Wood slotting machine: device, rating of models, self-production

Purpose

A wood slotting machine is equipment used to create grooves of various shapes and sizes. Many models allow you to change cutting tools to solve a specific task.

In addition, the slotter can be used to remove a certain layer of wood to create an unusual profile. Of course, in this case, the productivity of the equipment is not significant, but when processing small parts, the machine can also be used to solve the problem under consideration.

Analogs

The difficulty of self-assembling a slotting machine is that the jigsaw engine:

• travel speed is too high;

• too little power.

As a result, it does not always work satisfactorily. What to do? Assemble a milling machine instead of a slotting machine. The algorithm of actions and materials will be the same. The only difference is that instead of a jigsaw we use an electric drill with a milling attachment.

The main difference between a milling machine is that it does not produce a rectangular groove, but a hole with slightly rounded edges. However, in most cases it will do for household purposes.

Varieties

The equipment in question can be classified according to many criteria, but they all have similarities, which led to the formation of two main groups:

1. In production, where productivity is a fairly important indicator, a centrifugal woodworking slotting machine is used. As a rule, it is large in size and can be used to create various grooves.
2. At home, you can use a manual slotting machine or a wood slotting drill. Such equipment works on the principle of a milling cutter.

A household wood slotting machine has a relatively simple design and low cost. However, an industrial grooving machine is often affordable only for large production organizations that carry out mass production.

Professional equipment

The chain slotting machine for wood is the most common in production. Using his example, we will consider the design of a wood slotting machine.

The main points include:

1. A special chain is the main design element. It has a huge number of individual links that are connected to each other in a hinged manner. Moreover, each link is represented by a milling tooth, which is sharpened in a special way.
2. The main components are designed to transmit movement and adjust the processing process. The chain in question is pulled onto a special guide bar, along which the chain moves. The teeth remove the wood, after which chips and a groove are formed.

As previously noted, in the production of various models, almost the same design of a wood slotting machine is used. It is quite simple, somewhat reminiscent of a drilling machine. The main points include:

1. The main structural element is the frame, which also holds other components.
2. A movable support is attached to the frame, which has an electric motor and a table. It should be taken into account that the unit on which the workpiece is fastened is represented by a table with a clamping element.
3. Rotation is transmitted from the electric motor using a belt. Belt drives are used in the production of various designs.

There is a model that works on a slightly different principle. The support with the cutting element is stationary, and the table can move thanks to a mechanical or hydraulic drive. The household version, as a rule, does not have a drive.

Woodworking slotting machine

The main components of a slotting machine are of different types depending on the performance characteristics. An example is CNC models, which have recently become very popular. Its popularity is due to the ability to create grooves that are highly accurate.

When considering how a wood slotting machine works, we note that the principle of operation depends on the layout of the equipment: different types of slotting machines can have a vertical or horizontal arrangement of the cutting tool.

However, the most popular is the horizontal slotting machine for wood, since such a layout determines the compactness of the structure and the possibility of its quick adjustment.

The best metal slotting machines

Models of this type are characterized by high performance and power. Metal slotting machines are used to form keyways, grooves, and splines.

StankoGomel GD200-01

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

99%

buyers recommend this product

The rotating cutting head of this model allows chiselling at an angle of up to 90°. The stroke length of the cutter can be adjusted by rotating the crank handle shaft.

The unit table has three modes of movement: transverse, longitudinal and circular. This provides maximum convenience during operation.

The dimensions of the machine are 1900x1270x2175 mm, the power of the main drive is 3.6 kW. A quick-release guard protects against injury from chips.

The lathe chuck installed in the center of the working surface guarantees reliable fixation of the part. The standard package includes lubrication and lighting systems, and a set of tools.

Advantages:

• powerful engine;
• workpiece fastening;
• 12 table positions;
• adjusting the stroke of the cutter;
• ease of maintenance.

Flaws:

• large dimensions.

StankoGomel GD200-01 is intended for use in mass production, where it is necessary to process complex parts.

Stalex B5012

5

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

The model is equipped with an emergency engine stop button, the use of which ensures operator safety. Robust design and powerful motor guarantee stable operation of the machine under high loads.

The table movement mechanism allows you to fix it at the desired height. Equipment dimensions - 1000x650x1000 mm.

The maximum chiseling depth is 120 mm. Lubricating fluid is supplied to the guide columns manually, which facilitates maintenance of the unit. The holder can be adjusted depending on the size of the workpiece. The device is controlled from the keypad.

Advantages:

• ease of maintenance;
• simple controls;
• long service life;
• powerful engine;
• high performance.

Flaws:

• not a small price.

Stalex B5012 is worth purchasing for processing flat and shaped metal surfaces. A universal solution for both production and home workshops.

Kommunar 7A420

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

95%

buyers recommend this product

A special feature of the model is the ability to rotate the frame with the cutter at an angle of up to 90°. Thanks to this wizard, it is possible to process an inclined plane without changing the position of the part. The table can be moved either manually or mechanically.

The diameter of the working surface of the table is 500 mm, the drive power is 3 kW. To quickly stop it, an emergency braking device is provided. Interlocked handles make operation easier.

The plunger pump supplies lubricant through the filter, which guarantees ease of maintenance and increases the life of the unit.

Advantages:

• high performance;
• large table area;
• ease of control;
• durability;
• operator safety.

Flaws:

• complex installation.

The Kommunar 7A420 will be useful in small-scale production or a repair shop. The machine is designed for the production of splines, grooves, keyways.

Arsenal S315TGI

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

The model is distinguished by wide readjustment capabilities and is capable of processing large and heavy workpieces. Installing a device for pulling outer surfaces also expands the range of applications of the unit. The guide slides are equipped with a rotating device for tilting the surface at an angle of up to 45°.

