Poitras 3600 8" Jointer
Manufactured by Jos. Poitras & Sons Ltd. of L'Islet, Quebec, the Poitras 3600 8" Jointer is a classic Canadian woodworking machine built for professional shops, schools, and serious woodworkers. Produced during the 1960s through the 1980s, the Poitras 3600 earned a reputation for its heavy cast-iron construction, precision-machined tables, and dependable performance. Many of these machines remain in service today, reflecting the exceptional quality and durability of their original design.
Upgrading the original straight-knife cutterhead with a Sheartak helical cutterhead modernizes this vintage machine with superior cutting performance, quieter operation, and greatly reduced maintenance while preserving the strength and reliability that made the Poitras 3600 a favorite among generations of woodworkers.
Upgrade Your Poitras 3600 8" Jointer with a Sheartak Helical Cutterhead
Sheartak spiral cutterheads are precision engineered to deliver outstanding performance and long-term value.
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Superior Surface Finish
The carbide inserts are arranged in a true helical pattern, producing a shear-cut action that leaves an exceptionally smooth finish with greatly reduced tear-out, even on figured hardwoods and difficult grain.
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Quieter Operation
Unlike traditional straight knives that strike the workpiece all at once, only a few carbide inserts engage the wood at any given time. This significantly reduces cutting noise and vibration for a more comfortable woodworking experience.
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Premium Solid Carbide Inserts
Each insert is manufactured from premium solid tungsten carbide, remaining sharp up to 10 times longer than conventional high-speed steel knives. When an edge becomes dull or chipped, simply rotate the insert 90° to expose a fresh cutting edge. Each insert provides four usable cutting edges.
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Fast and Easy Maintenance
Precision-ground indexable inserts are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances, eliminating knife setting and adjustment. Simply loosen the screw, rotate or replace the insert, and tighten it back into position within minutes.
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Improved Dust Collection
The small, staggered carbide inserts produce shorter and thinner chips, allowing dust collection systems to remove chips more efficiently and keep your workshop cleaner.
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Lower Operating Costs
With no knife sharpening, no knife-setting jigs, and significantly longer tool life, a Sheartak helical cutterhead reduces downtime and maintenance costs while increasing productivity.
Spiral Cutterhead Kit Includes
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High tensile strength alloy steel cutterhead
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40 pre-installed solid carbide inserts
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5 extra carbide inserts and 5 extra screws included free as spare parts
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Torx wrench for insert replacement
Upgrade your vintage Poitras 3600 with a Sheartak helical cutterhead and enjoy smoother cuts, quieter operation, longer tool life, and the convenience of indexable carbide inserts while preserving the rugged performance of this classic Canadian jointer.
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.
