From aligning shoes beneath the bed plate, to using software for clues to knife wear, here are four tips to optimize the moulder operation in both production and custom woodshops.

1 Ensure the shoe is parallel with the bed plate underneath. Poor finishes can result from a misaligned shoe. Consideration should also be given to the amount of contact the shoe has with the workpiece. Also pay attention to the machine’s alignment, including the tables and fences. Surface problems can result if these are not level,

2 Technology can help reduce the cost per lineal foot of moulding. Technology such as a high cutterhead RPM, makes it possible to maintain a high rate of feed while achieving a good surface finish. The use of material handling in front and behind the moulder allows the process to be highly automated, further reducing handling and therefore the cost per lineal foot.

Related to this, operators can improve the productivity and profitability of these machines through the use of software. Even the basic packages that come included on machines can signal when the knives in a cutterhead need to be jointed or when a cutterhead needs to be removed for regrinding, thereby preparing the operator for action and thus reducing downtime on the machine.

3 Quality feed rollers are key to maintaining a continuous, positive feed. Having automatic feed into the machine, instead of feeding the workpieces manually, will eliminate gaps between the pieces and ensure a safe and reliable feeding process.

4 A good tool measurement system helps ensure dimensional accuracy from one run to the next. Accurate tool measuring systems and computerization on a moulder equipped with motorized spindle positioning helps to ensure that a profile produced today will be dimensionally identical to one produced next month.

If the demand calls for one-of-a-kind pieces, the measurements for the custom knives are entered into a computerized moulder, which then sets the spindle into the proper position via motorized spindle positioning. The first piece produced is then accurate.

Sources: WoodworkingNetwork.com/RedBook and Michael Weinig Inc. For more information from Weinig call (704) 799-0100 or visit WeinigUSA.com.