The Framers Forum

I'm really struggling with a moulding that was chosen by a client.

Ordinarily, I would assume that my blades need sharpening. So I tried a cut with a newly-sharpened set, and I'm still getting a dodgy cut. Please see the photos.

Is this just a problem we have to accept with some cheap mouldings? Or am I likely doing something else wrong?

It’s possible that your blades need moving further towards you but you’d be seeing the same issues with other mouldings if that were the case. With an offcut, try cutting with the rebate facing the other way ( and face down) so there’s no argument it’s being cut cleanly and see if it’s the same.

If so then it’s probably snotwood. You may get a better batch and you may get better lengths within one, even better areas within a length, but it may be best to discontinue it.

If you can maid a mark in it with your thumb nail, it’s unlikely to be Morso friendly.

As JKX said.
Try cutting an offcut with a piece of mountboard against the fence to see if that helps but allow for the extra width in the measuring. Looks like a cheap Mono type spray paint finish that chips too easily.

Thanks for your comments John and Justin.

I actually tried what John suggested and the cut was better. But only when done in that orientation. When I reverted back to the way it's supposed to be cut, the same problem arose.

I also tried with another moulding, which provided variable result and I'm now getting this issue I've had before (but simply don't understand) whereby the bottom of the cut is being damaged. I don't see why this should happen when the moving blades depress far beyond the bottom ones.