Wes Billups
10-14-2020, 3:22 PM
Okay, I've done some research and found some discussions on this topic but most Q&A's are in regard to the use of 1-1/4" cutters on a 3/4" shaper spindle. In my case I have a 1" optional spindle.
I have recently acquired a rather decent amount of 1-1/4" cutters (mostly Freud) that appear to be in very good condition and I'm considering keeping some to fill out my collection. I have two questions/concerns with this decision.
1. My shaper has 3 interchangeable spindles (1/2", 3/4", and 1"). I've changed the spindles just to see how but have used the 3/4" the entire time I've owned it and all my existing cutters were 3/4". Will I regret having to change spindles if I decide to keep some 1-1/4" cutters as well as 3/4" cutters? I know I can always use a 3/4" to 1-1/4" bushing for the smaller cutters but I can see myself preferring the extra rigidity the 1" spindle would give me when spinning the larger cutters.
2. Is there a cut quality or cutter life gain by using larger diameter cutters? The new cutters all appear to be in just as good of condition as my 3/4" and there is a lot of overlap in profiles so my thought was if there is a quality or longevity reason I'd keep the 1-1/4" cutters and sell the 3/4". I was surprised the cutter diameter isn't that different between the Freud panel raisers but is on the cope & stick cutters.
I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on this, especially from the guys doing this professionally that have a lot of hours on shapers.
For everyone's information my shaper is a Woodtek WK-3AL with a 4hp motor (originally 3hp) with a Steff power feeder.
This is a group picture of the cutters I got which isn't huge but it pretty much doubled my previous count. There are a few not in this picture.
443203
One positive of keeping the 1-1/4" is if I ever get a larger shaper I'll be happy I kept the larger cutters.
Thanks,
Wes
I have recently acquired a rather decent amount of 1-1/4" cutters (mostly Freud) that appear to be in very good condition and I'm considering keeping some to fill out my collection. I have two questions/concerns with this decision.
1. My shaper has 3 interchangeable spindles (1/2", 3/4", and 1"). I've changed the spindles just to see how but have used the 3/4" the entire time I've owned it and all my existing cutters were 3/4". Will I regret having to change spindles if I decide to keep some 1-1/4" cutters as well as 3/4" cutters? I know I can always use a 3/4" to 1-1/4" bushing for the smaller cutters but I can see myself preferring the extra rigidity the 1" spindle would give me when spinning the larger cutters.
2. Is there a cut quality or cutter life gain by using larger diameter cutters? The new cutters all appear to be in just as good of condition as my 3/4" and there is a lot of overlap in profiles so my thought was if there is a quality or longevity reason I'd keep the 1-1/4" cutters and sell the 3/4". I was surprised the cutter diameter isn't that different between the Freud panel raisers but is on the cope & stick cutters.
I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on this, especially from the guys doing this professionally that have a lot of hours on shapers.
For everyone's information my shaper is a Woodtek WK-3AL with a 4hp motor (originally 3hp) with a Steff power feeder.
This is a group picture of the cutters I got which isn't huge but it pretty much doubled my previous count. There are a few not in this picture.
443203
One positive of keeping the 1-1/4" is if I ever get a larger shaper I'll be happy I kept the larger cutters.
Thanks,
Wes