Thread: Router Bits in Spindle Moulder??

Hi Ben, Nice machine

I have a Minimax Smart CU300, Axminister make a router collet adapter Buy Spindle Moulder Collet Chuck from Axminster, fast delivery for the UK

This should do the job, but I havent tried one though, you will find shapers run a lot slower than routers so the quality of cut might suffer as a result especially on smaller bits.

If you get an interchangable style shaper head like the CMT ones carbatec offer, the blades are not too expensive but the quality of cut is much better than what you'd get from a router. But on smaller runs of moudling its a pain to setup on a combination machine.

If you try the collet a try please let me know how it works out.

Good luck

joez

Joez,

Thanks very much for your reply. This product is just what I was after. I take you point on the spindle speeds. I will just have to adjust the belt to the smallest pulley on the spindle shaft and hope that this is fast enough to produce a reasonable result.

Kind Regards,
Ben

Ben,
you're right to be concerned about safety with the spindle moulder. I've got a 30mm spindle moulder on my Luna combination machine. I only use it when I absolutely have to because it terrifies me. The rest of the time I use the router table. That said, it does make beautiful burn-free cuts.

I would also love a router collet to fit to the shaft. The one Joez linked to looks good. Unfortunately even at its lowest setting my spindle is only about 10mm below the table surface so a collet would only work for me if I were to fit a false table top to to raise the workpiece to cutter height. I guess that wouldn't be too hard, although I would lose the use of the T-slot in the table top.

It might be worth checking that you won't run into the same problem before buying the collet adaptor. I'm also keen to hear some feedback if you buy a collet adaptor.

Jack

Edit: I just noticed they want 22 pounds for the spanner!

Jack,

Thanks for your input. A very good point that you have raised. I will check my machine to see if it allows the spindle to drop low enough to take a collet & router bit.

Yeah, 22 pounds for the spanner - they're kidding!

My impression is that a lot of spindle moulder work is done with a fence and power feed.

Although I have an old spindle moulder, I have never used it so I feel like something of a charlatan here, But there is a power feed attachment in with my box of goodies.

As far as that spanner is concerned, make one yourself if you go down the router adaptor road. All you need is an angle grinder (100mm, 115mm or 125mm) with thin cutoff discs and a grinding wheel. A suitable piece of even mild steel will do, but best would be an old circular saw blade of suitable thickness or similar.

GBP22! I don't think so.

Your spindle moulder will work best with large diameter router bits such as those used for panel raising.Anything under 25mm just won't have the tip speed to perform properly.

Regards
Paul

Yes, after reading another older thread on the same topic (router bits in spindle moulder) on the forum, I am starting to understand the importance of running various diameter router bits at their recommended speed.

I like you idea of making you own spanner. If I get time I'll give it a go. Otherwise, I'll keep my eyes peeled at the next few garage sales I go to.