Replies

1. 
   SgianDubh | Oct 26, 2003 01:25am | #1

   I may be remembering the responses to your original question incorrectly, Ken, but I believe no-one mentioned that helical cutterheads are supposed to reduce power requirements and might help in the same way that angling a handplane can sometimes make planing easier.

   The logic is that angling a handplane results in a reduced slicing cut. We've all done it with handplanes-- you push the plane with the blade width perpendicular to the wood grain direction, and it's hard work, so we take the next cut by angling the plane a bit-- effectively reducing the angle of attack.

   I've heard it said that helical cutterheads reduce tearout when planing against the grain which happens from time to time despite our best efforts to arrange otherwise, but I have no personal experience of that. 

   It does seem there might be some meat on the argument though. If you think about it, a standard knife/cutterblock set up results in a straightforward single chopping action per knife engagement resulting in a series of ripples, and considerable backward force, and if the grain rises into the cut, significant tearout. The helical arrangement reduces the chopping angle, therefore reducing the backward force, and I can envisage scenarios where this might reduce tearout, which might seem paradoxical, but possible. 

   There is always a part of a blade or blades engaged in a helical cutter set-up, and the rippled cutting pattern of the traditional set-up should be eliminated. Perhaps, like an oscillating thicknessing belt sander, the end result of a helical cutter arrangement is a rippled wave effect on the wood due to the slight variations in the cutters protrusion from the block. Slainte. 

   Website

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Oct 26, 2003 02:03am | #2

   Sgain

      Apologies to Ken on darting in here, but Sgain is hard to catch.

   Richard... Are you familar with Ashley Lles line of bench chisels from Sheffield? I am in the market and was impressed with one I was allowed to use..

   Thanks...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   SgianDubh | Oct 26, 2003 09:19am | #5

   Sarge, I'm not aware that I'm hard to catch, but I have been very busy what with moving back to the UK and starting a new job an' all, so my time and ability to respond to topics here has been rather limited, although I've done a fair bit of lurking recently.

   In answer to your question, from what I've seen, the Ashley Isles range of chisels look pretty good. They're not the cheapest, nor the most expensive, and their quality out of the box seems to be reflected in the amount of preparation required prior to using. In comparison, I've found cheaper chisels need more work to make them usable, and don't seem to hold their edge as well.

   If you prefer western style chisels over the Japanese style, I don't think you'll go wrong buying a few of this brand as you need them. Slainte.Website

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Oct 26, 2003 09:50am | #6

   Sgain

      Thanks as I know you're busy. Ashley lles has been around forever making carving tools. The chisels are not cheap, but not that expensive either. PKG of 6 from 1/4" to 1" is $101 U.S. It's not Marples, Sorby or Crown prices but they are better made than those three at this point. Very high grade RC 62 Sheffield steel.

      They came out with the American Pattern Set where they basically take butt chisels and modify them to the old U.S. style. English chisels are longer. The butt chisels originally had almost square handles. They put round, comfortable handles on board and added the standard Euro bevel. Super balanced.

      I got to use one of a friends. They are a pleasure to handle. With your confirmation of the company, I'm ordering the 6-pak Mon.

      BTW, do I like Japanese chisels. Nope.. Don't like sushi either. Now, there's something curry could improve. ha..ha..

   Thanks a ton and hope all is going smoothly...

   sarge..jt

2. 
   kensshop | Oct 26, 2003 02:16am | #3

   The primary reason I ruled out the Northtec and any other helical jointer is due to the fact that they DO NOT "shear" as I was being led to believe.  All of the machines advertized to use helical cutter heads are actually using segmented carbide blades set in a helix on the shaft.  The blades are still set at 90 degrees to the work.  This arrangement does not interest me.  As I mentioned in my last note, Byrd Tool produces the shelix, a carbide, helical cutterhead with the blades angled so they provide a shearing cut.  If they're doing it right this is the way to go.  I've got some more research to do but I am very interested in their product.  And, since they are close I may go visit their facility.      

   Edited 10/25/2003 8:17:43 PM ET by Ken's Shop

1. 
   SgianDubh | Oct 26, 2003 09:06am | #4

   You're correct Ken, and I am in error. I made the mistake of getting mixed up on the different patterns. I'd be interested in seeing the shear set cutters in action to see how they perform. Slainte.Website