Quite often there are situations when the standard width of the processed board is not enough for the manufacture of a certain product, which is why the master is forced to resort to the technology of splicing two or more panels. Curly chamfering may be necessary to obtain the desired result. To implement all these ideas, a figurine cutter is useful. But the use of such a tool has its own characteristics, which should be taken into account by both beginners and more experienced craftsmen.
Destination
The classic figurine cutter is a universal cutting element that is installed in a special device. With the help of this unit, you can quickly and efficiently perform various operations, remove a beautiful fresco, select grooves, ridges and recesses. Such an original nozzle for the router rotates at a very high speed, due to which scuffing and chipping of wood are excluded. ATIn the standard set, the machine comes with its own work item, which is designed to perform certain tasks.
Experts do not recommend using a figurine cutter without certain skills. At high speeds, the machine can simply escape from the hands, which will certainly lead to injury. It is necessary to lead the milling cutter along the wooden workpiece exclusively against the direction of rotation of the cutting element. Otherwise, a beginner may not only ruin the workpiece, but also get serious injuries.
Types of structures
Today, a huge variety of different nozzles are on sale, which differ from each other not only in cost, but also in purpose. If the master correctly studies all the design features, then several types of figure cutters can be distinguished:
- Units with interchangeable edges. These models are in great demand. Edges can be changed on the machine at any time. If the knife becomes dull, then the cutter can be easily turned over and work can continue.
- Prefabricated models look like blanks with a welded edge. Products in this category can be easily made by hand.
- Monolithic. The base of the product boasts the presence of turned cutting edges. Such devices rarely fail. But if you make several sharpenings, then the part will need to be replaced. Each master can independently return the former sharpness to the cutting element, only you need to adhere to a certain degree.
Selection rules
To buy a high-quality figurative horizontal cutter, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- The location of the blades and their material. For manufacturing, specialists can use high-speed and carbide steel. If the master will work with hardwoods, then it is better to choose equipment from high-speed cutting material. Horizontal models are considered to be more reliable and high quality, as vertical designs cut the surface more aggressively.
- Shank parameters. Both millimeters and inches can be used to indicate dimensions. It is worth noting that the diameter of the collet should match the shank as much as possible.
- Design of the cutting part. Multifunctional figure cutters for a manual router can be monolithic, prefabricated and replaceable. Shell mills are the most technologically advanced in operation.
If the master decided to buy a whole set of nozzles, then you need to pay attention to the quality of soldering. It must be made so that during long-term operation the unit does not lose its longitudinal sensitivity.
How to use
Figure cutters for wood are designed for the manufacture of thin boards of a certain configuration. Such products are often used to frame various decorative elements. Skillful craftsmen use milling cutters to make beautiful decorative frames, as well as to finish furniture facades. Vertical figurinesmilling cutters are used exclusively when you need to build sophisticated gizmos. The unit can cut various patterns along the contour of the finished product. Using such a cutter, you can make unique devices that can perform two functions at once: they will act as a retainer between two parts, as well as a decorative element.
Standard set
If a craftsman needs to buy a rather expensive milling machine, then in the end he is guaranteed to get a quality product. In order for the workpieces to be processed with the highest quality, you need to responsibly approach the choice of equipment. In this case, it is better to buy a set of cutting tools, due to which it will be possible to make various products.
You can buy a small suitcase where all the nozzles will be stored at once. If the cutting part is connected to the shank using conventional welding, then it is better to refuse this option, since this is not a professional product. Due to welding, the fixture can simply break at the most inopportune moment. When buying monolithic cutters, it is imperative to study the condition of the material from which the unit is made. All the manipulations necessary for this can be performed even by a beginner. You just need to use a calibrated file, which should slightly process the surface of the nozzle. If there are no characteristic marks, then the material is of high quality.
Safety
It is strictly forbidden to work as a router without goggles. small fragmentsblanks can get into your eyes. Do not brush sawdust off the work surface with your bare hands, as in this case you can get a lot of splinters. It is best to use a rag for these purposes.
If wood shavings are packed into the unit itself, then you can remove all the accumulated debris only after the cutter is turned off. Sleeves on clothing must be well fastened, otherwise the fabric may get caught in the rotating part of the equipment, which will make it difficult to avoid injury. It is not recommended to neglect the basic rules, since the safety of the master himself and the people around him depends on this.
