Question
Regarding moulder knives has anybody out there compiled a comprehensive list of which species require carbide knives? I'm talking about species that you absolutely cannot run using high speed steel. It's sure an unpleasant surprise to grind HSS knives and have the wood in front of the moulder and everybody in position and then you burn the knives to heck with one ten foot board. (I can't remember if it was anigre or afromosia, that's why I need a list - bad memory). I didn't factor carbide knives into the cost when I quoted the moulder run. Some of you old timers and you tooling companies probably could suggest some species that you have run across that are "carbide" only. Sure would be handy to have a list to refer to. It would also keep us from buying carbide when it is really not needed.
I know you have to evaluate the length of the run, whether it’s a one-time run, whether you have to hold tight tolerances from beginning to end of the run, etc. when evaluating carbide vs HSS. I'm more interested in hearing from others which woods can never be run with HSS.
Forum Responses
(Solid Wood Machining Forum)
From contributor U:
Well I can start the list for you: Mozambique, anigre, teak, rosewood and ebony. There are a few super coated steels out there that you might be able to get away with running a few hundred feet. The one we carry is called Endurance, you grind it the same way as high speed steel. There a few others brands that can do the same. I am sure others will be able to add to this list.