The table can be quickly moved in the desired direction thanks to special handles. The machine's automatic stop function ensures operator safety.

Performance can be adjusted through frequency modulation. The package includes an installation kit, lubrication system and lighting package.

Advantages:

• cast iron construction;
• powerful engine;
• automatic stop;
• convenient control;
• durability.

Flaws:

• high energy consumption.

Arsenal S315TGI will be useful for chiseling shaped, flat surfaces, making grooves, grooves - an excellent choice for small-scale production.

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Recommendations for selection

Slotting machines can have very different characteristics, since there are several hundred or even thousands of models on sale. Recommendations for selection are as follows:

1. Particular attention should be paid to what maximum degree of sled tilt a particular model has. You also need to pay attention to design options that allow you to complement the design with a rotation mechanism.
2. Each machine must have detailed instructions for use. If the document indicates the possibility of point-blank chiselling, then the model is intended for working with large workpieces. A manual wood slotting machine does not allow this kind of processing.
3. It is also necessary to take into account what kind of drive the machine has. The simplest wood slotter has a manual drive, but only the version with a hydraulic or electric drive has great productivity. It is quite simple to create a similar design with a mechanical drive.
4. It is also necessary to pay attention to productivity, which depends on the power of the installed electric motor and the size of the cutting bar and chain. However, it is worth considering that with an increase in the power of the installed engine, the costs of processing the workpiece also increase significantly. The desktop or household version, as a rule, has a power of no more than 1-2 kW. Quite often they are compact in size and light in weight, which determines their popularity in household use.

In addition, quite a lot of attention is paid to the popularity of the brand under which the design is produced, as well as the cost. Inexpensive models, as a rule, last a relatively short period of time and require periodic maintenance.

Rating of the best models

Let's look at several current models of slotting machines available on the Russian market.

JET JBM-5 708580M

Compact model designed for processing small volumes of wood. Ideal for those for whom furniture making is a hobby and not a professional activity. One of the cheapest options.

You need to understand that due to its compact size, the unit is not suitable for processing voluminous parts, and due to its low power, it does not penetrate the groove too deeply and interacts poorly with hard types of wood.

Therefore, the model is the best option for those who make small-sized wood products (for example, small crafts or souvenirs).

The unit is small in size. It does not have its own full-fledged frame with a base. But at the bottom of the device there is a clamp that allows you to secure it to a carpenter's table.

There is also no moving block for the workpiece. You will have to move it by hand. Hold it too - since there is no block for the workpiece, there are no clamps that fix it.

For more precise movements of the chisel, a U-shaped guide is attached to the frame holding the electric motor.

The average cost of the model in Russian retail stores is 25,000 – 26,000 rubles. It is unlikely that you will be able to find a slotting machine at a lower price.

JET JBM-4 10000084M

A more “advanced” model from the same manufacturer. It also attaches to the carpenter's table. However, the unit has its own base, a movable holder for the workpiece.

Thanks to this, making grooves in wood is much more accurate. This model can already be called “semi-professional” - it is suitable for the full assembly of furniture, although not in production, but in domestic conditions.

The cost of the unit is higher than its simpler counterpart and amounts to 35,000 rubles.

Corvette 92

The unit is of domestic production. It has everything necessary for professional woodworking, making it ideal for small furniture production.

The lower part of the device is a metal cabinet in which you can place a chisel or tool. The base of the frame is attached to it with four bolts. Thanks to this, the unit is quite stable. If necessary, the frame can be mounted on another base (for example, on a carpenter's table).

The workpiece area is quite large (40x15 cm) and has its own clamps. This allows you to fasten even a large part, securing it securely.

A massive block with a motor can move along the workpiece. Its location is changed using two rotating knobs. There is also a lever that can move the bit not only from right to left, but also forward and backward. This allows you to hollow out grooves of almost any geometry.

The workpiece platform can also be moved from place to place if desired. Another rotating handle is responsible for its movement.

Thanks to the maximum chiselling depth of 76 mm, it is able to process even fairly large workpieces.

The machine costs from 55,000 to 60,000 rubles. This is not a very high price, so the unit can also be purchased for use on a personal plot.

720HD

Professional unit. Designed for processing large-scale workpieces. It has good performance, so it can be used in furniture production.

The block with the workpiece moves in any direction horizontally. The frame with engine and bit has hydraulic shock absorption. This allows you to move it very smoothly and thereby achieve high precision chiselling.

The model costs about 150,000 rubles.

STALEX B5013

Professional level slotting machine. Ideal for medium-scale furniture production. It has great power and the ability to process large workpieces. Thanks to this, it has high performance and is practically universal.

The unit has an electric motor with a chisel at the end, which can only move in a vertical plane. But the workpiece board can also move horizontally. And not only left and right, but also back and forth.

You can change its location very quickly - just make a few turns of the rotating knobs that are responsible for it. The bit is lowered and raised using a spring-loaded lever.

The device has a powerful steel base, which makes it as stable as possible. If desired, the unit can be fixed to the floor. For this purpose, there are holes in the base for bolt fastening.

The cost of the machine ranges from 180,000 to 200,000 rubles.

Homemade options

The cheapest option is a homemade design, which can be made with your own hands from available materials. Of course, one should take into account the fact that homemade designs have lower performance and reliability. However, a homemade design is also suitable for solving everyday problems.

Quite often, a homemade machine has a wooden table, which is used as a bed. Many people recommend altering a hand cutter. This way you can significantly simplify and speed up your work. There are some elements that will have to be purchased - an electric motor and cutters.

In conclusion, we note that homemade versions can also be found on sale. They usually have a lower price than industrial versions.