Large Scale Central

NWSL Chopper Problems?

Tools and Tips
#1

Anyone else experience problems with the NWSL chopper II (the small square one) not exactly cutting stock at 90 degrees? I can’t tell if the knife blade handle is off, or the knife blade is moving when I make a cut. Here’s the problem… I set up my fence and lock it into place, place a piece of strip stock up against the back edge of the tool and make a cut. The first 3/4 of the cut is nice and straight, and then the blade angles off towards the left for the last 1/4 of the cut in a nice curve.

So I’m wondering if I’m tightening the razor blade to much, the blade is dull, or if the whole handle is the problem?

Any ideas?

Craig

#2

I’ve had blades wiggle on me in the past, especially on longer (1/2" or wider) cuts. It may have something to do with the blade coming in contact with the near end of the cut (closer to the hinge) at a steeper angle than the far end, but I’m not sure. I generally don’t use it to cut pieces wider than 1/4" anyway, so I don’t give it too much mind.

Later,

K

#3

Kevin,
I tend not to use the chopper for anything bigger than a 1/4" as well, that’s when my mini table saw comes in handy. I tend to notice it more on round or hex stock then flat bar stock. Right now I’m trying to cut off .030" slices off a .060" Hex rod. I change out the blade and see what happens, but remember from the past that the same thing happened (ie it’s not a new problem). I’m not too worried about the deflection of the cut at this point as I can glue all the pieces up and run a light file over it to ‘square’ it up. It’s more frustrating when you take the time to make repetitive small parts and they all need to be cleaned up. I tried cutting half way through and then rotating the stock, and then finishing the cut. That seems to help.
I looked around online last night after I posted this, and this seems to be a ‘common’ problem with the chopper with no apparent fix other then to buy a fancier more expensive chopper like tool (that is no longer in production)…

Craig

#4

Craig, are you using new blades? They go dull at an alarming rate.

#5

Steve,
I’ve had the problem with both new and old blades. I kind of forgot about it, until I pulled it out to use yesterday. I’m going to try a fresh blade and see if that helps at all.

Craig

#6

Choppers are only good for chopping 1/4" or less material, if you need to chop thicker material then you need to use either:

  1. Table Saw
  2. Band Saw
  3. Mini Miter Saw

All will probably need the cut ends sanded.