The MARTIN Xplane cutterhead with three rows of knives impresses with a remarkably smooth operation even when idling. This impression is again underlined with the cutterhead in action – it works at a very low noise level. Even the largest chip removals require surprisingly low motor power – another advantage. What is really fascinating, however, is the surface quality that can be achieved with the Xplane, even on difficult types of wood.
MARTIN has been offering planing cutterblocks with individual, spirally arranged knives since 2011. What was initially viewed rather sceptically has become a serious alternative to the established systems in recent years. Intensive development work and extensive trials have finally led to a perfect result: the three-row Xplane shaft from MARTIN.
It is generally recognised that far better surface results can be achieved with a so-called shear cut than with straight, non-angled blades. The Xplane achieves highly impressive results, particularly in knotty areas, such as around branches, but also with woods that are difficult to plane, such as robinia. The ideal design of the three rows of knives minimises or even eliminates tears. This reduces expensive reworking, which is usually required for every planed surface.
In addition to the optimum arrangement of the knives and the correctly selected number of rows, the shape of the knives themselves is also an important point. With the XS knife, MARTIN supplies a specially ground, arched knife. The result is smooth, barely perceptible transitions between the individual knife tracks, optimum chip removal, remarkably low cutting pressure and reduced chip size.
The XS knives made of carbide have a service life that is around 20 times longer than conventional planer knives. This saves costs and, incidentally, opens up completely new machining possibilities. Even MDF can be planed without any consequences. If the cutting edge is damaged, for example by metal inclusions or small stones, it is not necessary to replace the entire set of knives on the cutterhead. Simply turn two or three small, low-cost hard metal knives on the shaft, and you’re done. Each XS blade has four uses and therefore also makes a noticeable contribution to reducing costs.
The spiral arrangement of the knives on a cutter block, which is in the nature of this arrangement, leads to a considerable reduction in the noise generated. The perceived noise pollution is reduced by up to 50% thanks to the Xplane shaft (compared to a traditional cutter block with four knives). This makes both working with the machine itself and working in its surroundings much more pleasant.
The three-row MARTIN Xplane shaft is a precision tool that achieves excellent planing results even on difficult materials thanks to its unique design.
