Learn More About Choosing Valve Seat Cutters
When you’re machining engines, the valve seats are some of the most critical components. That’s where the right valve seat cutter comes in. By choosing the correct cutter for your engine type from the hundreds available on eBay, you can help prevent leaks and get the cutting angles right on the first try.
Things to consider when choosing a valve seat cutterWhether you’re choosing a small engine valve seat cutter or a motorcycle valve seat cutter, keep these factors in mind:
- Size: This is the diameter of the cutter. Usually, you should choose a valve seat cutter that’s close in diameter to the size of the valve in your engine. Don’t worry about getting an exact match; you can usually go as small as 1/4 inch narrower than the valve or 1/8 inch larger. See the manufacturer site for details.
- Angles: The angles of a cutter are the angles that the blades can cut. When you’re looking at a new or used valve seat cutter on eBay, make sure it has the contact surface angle that you need. Then, check the angles that sit on top and below the area where the blades touch the surface.
- Number of sides: Most valve cutters have one or two sides. Products with one side offer a single cutting angle. Two-sided cutters give you two angles to choose from; that makes them a more versatile addition to your shop.
On eBay, you can buy individual valve cutters or a set. If you’re just getting started, a set gives you most of the valve seat tools you need, including:
- Valve seat cutters: These are the round cutting units that make the actual cuts in your engine’s valve seat. They feature heavy duty metal bodies. The blades may be fabricated from different materials; carbide is a common choice.
- Pilots: These are the slim metal bars that you insert through the valve opening and into the cylinder. When you go to make a cut, you slip the cutter over the pilot to keep the cutter on track.
- Adjustment tool: If you’re buying a set that includes valve seat cutters with adjustable blades, you might also get a tool that looks like a screwdriver. This tool enables you to adjust the blades to the correct angle.
Some brands that make valve seat cutters include:
- Neway: This brand specializes in valve reconditioning tools. A Neway valve seat cutter is usually made for specific angles. Some offer adjustable blades for a wider operating range.
- Danish: This company manufactures engine rebuilding tools, including valve seat cutters. Their cutters are usually carbide tipped.
- Serdi: Serdi makes industrial valve cutting tools. If you need cutting bits for a larger machine, look to this brand.