Our Spoke Cutting & Threading (SCT) machine has undergone some pretty nifty improvements. All the tweaks below are found on SCT's we currently (2016) ship. If you plan to attend NAHBS in Sacramento, please pay us a visit in booth 85 to see this marvel in person.
The design's inventor is Morizumi Masakazu who made them by himself and, since 2007, is represented worldwide by us. In 2014 Mr Morizumi stepped back from production and a new team took over. Mr Morizumi stays closely involved with the project and we continue to add clever details.
Here is an upside down view of the fixed die holder. The bracket, held with 2 allens, limits the distance the spoke enters for threading, and determines the number of threads. Here it's set for 9mm (a common standard). Notice the slot for the fixing screws. The bracket can now move a distance of 4 spoke threads, adjusting thread length by 2mm.
First, and frankly overdue, is a finger knob to make easier opening the door (guide plate) when inserting a spoke for threading. This knob is actually an avant guard drawer pull with an excellent shape for our purpose. You can see it to the right above and clearly in the image below of the whole machine.
In the next image, the fixed die holder is mounted back on the machine. Behind the die is a vertical metal edge (also visible in the first image above) that guides the moving die holder. Two of these capture and guide the moving die fore and aft. They, and their corresponding slots, have been widened from 2.5mm to 4mm, adding stability and strength.
Speaking of stability, the shot below shows our earlier link pivot held over the current shaft. Notice the increase in width from 24mm to 30mm. This massive pivot adds substantial stability to die movement. Stability = precision = quality = repeatability.
We've also increased the width of the two large needle roller bearings that support the moving die, from 20mm to 25mm. Another 25% improvement. See image below where the earlier bearing is held next to the new one.
The moving die was previously guided, on its forward edge, by a steel axle running on two thin bearings, a setup that could not be adjusted relative to the die movement and under severe load (miss managed jam) can dent the moving die holder.
We've replaced that with a precision outrigger bearing mounted to a cam. Now play for the moving die can be micro-adjusted. In the rare case of a too great load, the little bearing fails (easily replaced) rather than denting the die holder. See the assembly below, the fixed die holder has been removed.
The scale from which spokes hang for trimming now sports a micro-adjuster so it can be made to match any spoke measuring standard you prefer. You can stay consistent with the factory of your preferred brand. It is seen below, underneath the scale bottom.
Just to dress up the assembly, we replaced the previous Italian plastic knobs (cutting and trimming levers) with hand turned wood. All are remnant hardwoods from brother Jon's wood haven in Montana. Lately knobs are pecan, extremely dense and hard with a great feel.
Lastly, the foil ID label is now an inlaid photo etched stainless plate. We experimented with rivets (some of you have those) but settled on a permanent adhesive. Each plate bears a unique serial number. The machine pictured will be going to an expectant customer shortly.
It is an impressive machine, no doubt, and made to unusual high standards. Each is individually prepared and we take them very seriously. This is why, for example, that Morizumi-san does not want them named for himself unless he makes each one, like a traditional custom frame builder.
They're now Wheel Fanatyk SCT's, "Morizumi designed," of course; and straight to you with our best effort and good wishes for fun and success.
Adrian Emilson of Melody Wheels recently mentioned, "I'm in the habit of cutting/trimming almost all my spokes because I find that precise spoke lengths really adds to the build quality." Ryan Kereliuk of Spoke Service,"In the last 72 hours I rolled exactly 1,000 threads with not a single failure...Amazing." That's the music (along with criticism) that keeps us on the job and striving for improvement.
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Allen
November 02, 2021
How much? us dollars