Spiral Cutter head for General Model 1180 6'' Jointer with 30 carbide Inserts Woodworkers are now retrofitting spiral cutter heads to their old planers, and jointers for the following advantages. * Smoother Finish with no tear-out. Each knife sits at a slight angle and it produces a shear cut. Spiral cutter head planes board in a staggered cut which is much better than a single straight cut. The combined shear and staggered cut eliminates tear-out and leaves a glossy surface finish on even highly figured hardwood. * Noise is hugely reduced as the spiral cutter head allows a few knives to cut in a staggered way. * More than 10 times the life use of high-speed steel. The 15x15x2.5mm inserts are made of sintered tungsten carbide which is much harder than high-speed steel. Each insert has four edges. * Easy to change. The knives are precision ground to a tolerance of +/-0.0004" or +/-0.01mm and are interchangeable. Loosen the screw, rotate 90° for a new edge, and tighten the insert in minutes. * Dust extraction is easier. The spiral cutter head produces thinner and shorter chips. * Low cost to use. Spiral cutter heads produce a smooth finish, reduce or eliminate sanding work, don't require sharpening, the product will pay for itself in a very short time. Standard Kit Includes: * High tensile alloy steel cutter block * 30 Carbide Inserts Installed * Two Japan NSK sealed bearing preinstalled. * 5 Additional Carbide Inserts * 5 screws * 1 Torx head T type key Advice for Upgrading or Installing a New Cutterhead on a Jointer: Check Clearances Before Powering On: Always rotate the new cutterhead by hand to ensure it moves freely and does not interfere with any part of the jointer’s base or tables. This step helps identify potential issues before starting the machine. Inspect for Casting Imperfections: Be aware that unmachined areas of the jointer’s base casting, particularly around the throat, may have casting slag or rough spots that can interfere with the cutterhead’s rotation. Address Interference Promptly: If you notice any resistance or contact while rotating the cutterhead, carefully inspect the infeed and outfeed table areas. Common trouble spots are often found on the infeed table side of the base. Use the Right Tools for Cleanup: A mini die grinder or similar tool can quickly and effectively remove casting slag or minor obstructions. This process typically takes just a few minutes once the problem areas are identified. Test Again After Adjustments: After grinding or clearing any obstructions, rotate the cutterhead by hand again to confirm that it moves smoothly and all clearances are adequate before powering up the jointer. By following these steps, you can avoid potential damage to your jointer and ensure a smooth, safe operation with your new cutterhead.
