Spindle Moulder or Router Table?

**Sylvester99** · 28th July 2009, 06:25 PM

Hi all,

I am fairly new to all of this and am after some advice. I need to buy a machine to put an edge on MDF. The machine will basically only have the one use and once setup will probably remain that way for long periods of time, although that could change in time. The size of the MDF will vary but will never be any bigger than about 300mm-400mm square and 12mm thick. It will be used daily, although probably only a couple of hours a day maximum.

I am assuming that either a spindle moulder or a router table will do the job, but which one is going to be better in the long run.

And, what make/model would you guys recommend? I am looking at buying within the next 3 or 4 weeks. My budget would be a maximum of $2500, but less is better.

Cheers!

Dwane.

**Wood Borer** · 28th July 2009, 07:36 PM

Dwane,

It depends what you mean by "an edge". Curved? Slotted? Bevelled? Straight?

If it's not a decorative edge then perhaps a table saw with a scoring blade.

A router table would probably be cheaper than a spindle moulder and probably safer for those smaller pieces.

**Gaza** · 28th July 2009, 09:25 PM

either way i would make a power feeder as part as your purchase.

**BrettC** · 28th July 2009, 09:45 PM

Make sure you have adequate dust extraction if working MDF on that basis.

**Sylvester99** · 28th July 2009, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by Wood Borer

Dwane,

It depends what you mean by "an edge". Curved? Slotted? Bevelled? Straight?

If it's not a decorative edge then perhaps a table saw with a scoring blade.

A router table would probably be cheaper than a spindle moulder and probably safer for those smaller pieces.

Thanks for your responses.........

Maybe I should have been a little clearer. Yes it would be a decorative edge all the way around the MDF.

There is also a chance that the edges won't be straight (Curved along it's length or width, not it's thickness).

Where would I start looking for power feeds? And would they work with the sizes I am going to be doing (Max 300 x 300, possibly curved). I have never seen a power feed at any of the usual places, then again I have never looked.

**echnidna** · 28th July 2009, 09:47 PM

Power feeder for sure for repetition work.

The junior feeder from carbatec will be more than adequate

**Sylvester99** · 28th July 2009, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by BrettC

Make sure you have adequate dust extraction if working MDF on that basis.

Hi Brett,

I have a good dust extraction system due to the CNC sitting on the opposite side of the shed. So that's already taken care of.

**China** · 28th July 2009, 10:04 PM

A spindle moulder without question a router table is a poor mans spindle moulder and usually and pain in the %$#@ to use, you also will have trouble using a power feed on curved work

**Sylvester99** · 28th July 2009, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by echnidna

Power feeder for sure for repetition work.

The junior feeder from carbatec will be more than adequate

Cool. I just checked it out. Are they OK for CarbaTec cast router tables? It doesn't say a lot in the description.

**Sylvester99** · 28th July 2009, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by China

A spindle moulder without question a router table is a poor mans spindle moulder and usually and pain in the %$#@ to use, you also will have trouble using a power feed on curved work

Hmmm........Not good for curved work could be a problem. I might have to go and check them out in a store somewhere.

Any suggestions on what spindle moulder to get if I was to go that way?

**China** · 28th July 2009, 10:43 PM

I have had look at the Carba-Tec, if I was in the market for budget type unit I would most likley pick one of them, I have never used one but I'm sure some one here has and will be able to comment

**echnidna** · 28th July 2009, 11:30 PM

The trouble with spindle moulders is the cost of the tooling whereas router bits are cheap in comparison and fast to replace.

**Sylvester99** · 29th July 2009, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by echnidna

The trouble with spindle moulders is the cost of the tooling whereas router bits are cheap in comparison and fast to replace.

I did notice the price of the tooling. Not exactly cheap! Perhaps I am going to be better off with a decent router table if I can find one.

**Wood Borer** · 29th July 2009, 02:06 AM

I agree with the others in that a power feeder is not suitable for small pieces and they are definitely not suitable for curved work. The rubber wheels are designed to feed in a straight line.

Working a spindle moulder without a power feeder is also quite dangerous which is when accidents can happen which is why spindle moulders have a reputation for being dangerous.

A decent router table with suitable guards and dust extraction and using a router bit with a bearing would be my choice for your anticpated work.

**Sylvester99** · 29th July 2009, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Wood Borer

I agree with the others in that a power feeder is not suitable for small pieces and they are definitely not suitable for curved work. The rubber wheels are designed to feed in a straight line.

Working a spindle moulder without a power feeder is also quite dangerous which is when accidents can happen which is why spindle moulders have a reputation for being dangerous.

A decent router table with suitable guards and dust extraction and using a router bit with a bearing would be my choice for your anticpated work.

That sounds like pretty good advice.

I have been looking online at the Jet JWS-25CS or JWS-22CS with the interchangeable spindle/router collets. Has anyone used one of these, or does anyone have an opinion on these?

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