Thread: Spindle Moulder Cutterblock

Universal heads come in 40 and 50 and the one to get is the one that best fits what you want to use it for; obviously, the bigger it is the more versatility you get but there's no point buying a 50 if you don't plan on running profiles that big.

Given the choice I would always buy steel over aluminium for the added rigidity and durability, I think they're slightly cheaper too.

Quality will increase with price to a point, buy big name tools and you'll pay for the name as well. Carba-Tec stocks the CMT range of universal heads and knives and I believe they are a respected brand in the mid range.

If you have a profile that you will run regularly, I would recommend investing in a dedicated carbide tipped head as you will get much more life than HSS.

As for tips, use a power feed where possible, use as many guards as possible and NEVER use the machine if you don't feel confident or can't give it your full attention - I know too many people who've lost bits of finger(s) because they got distracted or didn't have proper guards.

Good luck and happy molding

Thanks for your detailed reply- I have a further question, what is the advantage of different diameter cutterblocks? I can see some difference in the attack angle of the blades- is bigger better?, are there any other reasons?

double check the borer on the shaft as you might find that the shaft is 32mm as this is must common size on industural spindle moulders not 30mm.

asfar as cutter heads try domar tooling on central coast they have a biger range and better knoweldge than cabatec

Originally Posted by Gaza

double check the borer on the shaft as you might find that the shaft is 32mm as this is must common size on industural spindle moulders not 30mm.

asfar as cutter heads try domar tooling on central coast they have a biger range and better knoweldge than cabatec

The pre-metric standard was 1 1/4", most new machines are on 30mm but checking can't hurt. I think Gaza meant Dimar, not Domar, and they are excellent - we have many saw blades from them at work and they never miss a beat.

With regards to larger heads, the only reason I can think of to get one is for large rebates, which are probably better done on a table saw anyway. The angle of attack generally won't change with size as they are made around the ideal angle (about 30 degrees) and the position of the knives is moved accordingly.

One other thing is to keep the head as low as possible on the shaft to minimize the effects of the shaft possibly being slightly out of true. This will result in a better cut and less bearing wear.

Thanks for that advice. I probably used the wrong term 'angle of attack'. I was really thinking of the arc the blade took on its path through the wood, thinking a shallower arc (ie larger head) would lead to a smoother cut and wondered whether it was really significant.. As I understand the surface finish is affected by the feed rate, number of knives and rpm of the cutter. The machine I've ordered is european with 30 mm spindle.

Originally Posted by Anodyne

As I understand the surface finish is affected by the feed rate, number of knives and rpm of the cutter.

Exactly. The only real advantage of a larger diameter is the ability to have more knives which will give the same finish with higher feed speed.

Just out of curiosity, what machine have you ordered?

I've put in an order for a Felder CF741 pro, with motor drive for the thicknesser, 4 blade cutter block, dado prep and a few other bits. It's to replace my many taiwanese machines and I'm looking forward to it's delivery which unfortunately delivery isn't till Nov. but it gives me time to find out about the new functions and reinforce my floor- it is over 1000 kg!

that thing is the james bond of woodworking

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUCA6eotITo]Kombimaschine für die Holzbearbeitung FELDER Alleskönner CF 741 - YouTube[/ame]