The Zefam 12" Jointer can be upgraded with with a Spiral Cutter Head that features 104 carbide inserts. Woodworkers are retrofitting their old planers and jointers with this technology due to the following benefits:
- Improved Finish: The spiral cutter head's slight angle and staggered cut produce a shear cut that results in a smooth finish with no tear-out. This is particularly effective on highly figured hardwood.
- Reduced Noise: The staggered cutting pattern of the spiral cutter head reduces noise compared to traditional straight cutters.
- Increased Durability: The sintered tungsten carbide inserts are much harder than high-speed steel and have four edges each. They can last over 10 times longer than high-speed steel blades.
- Easy Maintenance: The interchangeable knives are ground with a tolerance of +/-0.0004" or +/-0.01mm and can be changed in minutes. Simply loosen the screw, rotate 90° for a new edge, and tighten the insert.
- Better Dust Extraction: The spiral cutter head produces thinner and shorter chips that are easier to extract.
- Cost-Effective: The spiral cutter head's smooth finish reduces the need for sanding and doesn't require sharpening, making it a cost-effective choice that can pay for itself quickly.
Kit Includes:
* 102 carbide inserts to be installed.
* A pair of premium sealed bearings
* 5 extra carbide inserts
* 5 extra Torx screws
* 1 T-handle wrench
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
If you add the bearings to your order, we will preinstall them for you when premounting is possible, saving you the hassle of doing it yourself.
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.
