Thread: Spindle Moulder a good idea or not?

Thank you Graeme,

I was painfully introduced to the metric system in 11th year, about 1958. The teacher said, "Cut off a few centimeters. . . " talking about magnesium strip which we were supposed to burn in pure oxygen that we had made. Without thinking, I said out loud, "What the eff is a centimeter?" Well in 11th year that kind of language is not acceptable.

I was forced to become the Metric expert in the chemistry class. Still etched in my brain is 25.40005. All the other kids in class were encouraged to pick on me to do their conversions for them Metric/Imperial. I would pull out my slide rule and give them their answer. What was really good about the whole thing is that I became really good at using a slide rule. That skill is so useful today.

Until the last 15 years or so, I used the slide rule to calculate gasoline efficiency in the pick up truck. (We call it mileage, but that doesn't make a lot of sense in the metric system of liters per 100 KM.) Now there is a computer that does the calculation continuously in either persuasion as desired.

Again thanks for the insight to the correct measurement system. And no, SWMBO still won't cook in metric.

[QUOTE=elanjacobs;2098882]

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

The Brits measure milk in litres and alcohol in decalitres./QUOTE]
I actually think they still use the pint for some things. They also measure distance in miles because why use one system when you can use 2 and REALLY screw with people

The centimetre is basically the metric version of the inch; good enough for describing something or for use with textiles, but not accurate enough to build from.

While working on a survey crew, I used the word "inch". The party chief told me that, "The only people that used feet and inches are carpenters and whores. We use feet and hundredths." And after having an addition built on the house, maybe carpenters use feet and inches but not very well.

After looking up the definition of decalitre, I have come to the conclusion that the Brits may have something going for them. I can envision myself saying to SWMBO, "But dear it is only a decalitre."

Originally Posted by rrich

......... And no, SWMBO still won't cook in metric.

Hi Rich

Rather intrigued by your use of SWMBO; didn't realise that Rumpole had crossed the Pond, or are you a PBS fan?


Cheers

Graeme

When I purchased my Hammer tablesaw I opted to get the spindle Moulder option. Primarily because it could take 1/4”, 8mm, 12mm and 1/2” bits via an adapter and it comes with variable speeds. That adaptability sold it for me. Plus the 4 hp motor integrated fine lift and angle from 90 to 45 and a hunk of cast iron for a work surface.

Building a comparable router table would have cost more and would not have been up to the same standard. The only negative is that the smallest ring insert is like 50 mm so on small bits you can have a noticeable gap between the bit and the table. I want to get a smallish ring machined for me.

However if you cannot slow down the motor and cannot take standard router bits then I do not think that spindle moulders are worth it for a home woodworker.

One option to strip out the motor and replace it with a sturdy router. Best of both worlds.

Originally Posted by thumbsucker

The only negative is that the smallest ring insert is like 50 mm so on small bits you can have a noticeable gap between the bit and the table. I want to get a smallish ring machined for me.

The gap doesn't really matter unless you're working with particularly small bits of timber, but you can make whatever size rings you want out of plywood or MDF.

Graeme,

Yes, Fans of PBS! At one point it was the only decent thing on TV. Then congress got irritated about the truthful nature of PBS in general. They attempted to clamp down on funding. That did not go well but the message was heard loud and clear. Congress messed with the rules for the local fund raising and effectively forced one of the flagship stations into an independent role. (i.e. Not PBS)

Yes, Rumpole of the Bailey did cross the pond and on PBS. I wish that there were more episodes.

If the spindle moulder has an adaptor to take router bits, that changes the equation completely. I would definitely buy it in that case.

All moot really, because macca seems to have posted his question and then buggered off.

Thanks for all the feedback. After all the advice I have decided to look for or build a router table instead.

Originally Posted by macca80

Thanks for all the feedback. After all the advice I have decided to look for or build a router table instead.

I think most would like a spindle moulder but wouldn't have the use for it, it's a shame they don't make a dedicated table with a motor like a spindle moulder but that takes router bits, those ones attached to a table saw that do sound great.

Originally Posted by HypnoToad

It's a shame they don't make a dedicated table with a motor like a spindle moulder but that takes router bits, those ones attached to a table saw that do sound great.

*scratches head* Isn't that just a router table?

I guess you could buy a small CNC spindle and make your own

Originally Posted by HypnoToad

I think most would like a spindle moulder but wouldn't have the use for it, it's a shame they don't make a dedicated table with a motor like a spindle moulder but that takes router bits, those ones attached to a table saw that do sound great.

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W846

Originally Posted by HypnoToad

I think most would like a spindle moulder but wouldn't have the use for it, it's a shame they don't make a dedicated table with a motor like a spindle moulder but that takes router bits, those ones attached to a table saw that do sound great.

Are you thinking something like this Jet ,has a small surface area to work with! https://www.axminster.co.uk/jet-jws-...moulder-510425

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W846

Originally Posted by John Saxton

Are you thinking something like this Jet ,has a small surface area to work with! https://www.axminster.co.uk/jet-jws-...moulder-510425

Like those but with say a 3 hp motor, speeds from 12,000 to 22,000rpm, cast iron table, precised fence and lift adjustments etc. The Scheppach is rubbish from all accounts. I guess with the advent of VFD's it's just a matter of putting a decent spindle in a decent router table.