Shaping 3/4 ply
7/18/22
Good afternoon.
We have a tilting shaper that we want to use for putting a 45 degree angle on strips of 3/4 ply. That's all this machine will ever do.
What is the best shaper head design and diameter for this? Straight knives? Inserts?
7/18/22 #2: Shaping 3/4 ply ...
We use the magic moulder head works great for door panels etc. lots of different profiles you can insert. I never particularly tried it on plywood though.
7/18/22 #3: Shaping 3/4 ply ...
I'd recommend insert heads. The glue in plywood is very abrasive. If you are planning on running hundreds of feet per day, you might want to look a diamond tooling.
7/20/22 #4: Shaping 3/4 ply ...
Website: http://www.richmondcabinet.com
I've been using the Amana #61292 insert spiral jointing cutter. Very happy with the results on plywood.
7/20/22 #5: Shaping 3/4 ply ...
Spiral cutterhead or a straight knife insert will be your ticket. I have used both and would go with the straight knife myself. Easier to change knives on those when you get a knick from the glues in the plywood. A few different manufacturers, Amana tool is a big one, molder tooling suppliers have some as well.
7/21/22 #6: Shaping 3/4 ply ...
I would only consider an insert head.
Side note: the rebate heads listed as shear cutting with the straight knife inserts skewed don't produce a perfectly flat cut. It's crowned ever so slightly and more pronounced the wider the cut. Might not matter for many uses, but it's good to be aware of.
7/21/22 #7: Shaping 3/4 ply ...
50mm straight insert carbide. That gives you 4 edges to dull(raise/lower then rotate)
Amana makes a good one. We use them mostly for rebating.
7/25/22 #8: Shaping 3/4 ply ...
What are you making with the strips? I would also consider a power feed on a good table saw.
You would probably spend considerably less on tooling and get a better job. Shaper cutters on plywood sometimes give you a bit of a chickens butt look, a little fluffy.
7/26/22 #9: Shaping 3/4 ply ...
Making French cleats. We have the tilting shaper and power feeder so no out of pocket $ for them. Don't actually have a saw....