Spindle Moulder advice

[Richard S]

Hi

Being new to the world of spindle moulders I need to know if 40mm and 50mm Euro cutters are interchangable on the same block. I have recently purchased a Charnwood WO30 which came with a Euro block and a selection of 40mm cutters / limiters. Looking at alternative profiles and accessories on Axminsters site, they have a block, http://www.axminster.co.uk/euro-cutter- ... tomsection that seems to indicate that it is suitable for 40mm cutter on the item its self but in the description it states suitable for ALL Euro cutters. Do I need to buy a different block to run the larger knives, I always assumed that I would, mainly due to there being two different blocks available, but now I'm confused. As far as I can ascertain the only difference is the height of the knife or am I missing something, fundamental or obvious.

All assistance / advice / ridicule gratefully received.

Best

Richard

 

[tomatwark]

Hi Richard

Yes you can run 50mm cutters in a 40mm block.

Also have a look at http://www.whitehill-tools.com/, they make a lot of the Aximinster cutters.

Tom

 

[jasonB]

I would check that the specific block will take both, a lot of the ones Wealdon do will only take 40mm, justy a couple take both

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... 4_311.html

J

 

[Richard S]

Thanks guys, so basically I think I need need a "dual" size block, yes? Also are the Whitehill 40 / 50mm cutters compatable with a Euro block or only the Whitehill block? I may well be missing something but it doesn't seem to make it clear on their site.

Thanks once again

Richard

 

[tomatwark]

I use both Whitehill and euro cutters in my Whitehill block, but it is a steel one though.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/whitehill-wh ... prod19801/

Tom

 

[Richard S]

Tom

thanks for the help, why would I choose either an ali or steel block over the other. Looking at prices some people charge more for ali and other charge more for the steel option. Which is best, or does it depend on application.

Thanks again

Richard

 

[ProShop]

FWIW, Alloy blocks are as good as steel these days in terms of cutting performance, in fact some of the most expensive blocks you can buy are made from alloy.

Alloy blocks are useful on small powered spindle moulders as the low weight makes them spin up easily without straining the motor & bearings etc. Steel equivalent blocks need more torque on starting from a standstill than alloy.

 

[Richard S]

Ok, next dumb question! 120mm or 93mm diameter block, what are the pro's and con's. I assume that a larger diameter means a lower angle cut but more power and torque required to run it. If this is the case how much inferior is the smaller block?
Thanks in advance.

Richard

 

[Dibs-h]

Dumb question - I understand a euro block has chip limiters. What are Whitehill cutters? Are they intrinsically different?

Cheers

Dibs

 

[ProShop]

Ok, next dumb question! 120mm or 93mm diameter block, what are the pro's and con's. I assume that a larger diameter means a lower angle cut but more power and torque required to run it. If this is the case how much inferior is the smaller block?
Thanks in advance.

Richard

bigger blocks take a bigger slice so in theory they give a better finish. But in reality it's all about matching the feed speed to suit the cutter speed to obtain the best results, and that's trial & error, practise makes perfect .

 

[ProShop]

Dumb question - I understand a euro block has chip limiters. What are Whitehill cutters? Are they intrinsically different?

Cheers

Dibs

Not really, Whitehill are just a firm that make blocks & cutters. Whitehill cutters have limiters. Most of their products are made for the trade who want traditional joiners shop tooling ie doors & windows, skirting & architrave mouldings, cornice etc etc. Quite a lot of their blocks & cutters are much bigger than the 40mm euro style.

 

[OwenRS]

Hello to all.
To confirm all points. All 40mm & 50mm knives Fit into the same block. This can be a 40mm block or the 50mm item. All the European knives in both sizes use the same pin location of 24mm centres of 6mm holes. The Whithill type B & C knives use exactly the same location holes and will interchange with no problems. The only exception is the deeper Whitehill type C knives when used in the 93mm diameter heads.

Aluminium heads are excellent for lighter weight machines with smaller motors due to start up and stopping power but hands down the 120mm steel heads are the best buy. The increased diameter increases the peripheral speed of cut and length of chip it creates.

Beware of blocks that are 96mm in diameter because in our findings these have too much body between the pins and external diameter which fouls on the deeper standard profiles.

As far as regulations go the overhang of the 50mm knives in a 40mm block isn't a problem due to the limiters still offering the ejection of objects the shouldn't be in there.

We have been designing & supplying woodworking tools for over 16years so if we can assist more just drop us a quick message.

 

[mtr1]

Hmmm when I was buying tooling for my spindle, I had a new whitehill block, I also bought a few Euro cutters. These Euro cutters didn't fit in my whitehill block, even though the holes are spaced the same. here's some snaps why...

You can see the holes line up, but a Euro cutter has a bit extra at the back.

Here you can see how close the whitehill cutters fit to the back of the block.

And why the euro cutter doesn't fit into a whitehill block.

I had to buy another block for the Euro cutters I bought, I wasn't advised that whitehill had a block that was interchangeable.

.

 

[ondablade]

Just to says thanks for some informative posts for somebody like me that's new to spindle moulders...

 

[cutting solutions]

I agree with most of what OwenRS said.

But as can be seen from Marks pics the Euro knives have a rounded back so wont always fit in the Whitehill head.

Additionally there are some Euro profiles that are 5.5 mm thick and are not suitable for the normal safety cutterheads from either whitehill or any other suppliers.

"designing" and selling tools for over 25 years :shock: