fillet choppers

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i am wondering if any of you have an opinion re: the micro mitre fillet chopper made by artmac. larson page8 accessories.
i have one on back order.
it just occured to me to get some info from the grumble room.
this is my first fillet chopper.
any strong opinions to sway me another way?
beth @ silent pictures nv
 
We've been digesting and learning from this group for several months now and think that it is time to start paying for this knowledge by sharing some of our own.

ArtMac distributed by LJ. HEAVY DUTY cutter originally designed to cut small moulding. Angle of blades are fixed
without any minor adjustment capabilities. Ours was received with a 44
degree angle on the left side and 46.5 degreee angle on the right side. Not
Good. Angles were measured using machinist blocks and feeler gauges. The safety guard to prevent sliced fingers is actually a safety
hazard in itself because of its design and interferes with comfortable
operation of the chopper (My opinion). Lacks documentation and
manufacturer is not available for assistance. Rebate stops kept getting in
the way of our fingers and were annoying. Measure gauge calibrated in 1/8
inch increments. Gauge is less than 30 inches. We returned this equipment for
refund.

Frame Square (currently our chopper of choice) distributed by several
sources. Light Duty. Miter angles can be adjusted for exact 45 degree
chops. Blade clearance can also be adjusted and has a significant effect on the quality of cut. Safety fence is adequate and
does not interfere with safe operation of the equipment. Documentation is
slightly better than the ArtMac and the manufacturer is available for
assistance. Also great for Chopping Rabbet-Space. The measure gauge calibrated in
1/16 inch increments. Gauge extension is provided for really long fillets.
Has trouble with the really large fillets. 7/8 inch wide fillet is the max
width it will cut. We treat these fillets like moulding and use the saw.

Rick


[This message has been edited by The Frugal Framer (edited October 22, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by The Frugal Framer (edited October 22, 2000).]
 
Am I glad I read this, I was going to order the ArtMac heavy duty from LJ on monday. I have a Jyden moulding chopper now. I thought a smaller bench top would be a lot easier to use.
Am I wasting my time or would a bench top be faster and better than a big floor machine? The frame square one sounds great. My Jyden does not have any measuring stops worth a darn for precise measuring. ( it's an old one)
John
 
We have the FrameSquare and are happy. It will cut wider fillets if you use the newer base/fence arrangement obtainable from the maker. This latter cut is accomplished in "bites." Isn't Cornerstone now the distributor?
 
Excuse my lack of knowledge here but we've been getting great fillet cuts on our mitre saws. What is the advantage of a fillet chopper?

------------------
Lisa Kozokowsky C.G.A.H.
Frameswest Inc.
 
Our main wood saw is a CTD 45 pneumatic. I find the chopper to be a lot faster and since I'm in San Diego, a whole lot cheaper.
Our electric bill went from $225.00 per month to $760.00 per month. ( Ain't nobody in San Diego voting incumbent )
John
 
Hi Silent

I use an older model Mini Mitre AMP filet chopper.

I have two sets of blades, each set yielding a slightly different concept of the perfect 45 degree angle . . . which I do not lose sleep over because I hand-fit the mitres after chopping, anyway.

The 1/16" incremented scale is graduated to 41" but is only useable to 40" because of the width of the adjustable stop . . . which I also do not lose sleep over because I don't use it anyway, for the same reason as already cited.

I bought this one because of its simplicity, it's cost was not excessive, it requires little or no maintenence other than the odd drop of lub., and the blades can be sharpened just about anywhere without having to pay premium prices.

I have no idea who the U.S.A. supplier is, but I'd suggest starting with LJ.

Orton

[This message has been edited by Orton (edited October 23, 2000).]
 
I bought a Mini-Mitre fillet chopper at the suggestion of a distributor about 9 years ago, for about $155.00. Payed for within 2 weeks and have never looked back. It stays sharp, has accurate measuring stops, cuts a purfect 45, and stores on a shelf in the work room.
 
I got the amp with my amp joiner. It was worth what I paid for it. It works fine with wood mouldings, but is all but useless on plastic fillets. The Frame Square was the best I've used. If you're going to buy one, that's the one I'd recommend

------------------
Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
21 years framing and still loving it
 
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