New "XP" Series of Compression Spirals
Posted 4/29/10
Vortex Tool Company, Inc. has recently developed a new series of tooling, the XP “Extreme Performance”Series, the result of extensive testing performed at the company on its own CNC test router. According to company officials, the testing was done as a result of tool life issues being reported by one of its longtime customers. Vortex purchased material from the customer and developed a uniform testing procedure for new tool designs. After testing nearly 100 different tool configurations and routing over 40,000 lineal feet, Vortex was able to increase tool life ten to one over current tool technology.
“We first tried several different grades of carbide”, reports Mike Serwa, Vice President of Vortex Tool. “It became evident that carbide grade was not going to be the answer. From there we literally wiped the slate clean and started from scratch; every aspect of the manufacturing process of this new series has been altered or changed completely. This is more than just changing the carbide grade to try and get more life,” Mike said. “We’ve completely changed the way we make this tool!”
Vortex is currently building inventory on many of its most popular tool sizes and has begun filling orders for customers. The new XP series will be designated by the standard part number followed by “XP” and is available in the most popular two flute compression geometries only.
Here is some feedback from customers who are using the new "XP" Bits:
Just wanted to thank you for your recommendation on the new compression bit we are using, tool #3189XP. This completely solved our laminate chipping problem on a shallow dado groove. The small compression on this bit both cleared the waste and gave us a perfect cut. Surprisingly also was the tool life on this bit, which lasted 3 months of cutting high production, probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 30,000 feet or more of double pass, single step grooves. That is extraordinary for us, especially with the laminates being produced these days (brittle and hard on tooling).
So thanks Lynn, another problem child in our operation solved!
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Thanks,
John Paul
Posted 7/22/10
We have been using a Biesse 7.40 FT for 5 years extensively and even though I’ve tested other tools, I found one I like. I have been using Vortex’s 3189 ever since we bought the machine. When I first started cutting, we were getting 223 -243 sheets with this tool cutting 4x8 ¾ Plywood and 4x9 5/8 Melamine. Cabinet parts is what we cut, but lots of drawer box parts too.
When I found out that Vortex was coming out with the XP Series, I immediately ordered one. When it arrived I installed it and 260 sheets later it’s cutting my melamine just perfect with NO CHIPPING. I looked at the tool today, and it’s showing no wear to the cutting edge but could not wait to write this review as I feel we might hit 300-320 sheets. The grade of materials we use are above average, but I do find trash in the plywood and melamine often but it gets cut into sawdust. Eventually, when the chipping occurs, I’ll send the tool back to Vortex for them to sharpen, and hopefully add to this review when I test the sharpened tool.
I placed another order today for some more but I don’t think I’ll need them for a few days, nothing like brand new shiny cutters….
Richard Morris
Charles’ Cabinets, NC
