Gary,
I have been trying to cut some rosettes out of 3/4″ walnut. I purchased a 31/2″ steel blade cutter with a 1/2″ shank from Schmidt tools. I first tried using my Drill press but that didn’t work well, so I’m now using my lathe. I’m having problems finding the correct speed. I tried a different kind of wood but It still did the same thing. The wood is screwed to a face plate. The cutter is in a drill chuck with a 333 to #2 morse taper pushed inside the tail stock of the lathe. In the book where I ordered this cutter from, It says that these are slow speed cutters.I guess there more of a scraper than a cutter. I bought the one that you can change the knives out for different styles. I’ve tried all different speeds from 600 to 3000 rpm the best cuts seems to be at the higher speeds but it still doesn’t matter because at all speeds it still digs into the wood and destroys the rosette. Maybe there is too much distance from the morse taper to the cutter? Please help me with this hair pulling problem while I still have some left. Thanks Chris
Edited 10/11/2008 9:18 pm ET by ZiggywadeM
Replies
Chris,
You got me here. I have never used this type of cutter but from the sounds of it, speed doesn't seem to be the issue. I think it might be the cutter itself. I would first of all only go at your slowest speed on the lathe. But then, I'd try some different blanks with a higher angle to the cutter. If they're ripping everything up at any speed cut then I think the cutter angle is to blame.
Hold on, I went to Schmidt's site and looked at these things. Make sure the cutters go in balanced. If they're off then you'll get vibration in the cutterhead itself. Also if they're not lined up, you'll get two different profile cuts and essentially trash the rosette. Check that first. Check that the cutters are the exact same profile and finally check that the backs on them are flat and polished.
Also check your tailstock. Make sure it is locked down securely and that there's no play in it when you crank it into the rosette piece.
If all this fails, then I'd call Schmidt's customer service and see what ideas they have.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Gary Rogowski
Director
The Northwest Woodworking Studio
Gary,
I honed those cutter knives using wet/dry sandpaper I started with 1000 grit then 1200, 1500,2000 and finnished with a 6000 grit stone. I worked beautifuly now While I'm cutting it puts out almost dust v's wood shavings. Thank you for your advise. Chris
Excellent.
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