Tools For Cabinetmaking

What tools would I need if I wanted to start building cabinets? (Part 2)

Shapers, molders, planers and routers are the tools used in cabinet making for taking raw lumber and turning it into cabinet grade hardwood face frames, trim moldings and solid wood components. A common stationary tool used for making moldings and profiling is the shaper. The shaper is a costly piece of equipment and I think it’s over rated. I have a 3 hp shaper in my shop and for the most part it sits idol. The reason, I have a 3 hp variable speed router mounted under a large table with a quality fence system that I use to do most jobs. It’s more versatile, easier to set up for long runs, and the bits are much cheaper. The BenchDog ProMaxRT Router is a good example of a router table system that will perform most shaping duties and replace the more expensive shaper. In m shop the router is by far the most used and important piece of equipment that we have. In cabinet shops it is very common to have several with varying horse power to do specific jobs.

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Williams & Hussey Molder-Planer

This molder or moulder, however you spell it, is a tremendous  asset to any cabinetmaking shop.  I’ve been using this machine to mill complicated moldings and trim for cabinetry for many years and have found that there is no replacement for its ability to produce architectural millwork, and cabinet trim components accurately and cost effectively.   If you build just box’s then you don’t need a molder, but, if you like or need to add decorative molding accents to your cabinetry then this powerful, yet small machine can transform your box into a uniquely designed piece of furniture.

Cabinet Moldings – When we meet with customers and show them what we can do for them ( thanks to the William & Hussey Molder ) they often choose (continue reading…)