Flush trimming to a pattern.

[bn3022]

I'm fairly new to SS and this forum, but I'm starting to have a lot of fun using my 1956 Geenie.

In the past, before SS, I've always used a handheld router with a flush trim, bearing equipped bit to trim a wood item to a specific pattern. I currently don't have a router table, but I do have a lot of the SS shaper equipment that was given to me along with the 500. My question is this. Is there a good way to set up the shaper with a blank cutter to do flush trimming, or am I better off using a regular flush trim router bit with one of the special SS arbours?
At times I'd like to be able to trim items over 4/4 (I.e.1-1/8") thick.

Thanks,

Ken

[masonsailor2]

You can certainly do it with either a router bit or a shaper bit. I'm not sure the router bit will work very well on the SS due to the speed of the cutting edge. The shaper bit will have a far greater speed at the cutting edge and assuming they are both sharp the shaper bit would probably work better. One other difference would be if you have guide bearings for the shaper vs rub collars. Rub collars work but the bearings make it a lot smoother. As far as the thickness just cut it close to the pattern so you are taking off as little as possible. What kind of wood are you planning on using ?
Paul

[bn3022]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your reply. I'd say I'd probably be working with soft maple a lot.
I might get into some red oak, but only occasionally. I'll just have to get into the shaping business and try a few things to see how they work.

What you said about the SS doing a superior job with the shaper cutters makes a lot of sense. Right now I have the shaper fences (from 1956), a couple of arbours and spindles and the collar set. I also have the drop leaf set and the tongue and groove cutter sets. I was already thinking of getting the ball bearing collar and spindle set before you mentioned it. I also have the hold down that attaches to the MK5 fence. What I'm missing are the two steel pins that screw into the top of the shaper insert and the dust collector fitting that can go underneath. Most of what I have is all old school stuff, so I don't have the feather boards either. I think the feather boards and the pins would be good additions to what I need. I just hope that I can purchase these things on their own.

As far as trimming to a pattern is concerned, since the cutters are two inches in diameter and the largest collars are 1-1/2", do I need to make any patterns a 1/4" oversize? I'd like to know if there's a way around this?
Thanks again Paul.

Ken

[JPG]

Although not listed separately in the online info, the pins should be obtainable from the mother ship.

[bn3022]

Thanks JPG,

I'll try to order the pins later in the day and try to add it an order I made earlier this evening. Wish me luck!

Ken

[masonsailor2]

One quarter inch difference is definitely doable. What will be the size of the pieces ? The cutters will optimally be very sharp. Are they carbide or steel ? One other hint is to do it with the cutter under the table and not over. That may involve removing and reversing the power head, but not a huge deal.
Paul

[JPG]

One quarter inch difference is definitely doable. What will be the size of the pieces ? The cutters will optimally be very sharp. Are they carbide or steel ? One other hint is to do it with the cutter under the table and not over. That may involve removing and reversing the power head, but not a huge deal.
Paul

Careful! All things considered?