Bearing guided cutter shopping.

[skipdiver]

I need to buy a good cutter for shaping 12mm, 15mm and 18mm birch ply with a template. I was just going to get a bog standard straight cutter from Wealden, when i spotted the replaceable blade sets, which look like the perfect purchase as i will be doing a lot of this work and the cutters will need renewing frequently. There is one with bearings top and bottom, think it's called the multi trim, which is for changing direction with the grain of the timber being cut. Obviously, this won't be a problem with ply but is there merit in getting one of these anyway? I'm thinking that if i get say a 40mm length one, i can cut with the top part of the blade until blunt, then the bottom part of the blade until blunt; switch the blades around, then do the same again, thus getting maximum use from the replacement blades. Or should i just get a single bearing one? Anyone got one?

Initial outlay is higher but the replacement blades make these very cost effective.

 

[RobinBHM]

I use their 19mm x 50mm and 19mm x 30mm.

What is great about them is that they use standard TCT tips (50 x 12 x 1.5mm) that you can buy in boxes of 10 for use on a rebate block on a spindle moulder etc. They arent very expensive less than £2.00 each tip.

With brand new tips, the cut is smooth with no break out even against the grain so I would say if you are dong any work with awkward grain, then fit new blades first.

The parts of the blade you use may be restricted to your template design. Top and bottom bearing option allows more options for template designs

If you are doing a lot it may be worth buying a spare bearing

 

[skipdiver]

Thanks Robin. I've already decided to buy one. Was just trying to decide between one with a single bearing or top and bottom type. I'm thinking in birch play that if i attach the template to the piece, then alternate between template up and template down, i will get to use the full width of the blade, so as to get the longest use out of them. Think i will go with the double bearing one at 40mm long.

 

[Shrubby]

I use the Trend 46/03x8mm. This uses the 30x12mm tips - Titman and KWO sell a similar cutter.
Over 20 years it's saved a LOT of money over standard cutters. Trimming ply I found the glue line wore the tips so you adjust the cutting height to spread the wear (depending on your ply thickness and templates)
The German made tips can be found in boxes of 10 for under £20
Matt

 

[skipdiver]

Cheers Matt.