FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

moulder opinions requested

| Posted in Tools for Home Building on December 3, 2003 08:32am

 

I posted the following message on the tool guide forum and it was suggested that I post here as well so….. here it is.

I am looking for a moulder to aid in the renovation of a number of old victorian vintage houses.  I do not want to go into the moulding business so I am not interested in spending tens of thousands on a multi head machine.

I would like to find one that has a set table height and the cutter moved as this would enable me to use the same feed roller setup as I have for my saws but…. I am unable to find anything in the lower tool strata that owners are happy with.  Most folks that I have spoken to start the description with “it’s OK but..”  Is there anyone out there that is deleriously happy with their planner/moulder and if so why.

thanks  griswald

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. bill_1010 | Dec 03, 2003 04:47pm | #1

    williams and hussey moulder

  2. Piffin | Dec 03, 2003 08:04pm | #2

    I don't get delerious about it, but then I'm not really the delerious kind of guy. I really like my Williams and Hussey moulder. It is commercial quality and will do what you want it to do. The factory table set up has rollers built in and there are endless ways to customize tables around it. You can find used ones sometimes and there is a good market for resale later when you are done with the job.

    Search back far enough in the tools folder and you will find a thread or two discussing it.

    .

    Excellence is its own reward!

  3. reinvent | Dec 03, 2003 10:01pm | #3

    As the others have said a William & Husey is probbably your best bet. A complete set up(stand, motor,on/off switch) will set you back abought 2500. There are after market radius jigs that allow you to curves and ellipses. They work well if you need one. Look for one that opperates on commpresed air(the curve jig) you will have better control with addjusting the guide wheels. The W&H uses toolsteel with holes in it that allow the knives to be bolted dirrectly to the head. For a little extra$ you can get knife steel that has the combination of the bolt holes and corregated back. This allows you to use the knives in iether the W&H or a shapper head. A good local sharpening service that makes shaper knives should have no problem making knives for you.

    A word of caution The W&H is not a heavy duty machine. If memory serves it has a maximum depth of cut(profile depth) of 3/4", so a very deep victorian profile might exceed its cappacity. Its actual stock cappacity is something like 7" wide by 5" deep. When you are cutting a deep and or wide profile I recomend doing it in two passes. It takes a little longer but you get better results. And a dust collector is a must.

    1. Adrian | Dec 03, 2003 11:09pm | #4

      An opinion I've heard many times is, if you want to do arches and curves, etc,. go W&H because they have a lot of that stuff already figured out.....but I've heard a lot of W&H owners say there are better small moulders for the straight stuff...Woodmaster etc.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

    2. Piffin | Dec 04, 2003 05:18am | #6

      7" x 7" I think

      It will cut deeper depending on the design of the particular profile and whether you can hog out material first. I also do multiple passes with some profiles.

      It is not that hard to mke your own curved feed tracks either.

      I amnot sure what you meean that it is not heavy duty. It is chain driven mechanism with a three horse 240V motor and a cast iron table. Compared to a four cutter head twenty horse machine, i suppose it is not heavy but it beats all the other units made for individual use out there, IMO.

      Excellence is its own reward!

      Edited 12/3/2003 9:20:50 PM ET by piffin

  4. migraine | Dec 04, 2003 03:48am | #5

    I would like to add purchasing a profile grinder made by Viel.  They advertise in FWW and I think FHB.  they run about $700 and are very easy to use.  I have been able to grind a 1 1/4" to 4" profile on 2 knives in 1- 1/1/2 hrs, including the template.  Larger knives a little longer.  Works great for shaper profiles.  Kinda like a glorified key cutting machine.  You do need to buy a special spindle for grinding William-Hussey knives because of the bolt holes for the knives.  They also have a video on the machine that I believe is credited towards the purchase.



    Edited 12/3/2003 8:47:49 PM ET by migraine

    1. reinvent | Dec 04, 2003 05:58am | #8

      The problem with those lower priced grinders is they have no coolant set up. Very easy to burn the temper out of the knife edge.

      1. migraine | Dec 04, 2003 07:16am | #9

        I have not had a problem with burning the temper out of the steel because the there is no coollant used in this type of system.  Yes, I have blued the steeel and I have also learned how not to.  When it comes down to whether or not I want a long life production cutter, this would not be my first choice.  But then again I have had no problem running 250'-1000'+ of material with a cutter groung on the VIEL grinder, and that is without sharpening.  They have there negative drawbacks as  to the level of tolerences of grinding, but then again, if I needed higher level of accuracy/quantity for a job, I'd send it out.   The cutters that I have ground have been more than just acceptable.  Last one I ground, you could not tell were the old moulding matched the new.  I can also buy steel that is not hardened, then grind it, and then have it hardened.  At that point, it's cheaper to have it sent out to a quality saw shop. 

