Jointer/planer/moulder?

[Tom Rossman]

I have seen threads on jointer/planer combinations and on planer/moulder combinations. I was wondering if there are jointer/planer/moulder combination machines?

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi, jointer/planer is a good combination because the head and knives are the same design.

If you tried to insert a molding knife into the head, it would project so much that it would interfere with the jointer tables.

Another problem is that in the EU, cutters are designed for MEC (mechanical feed) or MAN (manual feed).

Since a jointer is a manual feed device, you wouldn't be able to install a MEC knife in it. (Too much knife projection).

So a power feed device (MEC) like a planer/molder is a good pairing.

Regards, Rod.

[Brad Shipton]

Yes, they do exist. An industrial moulder with four heads (or more) does exactly this, but the cheapest ones start at around $15k and go up to $200k+. Most are all 3ph machines and are real power hogs.

They pair them as you mention becuase of the tables. The planer/moulder table is flat, so it is relatively easy to add moulder blades to the head. All you need to do is allow a greater space for the blades and mount some guides for the boards. A jointer/planer is a slightly different setup. The jointer tables are on the top for that process and then you flip the table up and cut from the other direction for planing on a separate flat bed. Again, this is relatively easy. It is quite a bit more complex to put all of these processes into one.

If you want to see a lower end moulder take a look at the logosol website (ph260) or the baker website. They have models that run on single ph power (barely).

Brad

[Tom Rossman]

Thanks to both of you for your replies. Very helpful!