I have decided to change up how we process our frame stock. Currently we bring it in at 13/16 straighlined on one long. Here's our process:
1 Sand stock down to 3/4"
2 Power feed to 3/32 over desired width
3 2-3 passes over thickness planner until we are at desired thickness
4. Off to frame cut station
Here's issue. This works really well for most of our wood but maple and cherry end up with too much chip out on the edges. I have tried running the edges through the widebelt but it has been clumsey at best. I require extremely precise thickness for my rail width and my sander doesn't seem to be exactly capable of what I'm asking. Then there's the edges that seem to get rounded over slightly leading to poor frame joints.
Here's my proposed new schedule.
1. Sand to thickness
2. Rip to 3/32+
3. Cut frame stock to length
4. Clean first edge against shaper fence
5. Size width against second fence opposite the standard fence
That's the plan. Here is why I think it will work better for us. I can pre-stock all my rail as sanded and ripped. I never had luck stocking sized rail as it changes in size over time based on humidity.
If we use a shelix head we should have much less tear out and chipping in challenging woods. The tear out on the back side of the cut on the miter saw would be milled out on the shaper.
Now my two questions are this. Any feedback on this approach? Secondly I recall seeing a shaper fence system that was designed to do this sort of thing years ago and I'm trying to track it down. Basically a fixed is added parallel to the standard fence. Different widths of HDPE are added against the secondary to adjust widths. I like the idea of just purchasing a system if I can find it rather than re-inventing the wheel. Is anyone familiar with this set up?