Molding Cutters vs. Router/Shaper
faithrider
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I’m interested in any feedback or opinions on using molding cutters on a table saw vs. the use of a router or shaper. I’m fairly new at working with wood and would like some feedback on which route to go when molding or shaping. Seems to me that both have a place in a woodworker’s toolbag, depending on what you want to do. Logically, it seems to me that you can get much finer cutting edges using a router vs. a molding cutter on a table saw, but I could be wrong. Any learning opportunities that anyone would like to share in this area?
Replies
Hi faithrider ,
Using a molding head on the TS is a handy method for certain applications although there is not a lot of stock profiles . When I need bead board in 1/4" panels I run the bead cutter on the TS , start in the center and move the fence 2 or 3" each time and flip the panel .
Routers run at 15 or 20,000 rpm compared to less than 5,000 rpm on a TS , a wide variety of bits are available .
Shapers can accommodate larger profiles and cutters and offer versatility and power .
Use what you have , then decide what you need
dusty
Dusty,I appreciate your feedback. Sounds like the TS has some applications that can be beneficial, yet one should not be without the other tools for versatility.
Faithrider
Which ever route you take--try to use carbide cutters for the best results.
My opinion is that the table saw is designed for sawing, not moulding. Tha shaper is the right machine for moulding.However, at a push there are some operations that can be done quite well with moulding head on the table saw , such as rebates and grooves, ie straight line stuff.
Comparing spindle speeds of routers to saw driven moulding heads can be mis-leading-what should be compared is the peripheral speed: if you do a couple of sums you can see that the cutting speed of a 2 inch router cutter turning at 20000rpm is 10467feet per minute,whilst that of an 8inch moulding head turning at 5000rpm is also 10467fpm .
And if the router cutter only has two wings whilst the moulder has three that one gets more cuts per second- smoother cutting.
Thanks for the scientific approach in determining board contact speed. I never thought of it that way!
I had a molder head with 19 profiles and sold it. There are some things it can do that a router can't, but the cut quality, safety hazards, blade longevity, and inconvenience aren't worth it's few advantages IMHO. I think you'd be better off with a decent router in a shopbuilt table and a few bits.
Edited 9/3/2006 10:58 pm ET by Knotscott
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