Hello all. I have recently acquired a very vintage 500-1 Fraser Cutter. However as one would expect there is no instruction sheet. The unit is simple and needs very little instruction, but I am interested in the manufactures suggested tension setting. My intent is to motorize this unit, most probably using a bread machine motor, and drive. I know there is a nice motorized Fraser unit out there for about $600. Lets see how this home built works out, and as always I'll post the results. Perhaps someone could e-mail me a copy of the instructions, or just post the tension information.Thanks, Frank.

Comments

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 01:12

sandra.eberhar…

Good luck.  Being able to use large (50#) mill end rolls was what drove me to design my strip cutter.  It's a stand that holds a roll of fabric and 10 razor cutter blades.  I grab the ends of the strips and walk backward until I run out of floor, pile the strips into bags and repeat.  I can strip a 50# roll in about a week.

Sandra

Fri, 09/28/2012 - 02:47

TheLoominary (not verified)

Hi bigwhitesofadog. Sounds like a workable system indeed! Since old age, and bad knees are setting in I've decided to "Mechanize". Besides, I just love the sound of gears, and sprockets! Frank.

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 01:30

steve104c (not verified)

Frank, I have two(2) Rigby cutters. I can assume you would adjust the pressure the same way. I turn the pressure nut to just when the fabric pulls thru the wheels and cuts all the way thru the fabric. Some times it may fill like you're screwing it down to much.  Different thicknesses of fabric calls for different pressures.................Steve

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 02:40

TheLoominary (not verified)

Thanks Steve. I was just looking for some factory info in the chance it would indicate actual tension on the Fraser, as the tension spring was the only item missing on my unit. I've done some experimenting and have found a replacement spring that works well now. I'm gathering parts for the motor drive.This Fraser will work as my test unit for a powered cutter of my own design, that will cut four strips at a once. Got to stay busy on those long Vermont Winters! Frank. 

Sat, 10/06/2012 - 03:58

Vennui (not verified)

I have a Rag cutter by Fraser. It has been motorized and build into a small box. I called the company and they sent me a set of instructions .You might try that. I am not sure what type of motor they used but it was connected to a sewing machine control. It really works well. Good luck!
Sat, 10/06/2012 - 03:58

Vennui (not verified)

I have a Rag cutter by Fraser. It has been motorized and build into a small box. I called the company and they sent me a set of instructions .You might try that. I am not sure what type of motor they used but it was connected to a sewing machine control. It really works well. Good luck!
Sat, 10/06/2012 - 05:26

TheLoominary (not verified)

Hi Vennui. Thanks, and I think I've figured out what I need. I'll motorize my Fraser with gears, shafts, and a belt from a bread making machine, and use a sewing machine motor with a foot controller. A nice winter project. Frank.

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 18:28

niddynoddy

Sounds great, do you have a picture?  I have a Rigby but it only cuts one strip at a time, width is variable.

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 19:08

TheLoominary (not verified)

Hi niddynoddy. I'm busy gathering odds & ends to motorize the Fraser, and hope to build a four strip machine next spring. I will certainly post some pictures, and information as I complete them. Frank.