Blum introduces its ‘most versatile’ machine
The updated Minipress P is among four new hardware assembly devices
By Jennifer Hicks
STAFF WRITER
Blum Inc. introduced four new hardware assembly devices at IWF in August, designed to complement the hinge and drawer systems it also manufactures.
The Boxfix M is a bench-top assembly clamp for mounting Blum’s Tandem-box runner system to cabinet drawers and features pre-set stops.
“Instead of having to hold a bottom, a back, and the two sides, the clamp actually holds everything together so the operator can pre-drill and run the screws in,” said Shawn Pressley, Blum’s product manager for hinges and machine assembly aids.
The Minipress P is an updated version of the company’s boring and hardware insertion machine. “The Minipress P will bore and insert almost all of our hardware. It’s the most versatile machine in our line,” Pressley said.
The drilling distance is now adjusted on the front of the machine with a
Blum’s Boxfix M assembly clamp, Minidrill and Minipress.
hand dial. On the old version users had to reach behind the machine, unlock the handles and manually adjust the drilling distance.
An optional digital scale is available for fine, accurate adjustments. Other updates include improved positioning stops, pneumatic hold-down clamps and a user-friendly boring depth adjustment.
“The boring depth adjustment in the past was just a hand knob, and was kind of difficult to adjust and also difficult to measure where you were at,” Pressley said. “The new system now has a threaded rod on the back with two large lock nuts, so it’s a simpler design but it’s also a more efficient design. You can adjust the depth easier and it remains set.”
Blum also offers a Minipress M, which is a manual version. “The manual model can do everything that the Minipress P can do. It can drill and insert for all of our hardware. The only thing it doesn’t have is compressed air, so it doesn’t have hold-down clamps,” Pressley said.
Contact: Blum Inc., 7733 Old Plank Road, Stanley, NC 28164. Tel: 704-827- 1345. www.blum.us.com
Just snap and insert the knife to change blades with the German system
By Jennifer Hicks
STAFF WRITER
Dispoz-a-Blade now offers Self-Set disposable knives for 6" and 8" jointers.
Self-Set is a two-part system manufactured in Germany, which includes an indexing knife holder with posi-
tioning stops and a disposable, double-edged knife. The holder features stops that keep the blade at an even position at the time of installation.
Self-Set is a more economical index tooling system compared to one that uses standard knives, according to
Dave Dean, owner of Dispoz-a-Blade LLC. “Self-Set allows anyone to literally drop the knife and holder in the knife pocket of a 6" or 8" full round cutterhead and have perfectly adjusted knives. It’s set from the top of the cutterhead rather than the bottom of the knife pocket,” said Dean.
Contrary to standard index tooling systems, the new knives eliminate the need for machine modifications, as well as the use of jack screws or springs, setting gauges, jigs or measuring tools, Dean said. The knife is simply snapped on the holder, which then gets inserted into the knife pocket of the cutterhead. The integral stops on the holder keep the knife in place once they’re attached to the cutterhead.
Dean explained positioning is simple with the fixed stops, whereas standard knives that get sharpened have to be constantly readjusted. “When they grind the knives, obviously they’re removing material. When you remove material, the height of the knife changes, so you have to go back to your machine and compensate for the amount of material that was removed by adjusting the
The indexing knife holder for the Dispoz-A-Blade Self-Set system features stops that contact the outside surface of a full round cutterhead to keep the blade even at installation.
protrusion of the knife,” said Dean.
The 6" Self-Set kit includes three holders and knives, and retails for $169.15. The 8" kit retails for $199.24. Both kits are available with four or more knives and holders for an additional cost.
Dispoz-a-Blade also sells a set of three 6" replacement knives for $24.52 and three 8" knives for $31.30.
“No one can say how often the knives need to be replaced. However, because of the ease in changing blades with the Self-Set system, there is no longer an excuse to run dull knives,” added Dean.
Contact: Dispoz-A-Blade LLC, 32 Old Cahoonzie Road, Sparrow Bush, NY 12780, 800-557-8092. www.dispoz ablade.com
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