Choosing a cutter head according to material feed
Universal cutter heads are categorized by the type of feed as either manual (MAN) or mechanical (MEC).
A cutter head with manual feed is designed to feed material by hand but can also be used with a power feeder. Instead of a machine, the operator feeds a workpiece into the cut. The manual cutter head is equipped with limiters for safety. These limiters copy the shape of the profile knife, limiting material removal and preventing kickback. Kickback occurs when the workpiece is fed too fast and leads to the workpiece being ejected.
Conversely, cutter heads with mechanical feed are designed only for feed by other machines - power feeders. The feed rate is controlled, avoiding any risk of injury usually caused by incorrect manual feeding.
Universal cutter heads are ideal for spindle moulders, four-side planers, as well as CNC machines.
One universal cutter head can replace dozens of different cutter heads designed only for one type of operation or shape.
Using the universal cutter head, you can easily make floorboards, face and door frames; finger joints when joining boards; handrails; baseboards, crown mouldings or glazing beads; tongue and groove joints; radius profile for wooden tub walls, and many other projects.
Cutter heads with soldered HSS knives are long gone. When the knives are dull, such cutter head must be sent for sharpening and you have to wait a while before you can finish your project. Should the knife be seriously damaged,
the head is rendered useless.
The main advantage of the universal cutter head is its versatility. You can choose from more than 200 profile knives of various shapes.
You may also find no suitable profile for your project. No need to worry! We also offer blank knives and limiters which can be shaped as you wish.
Profile knives and limiters are available in two widths - 40 mm and 50 mm. Both widths can be easily inserted in all IGM universal cutter heads.
Which diameter to pick:
100 mm or 120 mm
The heads are available in two sizes – diameter 100 or 120 millimetres. Note that the diameter is stated without inserted knives. For example, the diameter of the cutter head with a plain knife changes to 115 millimetres (smaller size) or
130 millimetres (bigger size).
We recommend the 120 mm cutter head if it can be mounted on your machine. This head produces a better finish because it rotates faster (has higher circumferential speed).
The 100 mm head has only two cutting edges. The 120 mm head has either two or four cutting edges. Four cutting edges produce even better finish.
Another important parameter to consider is the body material. The cutter head is made from steel or aluminum (ALU).
The steel cutter head is naturally heavier but more durable than aluminum. Higher weight guarantees constant speed even when shaping wood with knots, which positively affects the finish quality. Steel cutter head are particularly suitable for spindle moulders with higher power output, i.e. three or more kW.
Conversely, aluminum cutter head is ideal for less powerful moulders up to three kW. The lower weight makes these heads perfect for CNC machines because the head exerts less load on the holder.
Extensive range of accessories and simple design
Not only can you switch between the knives and limiters as you please but you may also fit the cutter head with a number of accessories. The most common accessory is a butting ring with bearing used for rabbeting or shaping along a template.
Besides the 30 mm clamping diameter we have in offer, you can also come across 35, 40 or 50 mm. What to do if your cutter head with such clamping diameter does not fit on your machine with a 30 mm shaft? Simply use a bore reducer which is inserted in the bottom and top part of the head.
If you are considering buying a cutter head but you are not very confident in choosing the profile knives, we recommend this set. The set contains a universal cutter head and commonly used profile knives and limiters.
Now you know how to choose the right cutter head just for you and what each parameter means. Together we learned that universal cutter heads are truly invaluable and versatile for your workshop.