What cutters for Shaker doors? [Archive] - Sawmill Creek Woodworking Community

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Cameron Reddy

01-31-2010, 1:44 PM

I'm interested in making these doors:

http://www.toolstoday.com/images/PRODUCT/large/5535.jpg

and I'm obviously considering the Amana cutters.

However, I'm also wondering about purchasing the MC-50-045 Freeborn cutters that would give me the option of raising an interesting profile on future projects. I could also special order a slightly longer tenon (1/2" verses 7/16" on the Amana). The stock tenon length on the Freeborn cutters is only 3/8" and the longer tenon requires fence adjustment from cope to pattern. Here are the Freeborn cutters:

http://www.freeborntool.com/images/cope%20and%20pattern%20profiles%202.jpg

These will be my first doors so I'm wondering what you experienced guys suggest. I'm sure I'm not seeing all of the issues...

Obviously, I could also use standard rabbit/groovers but I'm thinking the simplicity of a matched set would be nice for my first doors.

Lee Schierer

01-31-2010, 2:09 PM

The doors you show can easily be made on a TS without a cutter head, just a saw blade.

Ron Bontz

01-31-2010, 2:16 PM

Freeborn cutters are nice cutters and may provide you with more options including tennon length. But they are expensive. The Amana are good mid price range cutters. I believe a 7/16" tennon. I have three or four sets of these. Also the Amana 540 (1-1/4" spindle) set do not have an opt. glass cutter where as the #440 (3/4" spindle) do oddly enough. Lots of ways to skin a cat though. The choice between the two depends on frequency of use and how much you want to spend. Keep in mind there are also insert cutter head systems that give you more options. Hope this little bit helps. There are folks on here who make a lot of doors.:) I also forgot to mention as well this style of door can be made on a router table or cabinet saw. It really depends on how many you are planning to make.

Mark Bolton

01-31-2010, 2:37 PM

Dejavu

http://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=131280

Mark

Cameron Reddy

01-31-2010, 2:43 PM

31 doors. Actually, 18 doors but I'm also considering making the drawer fronts in the same manner.

I can get the Amana cutters for $229 shipped, less 8% bing cash back. The Freeborn are about $370 shipped, as I recall. Anyone know who has the best price on Freeborn?

I think using a table saw would be a bit tedious. Agree? My shaper IS my router table :)

Cameron Reddy

01-31-2010, 2:45 PM

Yes, Mark. I know. You had virtually the same question. However, I didn't get a reply to my attempt to jack your thread :)

Steve Walls

01-31-2010, 2:47 PM

When I made shaker doors, I used this bit for the panels, http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=45095&cat=1,46168,46178 I like the added weight and look of using 1/2" glued up hardwood for the panels instead of using 1/4" plywood.

Ron Bontz

01-31-2010, 4:34 PM

Yep, I agree. A shaper is the way to go. The tennon length should not be a problem for cabinet doors. What ever set you buy, freeborn, or Amana, I would do as others have said and have them sharpened as a set. Also make sure you can get the optional glass door cutter for whatever set you get. I was rather disappointed when I found out I could not get one matched to my Amana set (540).:)

Mark Bolton

01-31-2010, 5:09 PM

Don Whitten

01-31-2010, 5:15 PM

I just used the TS when I made mine. It was pretty simple to do, setup didn't take long.

Cameron Reddy

01-31-2010, 8:18 PM

Mark, it's here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370171521261&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_737wt_1167. Navigate to the listing via Bing and get an additional 8% (or whatever Bing is at the time) off.

Ron, that's a good point. The Freeborn set lets you do glass doors AND it has the nice profile; all in addition to the tongue and groove.