Wood routers are a staple in woodworking shops across the United States, as these woodworking machines complete intricate cuts that could not be completed with any other machine. Lately, these shops are adding computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines to their fleet, as CNC machines complete these cuts quicker, accurately, and efficiently. This is possible because a CNC router completes its cuts by operating on the Cartesian coordinate system to make cuts as specified by the operator. The woodworking professional will map out the cut using a CAD-based program, indicating exact measurements, and then the machine will automatically complete these cuts.
While some buyers believe they have to buy new woodworking machines to ensure the best cut, this is often not the case. Used CNC routers are an affordable option that still delivers an accurate and efficient cut. Woodworking shops can ensure these machines deliver the best cuts by replacing a rotary CNC bit with a state-of-the-art cutting tool. One such tool is the recently released Donek Drag Knife, which is unlike any other tool available for completing inlays, marquetry, and other veneer cutting.
The Donek Drag Knife fits into used CNC routers manufactured by any brand and utilized for cutting into thin materials with no dust, tear out, or “kerf waste” (the amount of material lost during the cutting process). The blade was shown in action at IWF 2012, an annual conference that serves as a connecting point for professionals in the woodworking, plastics, counter tops, material processing, solid surface, and furniture manufacturing industries. On the show floor the drag knife was shown cutting wood veneer patterns for inlay, but it can be used for a number of different materials. Any material that can be cut with a detail hobby knife or utility knife can be cut with the drag knife, including leather, cardboard, gasket materials, and thin plastics.
The knife works in a unique way, cutting sharp corners or acute angles without over-cutting into the adjacent material. Not only does this capability allow woodworking shops to reduce waste, but it also makes it possible for CNC woodworking machines to cut out the positive and negative parts of an inlay by following the same preprogrammed path. Unlike when cutting with a CNC rotary bit, no kerf allowance (including an expected loss of material in the cutting process when making measurements) is necessary.
Donek hopes there will be a lot of demand for its drag knife tool, as the tool precisely and inexpensively expands the capabilities of an individual’s woodworking machines. Instead of having to purchase the newest CNC router or other machine to get these cutting capabilities, shops can instead save money by purchasing used CNC routers and outfitting them with the Donek Drag Knife.
Woodworking shops interested in acquiring used CNC routers or other woodworking machines to use with the Donek Drag Knife should look to RT Machine Company. We stock all of the major brands, including C.R. Onsrud, SCM, Northwood, Safety Speed, and many others, and can find woodworking machines to fit any budget.
