Manual Strap Cutter Machine: Opinions/Recommendations

[kgg]

12 hours ago, DieselTech said:

Awesome machine for the money.

Looks like it does a nice job. All you need to do now is change the hand crank to a pulley and strap a servo motor on.

kgg

[DieselTech]

1 hour ago, kgg said:

Looks like it does a nice job. All you need to do now is change the hand crank to a pulley and strap a servo motor on.

kgg

I have thought about doing that. A speed reducer & a 750watt brushless servo motor. 

My only real gripe is, I think they should have included more material fingers that holds & separates the leather from the rollers/cutters. 

[kgg]

1 hour ago, DieselTech said:

My only real gripe is, I think they should have included more material fingers that holds & separates the leather from the rollers/cutters. 

Maybe consider get some extras or having a couple 3D printed.

kgg

[Wizcrafts]

I'm following this conversation. Definitely interested.

[DieselTech]

Only thing that would be hard to source is a v-belt pulley with a square drive. That is if a did decide to try & motorized it. 

[RockyAussie]

On 10/12/2024 at 9:48 PM, DieselTech said:

My only real gripe is, I think they should have included more material fingers that holds & separates the leather from the rollers/cutters.

That part of the setup is a bit silly really. If the fingers were made out of something heavier (3mm or 1/8") and with a longer back section they would not need to be spaced and locked in place. The weigh at the back would let the front part ride against the cutter shaft. I have an old machine like that and to change position I just lift the finger forward and move it sideways to where I want it. 5 seconds to change each finger.

[DieselTech]

28 minutes ago, RockyAussie said:

That part of the setup is a bit silly really. If the fingers were made out of something heavier (3mm or 1/8") and with a longer back section they would not need to be spaced and locked in place. The weigh at the back would let the front part ride against the cutter shaft. I have an old machine like that and to change position I just lift the finger forward and move it sideways to where I want it. 5 seconds to change each finger.

Yes that is the only big gripe with this machine. The stupid finger set up they used. It's a PITA. But I'm happy with it. 

It sure beats cutting straps by hand & a knife. 

I already got plans to modify/fabricate a new finger setup. Using heavier material for the fingers & either lock collars or round turn buckle clamps. 

[DieselTech]

Update: The more I use this strap cutter, the more I like it. It does a real nice job!

Here is some 5oz pebbled veg-tan that I cut, 3-1½" wide straps & 1-1" wide strap. Cut it like butter. 

[FrankHester]

Did you happen to notice if the gears are metal or plastic?

[DieselTech]

3 hours ago, Herbie said:

Did you happen to notice if the gears are metal or plastic?

The gears are made of metal, & it's got sealed roller bearings on all the shafts.  It seems to be a decent machine for the money. I'm pretty happy with it.