Hey guys, I’m looking for some info on a tool/machine that very few have but I’m sure some of you have one or have used one. I am seriously looking at buying a small molding machine but thought I’d ask about them on here first. The one I’m looking at only has two knives but some of the bigger molders have three.
Can someone who either has a molder or has used one please tell me what features in a machine I should look for? I’d also like to know if a three knife machine is worth the extra cost compared to a two knife machine? What should I buy in terms of molding knives, HSS or carbide? I do know that when it comes to price, HSS is a lot cheaper. How good of a quality cut will HSS leave in pine?
I live in Canada and the machine I have my eye on is General International. I plan on doing moldings mostly out of MDF but also a small amount of pine.
Thanks kindly guys
Paul
Replies
I have a Williams and Hussey and use it a lot for pine and poplar with HSS. It is a two blade unit.
I don't know if the old W&H threads made it thru the change of host here or not, but there are some good threads and photos.
With three blade setup, realize that the cost of one extra blade each time yopu buy another pattern will hurt. As long as the machine had adjustable speed controls of some kind, the number of blades is unimportant. It is the cuts per inch of feed that makes the smooth cut.
Milling MDF is a whole 'nuther bear to skin from working with real wood. You definitely need carbide, and I understand the the angle of grind needs to be different too, but MDF will eat HSS alive
Not familiar with the General Int.
Jet, Grizzly and I think Ryobi have econo machiines
RCBS is a step up.
Wood master and W&H have the better ones from what limited experience I have to know.
I made quite a few raised panels with MDF on my Williams'n Hussey with no problemo
PS..I wonder who the Hussey is : )~
Nah..I never tried to sell the W&H...and yeh..closed on the old house and we've been in this new one about a month+. Started working on it the day we moved in by ripping up all the "shag carpets" to find oak floors below em'.. Needs lots O' work. Built in 1950 and beautifully decorated (60 years ago) and never updated from day one. Feels like walking into The Beav's house...lol. Brings back memories of The World's Fair. Even has an inground pool that I wish wasn't here (more work..ugh)
3500sq ft of repair work and updating...lol.
The hood is so quiet I'm not sure anyone lives in any of these houses. It's an interesting piece of property. a full acre less than a mile to town. Hope to be out of here and onto the next one in 2 years...lol.
http://picasaweb.google.com/andybuildz/6BlairDrHuntingtonNY_211724?authkey=Gv1sRgCITc-Zr_v8_diQE&feat=directlink