I'm looking through eBay for a molding kit for a Craftsman radial arm saw,
it looks as though there is an older version that takes a single cutter and
a current version that uses three cutters. Bottom line is that for the same
cost you get more shapes with the older version. So is there another reason
to choose one set over the other. BTW I've a couple of specific jobs I need
to do with the molding tool but I don't expect it'll see a lot of use.
Thanks in advance,
Peter
Peter Wells wrote:
> I'm looking through eBay for a molding kit for a Craftsman radial arm saw,
> it looks as though there is an older version that takes a single cutter and
> a current version that uses three cutters. Bottom line is that for the same
> cost you get more shapes with the older version. So is there another reason
> to choose one set over the other. BTW I've a couple of specific jobs I need
> to do with the molding tool but I don't expect it'll see a lot of use.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Peter
Smoothness. Very little sanding needed with the three knife style. IMO
it is also a little safer.
Charlie Self wrote:
> Peter Wells wrote:
> > I'm looking through eBay for a molding kit for a Craftsman radial arm saw,
> > it looks as though there is an older version that takes a single cutter and
> > a current version that uses three cutters. Bottom line is that for the same
> > cost you get more shapes with the older version. So is there another reason
> > to choose one set over the other. BTW I've a couple of specific jobs I need
> > to do with the molding tool but I don't expect it'll see a lot of use.
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> >
> > Peter
>
> Smoothness. Very little sanding needed with the three knife style. IMO
> it is also a little safer.
With three knives you get a smaller cut for each blade in one
revolution of the cutter head. This is less stress on the cutter head
and a smoother cut.
I found using the radial arm saw for moulding or ripping operations was
just very dangerous without a lot of extra setup.
Depending on what you need there is a router shaper available from
Grizzly for around $100.
You'd think a triple cutter may be smoother, but my single cutter
(which I use on the TS) is more than smooth enough for me with some
woods (e.g. pine or poplar). If you calculate the proper feed speed
with the wood type etc., the single cutter may be even smoother, since
there's no concern for blade alignment. But for hardwoods the triple
cutter's smaller chips may be a better choice.
H