Good morning fellows,
I'm quite pleased with the response this thread has generated. In my original post I mentioned the use of an adjustable groover and two 220mm tenon cutters and I see some of the professionals have a deeper commitment to them. I believe I even have a 300mm adjustable that I've only used a few times because I had to build a temporary hood for. I've used this setup a few times because of the lack of a dedicated cutter head as MIke suggested which I like because it takes a full cut of the face too, but I know if I mill my stock S4S which I always have I shouldn't have a problem with the adjustable groover and stacked or single tenon cutters. I suppose in the back of my mind I was thinking of a new cutter head that I thought I needed and may have wanted. Now I'm thinking you fellows are right and I have some good quality Leitz, Felder and Garniga cutters I should just use them. All good points about the knickers / side cutters. I agree, I have two of the Felder/Leitz dado heads and they work well.
But I'm not going to let the euro block thought go without some research. As I mentioned I have a small 40mm knife head I just might look into a 50mm. Possibly if I found a set of Freeborn cutter heads used at a good deal I might buy them. I look at a set of Felder door cutters I spent $1500.00 that have not gotten much use out of because it's a euro ogee style that I had to have one time that is why I'm hesitant to purchase another Rangate $2000.00 head or a $800.00 Freeborn. Great products I know but my use lately doesn't justify it.
I've been woodworking for 40 yrs but only as a semi pro and the past 5 yrs as a casual woodworker only taking on what I want. I once did a lot of work but never have I had to make a living at it like you fellows do day in and day out and that is why I enjoy asking questions and finding your opinions because you do do it everyday.
I like the fact that guys like Joe, Brent and David who are pros feel passion and a sense of community to help the rest of us out and for the other contributors who want to help out a fellow woodworker with your experiences.
Fellows I'll let you know what I end up doing, I'll be milling wood this week as it's getting cold here
Thank you all for your contribution to the thread. I think it's another thread to bookmark if someone needs advice for shapers.
Ben
sometimes it's people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one imagines. Alan Turing