I am a hobbyist woodworker, but have started building some 6-panel interior doors (poplar) for my house remodel. I am using a Mini-Max T30 (3 hp - 3/4 spindle) shaper running at its highest speed and Steff power feeder (1/2 hp 1 phase 3033) with a rail and stile shaper cutter for the 1-3/8” doors. I am finding that I have to take very light cuts (1/16” or less) otherwise the shaper bogs down even at the power feeder’s lowest speed (9 fpm). It’s getting frustrating as I have to make 5-6 passes to complete the profile with 7 pieces to mold each pass. Under these conditions, the 15 doors I need to build are looking like more work than fun.
Is there any way to slow the feeder even further so I can take a bigger bite (i.e., less passes)? Would a VFD work on a single phase feeder?
Thanks, Bob