How to Install & Replace Carbide Inserts on a Cutterhead

Carbide inserts are crucial cutting components on helical and spiral cutterheads for thickness planers and jointers, as well as some bits for routers. They are compact in size, feature high precision, hardness, heat resistance, and wear resistance. Due to their indexable design, the inserts have an extended service life.

However, some woodworkers are unaware of how to properly install the inserts on the cutterhead. This may result in damage and affect their work. Besides, even the best-quality inserts will wear out and become dull over time and with frequent use. Therefore, it is essential to inspect and replace them promptly to maintain optimal cutting efficiency and quality.

In this post, we will give you instructions on how to install and replace the carbide inserts properly to prevent damage.

Carbide Inserts Installation on a Cutterhead

Before making any changes to your cutterhead and carbide inserts, make sure to power off your machine for safety. That’s the most important precondition. Now, follow the steps below to learn how to install carbide inserts on your spiral or helical cutterhead.

• Check the insert seats and cutterhead for dust and debris. If there is, use a brush and a dust gun to remove it.
• Place the inserts steadily and correctly in the seats. Incorrect alignment may affect cutting quality and safety. Take the following image as a proper reference.

• (Most essential) Use a torque wrench and screws to secure the blade to the base. The recommended torque is 6 Nm. Screw in clockwise.

There are many frustrating cases of blade damage caused by overtightening. With the help of a torque wrench, you can easily install the carbide inserts without damaging them. Once the torque value is reached, the wrench will make a click sound to remind you. Then you should stop screwing.

• Press the insert gently with one hand to prevent the screw from rotating the blade.
• Use your hand or a pencil to turn the cutterhead and install the blades one by one.
• After all the carbide insert installations are complete, start your thickness planer or jointer to check if the inserts are mounted accurately.

When & How to Replace Carbide Inserts

The indexable carbide inserts are known for their long service life as they are easy to rotate and replace. So here comes the questions: when to replace the carbide inserts and how to replace them? In this section, we will give you the answers. Just keep reading.

When to Replace Carbide Inserts?

If any of the following situations occur, it is time to replace the insert:

1. Visible damage or chipped edges.
2. Rough surfaces and tear-outs on the boards after cutting.
3. Increased vibration or noise.
4. Hard to push the board through.
5. High motor strain.
6. The boards after cutting have burn marks.

How to Replace Carbide Inserts?

1. Power off your thickness planer or jointer for safety.
2. Remove the chips and dust from the cutterhead and the insert seat with a dust gun.
3. Use a torque wrench to loosen the screw counterclockwise. If it's too tight or stuck, gently knock it. Be mindful not to hit the insert.
4. Rotate the insert 90° to a fresh edge. Make sure the orientation of the marks is the same, so you don't mix up the old and new.
5. Press the carbide insert lightly and secure it in the seat.
6. Tighten the insert clockwise with a torque wrench. 6 Nm is recommended.
7. After the insert replacement, start the machine to have a test.

Bonus Tip for Maintaining Carbide Inserts

Now you know how to install and replace the carbide inserts on your planer/jointer cutterhead. Here we want to give you more tips for carbide insert maintenance:

• Before operating the machine, check the carbide inserts. If any inserts are damaged, replace them immediately to prevent risks or damage to the workpiece.
• Regularly verify that all screws are securely tightened.
• Lubricate the insert screw to prevent galling.
• Prepare spare blades so that you can replace broken blades without interrupting your work.

FindBuyTool offers premium carbide inserts replacement made of tungsten carbide for thickness planers and jointers. Our inserts feature high durability and maintain smooth results whether on hardwood, plywood, or knotty timber. We have two shapes of inserts: square indexable inserts and rectangular indexable inserts. If you cannot locate the required carbide insert, we also provide customized insert knife manufacturing.

Hope this post can be helpful to you. If you have any confusion about this blog, leave a comment and your email address below, and we will give you feedback ASAP. Furthermore, we would greatly appreciate it if you shared this post on your social media.

FAQ About How to Install & Replace Carbide Inserts

#1. What is the strongest carbide insert shape?

Square carbide inserts are the strongest. They offer 4 sharp cutting edges with 90° corners, enabling smooth shear cuts.

#2. When to change carbide inserts?

6 signs indicate you need to replace the carbide inserts.

• Visible damage or chipped edges.
• Rough surfaces and tear-outs on the boards after cutting.
• Increased vibration or noise.
• Hard to push the board through.
• High motor strain.
• The boards after cutting have burn marks.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Carbide Planer Inserts?