The range of machinery from Mighton Products has grown again with the recent addition of the innovative X-Cut™ machine. Developed by Mighton’s in-house experts to improve the painstaking task of cross-jointing glazing bars, this compact semi-automatic milling machine measures just under 40cm wide and 45cm high. Mighton gave Tibby Singh, the former BBC Young Carpenter of the Year and now a professional tools and tech tester and reviewer, the opportunity to trial the X-Cut™ machine and see if mighty things really do come in small packages.
Tibby considered the task that the X-Cut™ has been produced to tackle: “Making any cross detail look strong and well finished can be a tricky task especially if you’re short on time. Various shortcut methods exist of course, such as using jointing clips, but none of these compare to an authentic cross joint,” he said.
“There are a number of 45 degree angles incorporated in a traditional cross joint, making it a little more complex to achieve, so I was surprised how well the X-Cut™ machine simplifies the process. The machine itself was quick and easy to set up, the tools were easy to interchange and there was no lengthy manual or complicated computer program to learn before being able to get started,” he continued.
Once assembled, the X-Cut™ machine adjusts to accept bead profiles measuring anywhere from 9mm to 19mm in height and 12mm to 38mm wide. Any lengths over 500mm can be used with the option to add extending arms either side of the machine for ease of loading longer sections.
“After slotting my chosen bead into place the machine’s three cutters then worked together to produce the cross cut,” explained Tibby. “Two cutters, one on either side, move up and down to produce two clean 45 degree cut outs whilst any dust is removed through the 63mm extraction outlet. This is followed by a third flute cutter gliding horizontally through the bead to create a hollowed-out section designed to accept other interlocking parts. Speed control is variable between 12,000 and 18,000 RPM to suit different materials, but on average it takes only 15 seconds before the cutting is complete.
“Even at this speed the X-Cut™ maintains a consistent high level of finish,” added Tibby, who writes about tool tech for trade magazines as well as demonstrating and evaluating products in the UK and overseas. “This is aided by features such as the thickness gauge tool. When setting the cutting depth required the X-Cut™ is designed to automatically increase measurements by half a millimetre, ensuring all components comfortably slot together every time.”
Demonstrations of this and any other Mighton machines are available through the new Mighton Mobile Demonstration Vehicles. Available at home or work, this popular service gives customers the option to book a free appointment with a Mighton expert and receive a live demonstration showing how to get the most out of a potential purchase. Flexible finance options are also available making the Mighton X-Cut™ easily attainable for small to medium joinery companies.
To learn more about the range of Mighton machinery or to order a new catalogue visit www.mightonproducts.com or call 01223 497097.
