Very old cast iron planer/jointer 'clamshell' cutterhead

[Ash]

Hello WoodworkUK!

I have been pointed in this direction many times when searching for woodwork related questions and i thought it might be a good place
to ask about an old jointer i've got.

The machine appears to have the 'clamshell' type cutter head which i've read some bad things about bolts bottoming out or coming loose,
throwing knives and shrapnel about and i would like to hear from anyone here who has repaired/restored/replaced (etc) a cutter head like this,
i would like to replace the cutter head with something a bit safer.

This might be a bit of a challenge considering the age, size of cutter which is 9 1/4" and the unknown maker as far as i can find but i hope
someone out there can help me out. I've seen a few posts about having a larger cutter machined down to size or finding a replacement, however
9 1/4" seems to be neither here or there on the standard sizes. I did see a multico machine with this size cutter but likely a different size shaft(?)

So really i'm after a bit of direction on where to go or what to look for and maybe someone who's done it with a bit of luck!

Pictures here;
https://goo.gl/photos/tbw3Gj3ty3ACgzoa7

[9fingers]

It would be amazing luck to find a replacement cutter block to fit especially with such an unusual width. You might persuade someone to machine down a longer one

I'd consider getting a couple of slots laser* cut into the blades and matching pins fitted into the cutter block so that if the clamshell lets go, the blades will be retained.

Bob

*water jet cutting might be an alternative. I've used Roger Mason ([email protected]) who operates as an intermediary between customers and local cutters and is useful in formatting the files to send to the cutters. If you go this way possibly sensible to get some spare knives made ( Cutting Solutions is a good supplier and known here) and then send the lot to be slotted in one go. It is possible the Doug at Cutting solutions also liaises with laser/water cutters and could do the whole job.

[Ash]

Thanks Bob that sounds like a solution, i will remove the cutter and have a better look at how things are inside.
It appears to be a 'safety' block from what i can see but i'm not certain of it having never seen one before.

It may just be too risky to use without replacing the cutter block but i intend to find out as much as possible, especially if anyone here is using something similar or could suggest the right place to ask.

It would be a shame to scrap it and i'm keen on it but it's a bit large for a paperweight!

[karl]

Hi

I have an old surface planer which has this type of block. Never had any issues, though I must admit it is a bit hairy when you first fire it up after fitting a new set of blades - I always triple check the tightening of the nuts

Cheers

Karl

[Ash]

Good to know karl, i have removed the cutter block and found it is segmented into three parts on each side with the bolt heads central on each
and locating pins underneath. A multico blade was fitted which looks very narrow for the block, its a slotted type so i'm thinking this old thing
needs a wider blade than that.

Thanks for the input, i'm still looking around for more on these so it's all very much appreciated

Ash