower feed rate.)  The molding comes out fairly smooth in spite of having only one knife.  The machines and parts for them are still supported by a guy in California.  Most places that sell custom knives know the machine and can steer you in the right direction.  If you wind up getting it drop me an email and I'll send you links to the parts and knives guys.

   Mark

1. 
   clydewater | Dec 28, 2011 01:34pm | #5

   links to companies for Belsaw Molding knives

   Hi

   I came across an item on this forum that you had a Belsaw molder and indicated that you have some links to companies that sell cutters.

   If you could forwarsd those links it would be appreciated.

   Thanks

   Rich O.

3. 
   oldusty | Dec 14, 2007 06:21pm | #3

    Grampsy ,

                     The Belsaw has a very fine rating as a planer for sure , while I have never used the molding function on this machine I do have experience with one knife cutting on shapers .

              The spindle speed and feed rate will have much to do with the quality of the cut as well as the condition of the cutter and material used . I have been using collar knife setups on my shapers for many years .

          Some profiles I've used only had or have one knife ground to shape the other is placed in the collar for balance and to keep vibration and chatter to a minimum .

      We / I , have had many a discussions on how Imo only one knife can contact the material first and does the majority of the cutting the other knife or knives cuts the chips smaller and help provide  balance .

        The bottom line is a decent quality result can be had when using only one contacting knife , I know been there and do that routinely .

           If the price is low enough and you can afford it having a backup planer is not a bad thing , depending on your needs , if you need a shaper buy one instead , I think in general a shaper is more handy and versatile and easy to set up and make changes on for everyday cuts.

         good   luck               dusty

4. 
   bigdruid | Dec 14, 2007 07:02pm | #4

   I have had aBelsaw planer for years.  You have to use a plywood or mdf bed board so the molding knives won't hit the metal table and you can screw guide rails in front and rear of the knife. The single knife works just fine with the slow feed speed which most planers came with. Many new knives available, not too cheap but much cheaper than 4 or 5 head molder. Mine is on a mobile stand and sits in a corner until needed. Even though I have a new 15" planer I wouldn't part with the old Belsaw molder.