Tungsten Carbide Use in the Woodworking Industry

Tungsten carbide, an alloy made by compressing metal carbide powders and cementing them at extremely high temperatures (3000?F.), has properties which make it an invaluable cutting tool in the woodworking field. Tungsten carbide knives will stay sharp much longer than steel knives and can easily cut across the grain, cut the hardest wood, and cut through mineral streaks, glue lines, and veneers. Use of tungsten carbide makes possible cutter head velocities from 20,000 to 50,000 rpm. It is a natural material for shaper knives, moulders, stickers, glue jointers, tenoners, routers, and saws. Disadvantages of this material include its brittleness and low transverse rupture strength, which can be compensated for through engineering. The ultimate in carbide application for the shaper is a cutter head with removable milled-to-pattern knives, which will permit use of as many knives as required. Application to the moulder and glue jointer are similar. Rate of feed and spindle speed are very important and should be analyzed for each application. Tungsten carbide is very resistant to wear, produces a smooth finish, and can withstand very high temperatures.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member