Maximize the potential of your reliable Fox woodworking machinery with our professionally engineered spiral cutterhead upgrade solutions. Tailored for both Shop Fox benchtop and floor-standing models—including the W1876 6" and W1857 8" jointers—plus Fox F22 series planer-thicknessers from the UK line, our retrofit systems deliver the performance improvements that dedicated woodworkers demand from their equipment investments.
Transform how your Fox machine handles challenging lumber species through our advanced cutter head architecture. Rather than conventional straight-knife impact cutting, our helical insert arrangement creates a progressive slicing action across the workpiece width. Each precision-ground carbide element engages timber fibers at the scientifically optimized shear angle, producing surfaces so smooth that subsequent sanding operations often become unnecessary—particularly valuable when processing figured grain patterns or working with exotic hardwood species.
Engineered as precision mechanical components that complement Fox's reputation for value-oriented yet capable machinery, our cutterheads feature factory-installed carbide inserts arranged along computed spiral paths. Sound reduction proves immediately noticeable—our spiral cutterhead jointer conversions typically achieve 15-18 decibel decreases compared to original equipment, transforming your Fox machine from a neighborhood-alerting powerhouse into a surprisingly civilized workshop citizen that permits extended operating sessions.
Industrial-specification carbide inserts separate these woodworking tools from budget alternatives flooding the marketplace. Manufactured from sintered tungsten carbide featuring controlled grain structure, each insert provides four distinct cutting edges through simple 90-degree rotation using the included adjustment wrench. This translates to three complete blade changes before replacement becomes necessary—extending productive capacity between maintenance intervals while eliminating the recurring expense and inconvenience of professional knife sharpening services.
Upgrading Fox woodworking equipment with spiral cutterhead technology represents practical modernization rather than extravagant expenditure. These retrofits prove especially beneficial for Fox F22 combination machines where space-saving design already demonstrates intelligent workshop planning—our cutterheads extend that efficiency philosophy into cutting performance. Whether addressing the compact F22-564-250 benchtop unit or the substantial Shop Fox W1857 floor model, experience how contemporary insert technology preserves your original Fox investment while delivering cutting results that rival significantly more expensive machinery.
Do I need to replace the original bearings?
If the bearings in your machine are in good condition, they can be reused by carefully removing them with a bearing or pulley puller. However, if the bearings are tightly pressed onto the shaft, removal may cause damage. To minimize this risk, we recommend replacing old bearings with our greased and sealed bearings, designed for long-lasting performance. For a smooth upgrade, we suggest adding the bearings to your shopping cart before completing your purchase.
We provide premium bearings from NSK, SKF, NTN, FAG, Timken. They are renowned for their high quality and performance, designed to provide durability and reliability in various applications
Do I need to to Add a Few Boxes of Carbide Inserts
We provide 5 carbide inserts and 5 screws as spare parts. However, many of our customers choose to purchase additional boxes, as the shipping costs for separate purchases can make it less economical.
Do I need a Torque Wrench?
To securely lock the carbide inserts, we recommend applying a torque of 48 to 52 Pound-Inches (or 5.42 to 5.88 Newton-Meters). (Note: 1 Newton-Meter is equal to 8.851 Pound-Inches, and 1 Pound-Inch is approximately 0.113 Newton-Meters.) It is crucial not to apply excessive torque, as this could cause the carbide inserts to crack or explode. On the other hand, using too little torque may result in the inserts not being properly secured, which could lead to cracks, shattering, or uneven height on the cutter block, causing ridges or lines on the board.
If one person is responsible for maintaining the machine, they can typically apply the same torque consistently without a torque wrench. However, when multiple people are involved in machine maintenance, ensuring uniform torque application can be challenging. For consistency and peace of mind, we recommend using a torque wrench.
What kind of steel the cutter block is made of?
The cutter block is constructed using GB/T 40Cr, a structural alloy steel of the same caliber as ASTM grade 5140, AISI 5140, SAE 5140, DIN 41Cr4, BS 41Cr4, JIS SCr440, and EN 41Cr4.The primary components of this steel are as follows: carbon (C) at a range of 0.37-0.44%, silicon (Si) between 0.17-0.37%, manganese (Mn) within 0.50-0.80%, and chromium (Cr) from 0.80-1.10%.
In terms of physical properties, this steel exhibits a tensile strength range of 115-234σb/MPa, a yield strength of 2σ 0.2 ≥/MPa, and an elongation capacity of 65 δ5≥ (%). It also has a HBS range of 123-321 and a HRC rating of 30.
This alloy steel is frequently utilized in low to moderately stressed components for machines, engines, and vehicles.
