Now that dozens of you are happy Morizumi users, let me show you one of my favorite setups for spoke cutting. This is also a good time to get a close look at this beautiful device. If you have a nice setup to share, please let us know.
Before starting our visual tour, let me declare that I've never met a wheel builder who doesn't see the advantages of cutting spokes to size to minimize inventory cost and maximize opportunity to supply spokes for repair and building. Most small shops calculate inventory savings in excess of $3,000 and big gains in flexibility. Some can justify the expense today while others need to budget into the future, but no one seems to disagree.
The parts situation is a breeze. For one, the tool barely wears and everything is overbuilt. For two, I keep a good stock in Seattle. For three, First Class Mail to or from Japan is very inexpensive and delivers parts in just a few days. Now, let me show you some close ups.
Bench Setup
Here is the Morizumi cutter mounted to a hardwood bench, IKEA's handy BEKVÄM cart (USD$69.99). I've placed a baking pan (Bakers Secret cookie pan, USD$6.99) [circa 2016, a pan is included] under it to catch oil. Keep an oiler at the ready and over lubricate! Notice the In and Out bottles and a spoke fragment catch bottle on the first shelf. The shelves have plenty of room for spoke inventory from which to cut. Placing your cutter on a dedicated altar improves efficiency and respect for the tool. In this view, the cutting handle is in place.
Catch Bottle
A closer look at the catch bottle. Notice the gray tube to the right of the Morizumi label. This is a 1" plastic tube (provided) that catches spoke trimmings. I've drilled a 1" hole in the baking pan and the bench top so spoke bits drop directly into the bottle below. It's pulled forward in this shot for viewing. I've got thousands of long (and micro sized) trimmings in it. Of course, you can also use the cutter without the tube and let the trimmings fall to the bench for later gathering.
In and Out Bottles
Here you can better see my In and Out bottles. Cutting speed or threading speed is increased if you manage to keep hand motions to a minimum. In this shot, the threading lever is in place and a spoke inserted, ready for threading.
3/4 Left Side View
Here you can better see the new knob for fixing gauge choice and the threading lever which is now a lovely octagonal shape, CNC'd from billet. Notice the many reflections as all pieces (except the open channel base) are machined to a very high tolerance and surface finish.
Left Side Detail
Another angle of this gorgeous tool.
Back View
Notice the cutting lever on the right. One of the handles will slide into this opening for spoke length cutting.
Right Side View
From left to right: two allen cap screws anchor the giant bearings that guide and support the moving die holder (not visible); a round silver circle just above the name "Morizumi" is a bearing and axle that guides the holder's forward edge. From this angle, it can be seen spinning during threading. The two horizontally placed allen screws above the plastic tube hold the spoke cutter. Inside are the fixed and moving dies that assure a perfect cut. The small allen set screw between them locates and holds the fixed shear. The set screw in the machine's base holds the plastic tube in place.
Front View
Here is our final glimpse. There's round knob facing us on the right side that moves in a vertical oval opening. This is the gauge switch. When the large plastic knob (perpendicular) is loosened, this small knob moves down for 15 and up for 14 gauge setting. The machine's compactness is handy, the whole device fits in a small box for road trip support.
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Price
November 02, 2021
Great thing! How much it costs?