Tablesaw Molder Head ???

Fla._Deadheader · May 19, 2007, 10:45:37 AM

Need to make some molding and such. Right now, don't need a Molder. Been looking at Molder Heads for table saw. Anybody have good-bad comments ???

Texas Ranger · May 19, 2007, 02:20:17 PM

Got a couple, never used them, looks like trouble waiting to happen. both have replaceable blades for different profiles. But, on the other hand, I have a dedicated dado blade in a table saw that doesn't bother me.

I would think for low production runs it would be an inexpensive alternative.

LeeB · May 19, 2007, 03:06:33 PM

I never used one myself. I've heard good and bad from people that have. From what I've gathered the bad was from trying to take too big a cut at one time. Where I've heard good, you have too take many cuts in small increments, rasing the blade 1/8" or so at a time. Again, I have no personal experiance with one. I seem to remeber them being pretty pricey. LeeB

fstedy · May 19, 2007, 03:50:09 PM

Have a Craftsman moulder head used it to make picture frames and decorative mouldings does a good job just make a secure setup run a few test pieces and go from their. Its easy to setup doesn't cost much to buy either. Don't expect it to compete with a moulder but its a start.

Fla._Deadheader · May 19, 2007, 06:31:00 PM

You guys have a single cutter head, or a triple cutter head ???

Larry · May 19, 2007, 07:07:54 PM

I have one of the Craftsman 6" three-blade heads. Managed to stick three fingers in it some 30 years ago...my fault, as I did not use proper safety precautions.

They are a viable alternative for short moulding runs and can do an excellent job if set up properly. Use some type of hold-downs...even simple fingerboards. On some profiles, you will have to cut the whole profile at once, as there will not be enough board left to lay flat on the saw table for a second pass. The cutters dull rapidly as they are HSS. Coupled with all the cutter choices and a tilting arbor they are quite versatile.

New one on the market is something called the "Magic Moulder" lot more money but I think it has carbide tooling???

Don't you have a Belsaw? You can do a lot of moulding on that machine.

Most importantly make sure to keep your digits out of the cutter head.

Fla._Deadheader · May 19, 2007, 07:13:51 PM

Yeah, Larry. I have a Belsaw Planer. I only need small amounts right now. I figure a molder head would be easier to set up, and not have to change the Planer over everytime. They run around $40.00 on Ebay.

Larry · May 19, 2007, 07:33:02 PM

Yes, they are fast to set up. I've ran a few thousand feet of CCA and WRC for handrails on outdoor decks with them.

beenthere · May 19, 2007, 07:41:07 PM

I have have both, the 3 knife and the single knife. The single is easier to set-up (that's a 'duh' there

) and the three blade usually ends up with just one blade doing the final cut. But as already mentioned, give them a lot of respect with good hold-downs and fence's. Don't push too hard and fast. Some woods will wear the blades (knives) fast, and some that FDH has may be in that category. I get good shapes but usually plan to do some final sanding to get the knife marks out.

JimBuis · May 19, 2007, 07:48:58 PM

I have one of the 3 knife units in my shop. It has worked perfectly. I'd like to emphasize what Larry said already and that is to have a good hold down method in place and use practice pieces to perfect your setup. The old Rockwell table saw sure makes a wicked sound when its running with that head on there. I never let one of my students use it until I double check their setup to make sure they are safe. I've never had a kick back problem with it, but I'm sure it is there if you were to ever get too lax.

Jim

Fla._Deadheader · May 19, 2007, 08:13:52 PM

As usual, all great advice. Think I will get one and see what happens. I'm gonna rig a good secure system and maybe a power feed. Thanks Guys

WH_Conley · May 19, 2007, 08:21:23 PM

Gee, Jim, I didn't know anybody had a Rockwell except me. :D

beenthere · May 19, 2007, 08:42:49 PM

One addition to this, and that is a suggestion to put in a new blank table insert, and get as close to zero clearance as possible for clean moulding/cutting/support.

highpockets · May 21, 2007, 06:44:34 AM

I bought the 3 cutter head from Sears some twenty five years ago. I had the guard, hold downs and everything to run it on my radial saw. I used it a time or two but was kind of scared of the rattling it made. I was looking at it the other day and thinking about mounting it on another tablesaw I'm supposed to get.

The problem I have had over the years is that I don't get the service out of high speed tool bits in wood. I use some on a lathe for special tooling but Sear's wood stuff ain't much in my opinion.

TexasTimbers · May 21, 2007, 06:59:29 AM

I don't use HSS at all unless I have no carbide option.
I bought an entire 80 piece carbide bit set off Amazon for $79. At the same time (well a few minutes later), I ordered an extra 1" radius round over bit for $88. But they last forever, figuratively speaking. I am still using a 3/4" Eagle America round over I bought in early 90s. I don't know who made that bit for them but all their bits are American made.
I know that those 80 bits I bought for 80 bucks will be long gone when I pass these Eagle America bits down to my sons. Yes they can be worn out but you better put them in everyday hardwood production use to do it.

Larry · May 22, 2007, 06:29:01 PM

I ordered shaper steel from my distributor this morning...while I had the salesmans attention I asked about the Magic Molder for tablesaws. He gave it a hearty recommendation for short run custom work. Also a new product for shapers that I'm going to investigate. Something called Magic Shaper.

Take my comments for what ya paid...and I have no personal experience with this product.

Linky to there website.

http://www.lrhent.com/