Moulding or Friezing Machines

These are machines that cut mouldings on the edges of the work. The term friezing is applied by some, when the machine has but one cutter spindle, while by others these machines, whether having one or two spindles, are termed edge moulding machines. Still another term applied to this class of machine is that of variety moulders or variety moulding machines.

In machines of this class, it is of primary importance that lost motion or play in the bearings be avoided, because the cutter end of the spindle overhangs its bearings, and any side play of the spindle in its bearings is multiplied at the cutting edges of the cutters. Perfect lubrication of the spindle bearings, and ample bearing surface on the journals and bearings, are therefore of the first importance.

The work is rested on the upper surface of the table, and is fed to the cutters by hand.

Figs. 3212 to 3215 represent a machine by J. S. Graham. The frame b, b, Fig. 3213, of this machine is cast in one piece cored out, and the base is wide, so as to give necessary solidity. The hollow column is fitted with a door w, and shelves v, v, forming a very complete case for the reception of tools, cutters, etc. The spindle boxes and slides c are one casting. They are planed on centres and held in the frame b′, Fig. 3215, by large gibs l, and sliding surfaces shown in c′, Fig. 3214. They are adjustable vertically by hand wheels k, in front of frame in connection with nut o, as shown in Fig. 3214, and require no lock to hold them at the proper height.

The cap o′ (Fig. 3213) has an oil chamber j and wick which feeds the oil to the upper bearing. The lower box is fitted with a patent self-oiling and adjustable step shown at a, b, c. The cap a, upon which the spindle d rests, has a small opening in the centre. The circular block b, under it, also has a hole in the centre. The bolt d has two holes in it, one horizontal and the other vertical.

The chamber surrounding this step and cup is filled with oil. The motion of the spindle d on the cap a causes the oil to flow from the chamber through the openings to the spindle. Thus the oil is kept in constant circulation. The end of this spindle d is by this arrangement kept always lubricated.

The spindles d are of 1⁄8 hammered tool steel accurately turned and fitted in the boxes, which are of extra length, and lined with the best genuine Babbitt metal. They are 30′′ from centre to centre, and have independent screw tops, as shown at s, enabling the operator to use various sizes for large or small work, or clear the table of either spindle for special work.

h is the threaded part of the screw top, g is the nut, and f the fill-up collars.

The iron table a, a is 5 feet by 4 feet, planed and fitted with concentric rings e, e around the spindle, to suit the various sizes of heads and cutters. A heavy wooden table, made of narrow glued-up strips of hard wood, can be used if preferred.

This machine has been run up to 6,000 revolutions per minute, without perceptible jar, and cutter heads as large as 8′′ diameter may be used on it for heavy work.

Fig. 3216 represents an edge moulding machine by J. H. Blaisdell. In this machine the table is raised or lowered by the hand wheel upon the central column. The construction of the spindle and its bearings is shown in the sectional view, which also shows the square threaded screw by means of which the table is raised. The spindle has a coned hole for receiving the cutter sockets, which are therefore readily removable.

Figs. 3217 to 3220 represent examples of the shapes of cutters for use on edge moulding or friezing machines. Fig. 3217 represents a cutter for bevelling the edge of the work, the cutting edges being at a, b, or at c, d, according to the direction in which the cutter is revolved.

Fig. 3218 represents an ogee cutter, in position on the cutter spindle. As these cutters are made solid and accurately turned in the lathe, they are balanced so long as the cutting edges are kept diametrally opposite. The front faces only being ground to sharpen the cutting edges, the cutter always produces work of the same shape.

Fig. 3219 represents a cutter (in a chuck) for cutting a dove-tailed groove, and Fig. 3220 one for rounding an edge, it being obvious that a wide range of shapes may be given to such cutters, and that, as they may be sharpened on an emery wheel, they may be left comparatively hard, thus enhancing their durability.

To regulate the depth to which a cutter such as shown in Fig. 3220 will cut, a collar or washer is placed beneath it to act as a guide to the edge of the work.

Fig. 3221 represents a machine in which rotary cutters are used to produce all kinds of panel work, as well as edge moulding or friezing. In this case the cutter is above the table, the latter being adjustable for height to suit the thickness of the work. Examples of some of the work are shown at the foot of the machine.