Replies

1. 
   noone51 | Nov 25, 2002 06:59pm | #1

   When you speak of portable are you talking contractors saw or small portable tablesaw. The reason I ask is that I do not believe that molding cutter heads are designed for the smaller saws. I certainly would think twice before trying to use one on my Makita portable saw but I do have a Craftsman that I use on my Jet without any problems. They are not as accurate as one might think but they do work. I use a zero clearance insert with mine and get some decent results. I think CMT, (or is it Jesada now), has some with fixed cutters which I would feel much safer with but I was unable to locate any info on them.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/25/2002 11:01:13 AM ET by no one

1. 
   addius7 | Nov 25, 2002 07:48pm | #2

    Thanks for your reply. I own the small portable but it will handle a full 1316 stacked dado and I think it has enough power 13 amp high torque (no idea how much horsepower) or would it be safer to go with a router table setup.

1. 
   noone51 | Nov 25, 2002 07:55pm | #3

   I don't think you'll get any argument about the router table solution being safer as most folks don't think the molding cutter heads are safe in the first place. Spinning a molding cutter is a lot different than a dado blade so I would hesitate to use that as a comparison.

2. 
   gpwest | Nov 25, 2002 08:43pm | #4

   add,

     One more thought on using molding heads or dados on small table saws:  does your saw have a locking knob for the height adjustment wheel?  If it doesn't, chances are when dadoing or molding, the cutter will end up at a lesser height at the end of the cut than at the end. The vibration and pounding of the cutters want to push the head down into the saw.   GP

1. 
   addius7 | Nov 25, 2002 09:39pm | #6

   Thanks. my saw does not have a hight lock. guess its a good thing i posted this question befor sawing a ogee into my hand huh. looking for router tables now.any suggestions?

3. 
   Windwoodtrader | Nov 25, 2002 09:30pm | #5

   By using a moulding head in a table saw the maximum width of the moulding head would probably be no more than an inch with the table opening or the arbor clearance being the controlling factors. I have used a radial arm with moulding cutters that have been wider. I had a couple ground to 2-1/2" wide and used them with a Sears holder. No, I didn't ask the Sears people if it was recommended.

   This will probably make a lot of safety conscious folks shudder at the concept but I took great pains to make sure that everything was balanced and secured properly before hitting the switch. Any workpieces not firmly held will get VERY excited!

   This contraption served my purposes but is indeed very risky!

   Use at your own risk.

   WindyWood