Shopsmith Forums

I'm looking to add some cutters (shaper) and knives (moulder) to my arsenal and was wondering what people have in their collections. I have the half/quarter round, cabinet door stick and cope, and two other cutters for the shaper. The later two appear to be a bead and cove and crown but I'm not 100% sure. For the moulder I have the half/quarter round, beading, and what appears to be the cabinet door lip. I'm thinking the jointer (blank) knife would be a good one to add. I'm also curious if anybody has used the glue joint cutter and what they think.

I've also noticed that a lot of cutter profiles are also offered as a molding knife. Like how I have both half/quarter round in both. Does anybody prefer one over the other? I know some of that would depend on what you're making. I also know the moulder is the go to for face cuts and the shaper for side.

I'm looking into making some picture frames and give the cabinet door cutters I have ago. But I would still like to hear what others have done with the shaper and moulder.

Take care.

-Erich-

I have the shaper glue joint cutter and can tell you workpiece alignment can be an issue, but likely shares that with molder knives as well although three knives could add additional alignment issues.

I prefer the molder to the shaper, but do realize the additional risk when using it.

Used shaper cutters are more prevalent 'out there' and molder knives seem to attract more $$$$.

So as I see it, tis a personal decision that includes safety and cost factors.

An 'added' quirk is that SS has recently changed the molder knife and head design that is AIUI incompatible with earlier designs(yes there are at least two different earlier compatible versions).



I have not seen the new version. Perhaps someone who has a newer version could elucidate us out here in de dark.

The molder will give you a smoother cut than the shaper on a Shopsmith unless you have the new PowerPro motor which will give you 10,000 rpm shaping. The molder can only be used on straight stock. The shaper can be used on curves as well. I have the older molding head. You can still buy the knives from Shopsmith for the older molding head as well as the new one. You just have to specify which.

I own every molding knife set that Shopsmith offers. I just have the cabinet door set in the shaper cutters.