I recently sold my PM72, which was my primary dadoing/tenoning machine. I dont do much integral tenon work since i have a domino XL, but it was there if i needed it. Now i am left with my KF700 saw/shaper as my only saw and dado capable machine. I also have a work-in-progress Martin T17 to think about. Here is where the rub comes in. My shaper spindle is 1.25", my saw arbor is 30mm with pins, and the martin arbor is 1.25". Realistically, id like to have all the machines dado/groover capable. One, i dont see myself having the T17 up and running anytime soon, and some dados simply cant be performed on the shaper. I have a 3-4" tall rebate cutterhead for my shaper, which handles my rebate needs. Here is what i have as options, and i realize the best course of action might be, sell what i have and buy new/different tooling.
I have a 10" forrest dado king set with a 1" bore. This is too big to fit in my shaper hood. I think the max tooling diameter for my machine is 230-240mm. Waiting on Dynamic Saw quote on re-boring this set. I have no idea what the cost will be, which might make this better to sell instead of retrofitting.
I also have a smaller forrest dado king set, 8", with 5/8" bore. I dont know how far this would project above the table on the T17, but this would be a good size for the shaper because it fits within the fence/hood.
Finally, i have a 300mm diameter adjustable groover by Leitz. 40mm bore and adjusts from 8mm to 15mm widths. Easy enough to bush this down to 1.25", but i havent looked into 30mm. Im not sure how that would work, because the cutterhead doesnt have the Felder pin configuration. The pros for this piece are its a large enough diameter to be effectively used on the T17. Cons are it is too large for the Shaper hood.
Are groover cutterblocks better than dado blade sets? Should i work with what i have or sell the lot and buy new tooling? Im guessing i have $150-200 away from retrofitting the above tooling to fit my needs, 8" dado king for the shaper rebored, 10" dado king rebored for the saw, and bushing set for the Leitz on the T17. I cant help but wonder if thats throwing good money after bad?
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