CMT Orange Tools692.078.30 – Head Without contracuch. D 78 x 40 °F 30

Buono

The short:If you have a shaper, and and even think to run any kinds of details, profiles and mouldings, this is your little friend! High quality, well balanced, safe, and 100's of knife profile options with a versatility that pays for itself.The Detailed:I first came across these insert cutters while working at a company, with the Amana brand, nearly 15 years ago, and I was hooked. At the time, there weren't as many insert cutters available, but there were blank knives (which are still available), that we could grind to any shape, or send to out a service and have them grind it. And what I REALLY liked (along with the quick change aspect) was the safety! Gone were the days of insert cutters whose knives were simply tightened down or friction held. Those oldies I'd NEVER use, but were fixtures in many Old Timer's shops.Here, there are two integral aligning pins as well as a pressure collar, that fits neatly over the knives to secure them. Very safe.The CMT knife selection can also be mated with many of the Amana knives as well. (I think CMT simply re-labeled the Amana product?) But check with the vendor for specifics however... As some knives (made under both names) are taller and longer, and may not. I bought mine from Router Bit World, and they're quite knowledgeable on which will fit (as they sell both brands.)The insert knives range from about $11-30 dollars per set. so are much cheaper than buying a router bit for some of these profiles, and can be cheaper to sharpen. These knives are HSS. (and currently not made in China) And for MDF, there are carbide knife sets as well.As well as doing tongue and grooves, for parts, I use it a lot to round over pre-finished baltic birch for drawer boxes. I've always used a feeder, so the finish is quite nice.This one, is machined from aluminum, though it also is available in steel, if your shaper doesn't mind the extra weight, and might want the centrifugal force for longer runs. I would also suggest to pay the extra $10, and get the 1-1/4" bore and use bushings to size down to as much as 1/2" arbor if need be, Though there are smaller and lighter heads also available in this line for that.But overall, Highly recommended!!