        Now, if there was a manufacturer out there that made a inexpensive profile grinder with a coolant sytem, I'd buy one.  Any recommendations?  If I had a constant need for custom grinding on a regular basis, then I'd buy a higher end model. 

  5. FrankB89 | Dec 04, 2003 05:49am | #7

    Like some of the others here, I'll give a thumbs up to the W & H.  I also have the priviledge of owning a 16" X 6" Powermatic planer, but the Williams and Hussey gets the most use.  Of course, the Powermatic is not a moulder, but, even for straightforward planing, the W & H is very versatile and reliable.  (And I'd much rather set fresh knives in the Hussey than in the Powermatic).

    Only problem I've had with mine is when trying to hog off too much wood and shearing the rollpins in the feed drive.

    It's really a nicely built little planer/moulder and IMO is better than most of the similarly priced name brands.

     

  6. DavidxDoud | Dec 04, 2003 07:19am | #10

    has anyone mentioned the Williams&Hussey yet? - - a fine machine,  good value...

  7. andybuildz | Dec 04, 2003 09:01am | #11

    williams and hussey moulder

    I've had mine now for about ten years and love it.

    Real transportable (is that a word????) and versatile being that one end is open so you can fit any size stock in it you want.

    I built my own table top that its mounted to and you can even buy the Veil cutting machine to make your own profile cutting blades if you plan on buying a dozen or more knifes . then it pays to buy one. I still haven't though...Still looking for a used Veil.

    Anyway..I've always been happy with my W&H and its been a long time so....

    BE well

               andy

    My life is my practice!

    http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

  8. kyoshidog | Dec 04, 2003 09:16am | #12

    I recently purchased the Powermatic planer/molder and have been very happy with it. I have completed about 1000' of 6" high base molding which came out beautifully. I really struggled with the question of which machine to buy and would be curious if any one else has any experince with the Powermatic? The consensus seems to be that the W+H is the way to go. I liked the fact that the Powermatic can go up to 15" in width and has a 5 horse motor as well. Total price was around $2500 so it is about the same as the W+H. The next machine I looked at really jumped in price (Mikron) but was really geared for production on a  much larger scale then I will ever do. The downside to the Powermatic is that it will not do (at least not to my knowledge) elliptical molding. Hope this helps.

    1. DougU | Dec 05, 2003 05:26am | #13

      Kyo

      But that Mikron is the Cadilac of them all.

      1. kyoshidog | Dec 06, 2003 05:40am | #14

        You're right! It's on my "someday, dream shop" list!

        1. griswald | Dec 08, 2003 03:24am | #15

          The mikron is very nice but it is 14000 dollars.  For a single head molder that is an incredible amount of money.  Their are four head moulders out there for less.

          Thanks to everyone for the input re moulders.

          regards  griswald

          1. DougU | Dec 08, 2003 06:14am | #16

            4-head moulders that do curved work?

          2. stonebm | Dec 11, 2003 08:31pm | #17

            This may not be in the same league as some of the other machines you guys have been suggesting, but has anyone had experience with the Jet planer/moulder?  I think it sells for about $800, which given the original poster's comment on cost, maybe is more reasonable for him.  I had considered this machine a while back but found about 50 other things to spend the money on. 

          3. Piffin | Dec 11, 2003 09:06pm | #18

            One guy who has used my W&H has since used one of them. He said it did passable work but didn't think it would be up to running hard all day long, day after day, like th W&H does.

            Excellence is its own reward!

          4. griswald | Dec 22, 2003 06:02am | #19

            In reference to the comment that the Mikron does curved work and a fourhead moulder does not.  That is a point I will have to concede. 

             On a slightly different note is the WH self feeding or is that an additional extra at significantly greater cost.  thx  Griswald

            Edited 12/21/2003 10:05:19 PM ET by griswald

          5. reinvent | Dec 23, 2003 08:21am | #20

            They used to have the WH available with either powered feed rollers or non powered. I think they now only come with both the in and outfeed rollers powered(which is what you want).

          6. griswald | Apr 01, 2004 03:04am | #21

            G'day,

            In case anyone out there doesn't think their opinion matters.  The overwhelming majority of opinions favoured the W&H and therefore following the advice of my peers I have purchased a W&H.  I am now looking for a viel grinder as the cost of blades will soon have me sleeping under a bridge.

            thanks  griswald

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings

In certain scenarios, flat roofs make more sense than pitched roofs (and vice versa).

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings
  • Preservation and Renewal for a Classic
  • A Postwar Comeback

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data