Clamshell cutterhead replacement to newer style cutterhead

[Vince Fricke]

I have an Oliver 166 16" jointer with a motor on head drive. In other words, the cutterhead is the motor shaft itself. I was thinking of having a new cutterhead machined, but need some specifics to get a proper quote. The diameter can be the same, but what about the slots in the cutterhead -how deep, how wide - what angle? What material should it be made of? What about the parts that hold the knives in? How far apart - what they should look like, how many I need, etc., etc., etc. Lastly, is there a specific brand or type of knive I should be using? Is there somewhere online that I can get a detailed drawing of a cutterhead and just modify the drawing to fit my machine? Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!

[thouser]

Vince, I believe CGG Schmidt has some information on knife geometry

http://www.cggschmidt.com/

but to manufacture one cutter head is a very costly experience.

Have you considered a spiral insert head ? I think you will find it less costly than a new straight knife head.

[crzypete]

Vince, I looked into this at one point, I think I even have some drawings that you might be able to use to get a quote. I found it was rather expensive even with me making the gibs. I believe the price I was quoted was $1200 for one or $1800 for two.

I agree with Thom about researching ready made solutions.

Pete

[thouser]

I did not have to deal with the DD issue with my 12" Crescent but found a 16" Gladu insert cutter head on the bay for $120 . It took $400 in new inserts and 30 minutes of machine work to retro. Got a quote from Gladu for this head and they wanted $2100.