Chopper issue

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enn104

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Custom Framing of Fairfield
I am a year or two into my own framing business and have a morso chopper - bought used. I have been trained in how to used it (line up and adjust the moulding clamps, take small bites) but I’m always getting damaged mouldings after cutting.
my instinct is that the blades aren’t sharp enough, but possibly I’m just being too forceful when stomping down on the pedal?
Any thoughts? (Photo attached to show typical moulding damage)
 

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Are you adjusting the rabbet supports correctly.
Looks to me that the outfeed side support isn't snug up against the rabbet or is missing entirely.
 
Thanks for your reply. I am adjusting the rabbet supports, but possibly they aren’t perfectly flush against the rabbet.
 
It is possible that the blades are too dull as well. The end of the cut should have a matte look to them. If they're shinny, they're probably too dull. I can highly recommend Tech-Mark for sharpening. They will sharpen to Morso specs, with the proper hollow ground bevel. If yours were sharpened by a "normal" sharpening place they are likely flat ground. Tech-Mark will charge a bit extra to bring them into spec the first time.

A tip - if the face of the moulding is flat, and the finish is not too delicate, chop it upside down and you don't need the rabbet supports.
 
enn104 said:
Thanks for your reply. I am adjusting the rabbet supports, but possibly they aren’t perfectly flush against the rabbet.
Click to expand...
It's a matter of feel getting them to contact but not lift the frame.
You also should be checking them on a regular basis even if you don't change profiles.
 
Making sure your blades are properly sharpened and installed correctly is essential for getting good results from your chopper.
There are some good detailed discussions about this here on the Grumble- use the Search feature above.
:cool: Rick

BTW, if all is well with those factors, and you are taking small enough bites as you chop, you should not need to "stomp" on the pedal. That can cause problems itself.
 
David Waldmann said:
It is possible that the blades are too dull as well. The end of the cut should have a matte look to them. If they're shinny, they're probably too dull. I can highly recommend Tech-Mark for sharpening. They will sharpen to Morso specs, with the proper hollow ground bevel. If yours were sharpened by a "normal" sharpening place they are likely flat ground. Tech-Mark will charge a bit extra to bring them into spec the first time.

A tip - if the face of the moulding is flat, and the finish is not too delicate, chop it upside down and you don't need the rabbet supports.
Click to expand...
I contacted Tech-Mark and will send them to be sharpened - thanks!
 
wpfay said:
It's a matter of feel getting them to contact but not lift the frame.
Click to expand...
The way we do it with the manual chopper is:
  • Press the knives down on the moulding, firmly, but not too...
  • Raise the supports until they are snug, but not too...
  • Do not use the locking nuts
  • Check and adjust regularly
 
That's close to what I do, but I like both feet on the ground when I'm adjusting blades. The downward pressure on the moulding is done with the hand that isn't turning the screw. I can better feel the point of contact that way, and I don't have to balance on one foot while applying delicate pressure with the other.
 
enn104 said:
I contacted Tech-Mark and will send them to be sharpened - thanks!
Click to expand...
Order the wooden shipping box they sell. It lets you screw the blades in place for safe shipping. The styrofoam blade box is a safety hazard because the sharp ends of the blade can protrude through with the jostling of shipping. The wooden box is reusable for many years and is a small investment in protecting humans and blades alike.
:cool: Rick
 
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