Wadkin PK - Depth of Cut.

**Vann** · 6th August 2022, 09:38 PM

According to Wadkin catalogues, the PK dimension saw has a maximum depth of cut of 4 1/4" (108mm).

PK.jpg

While down south on holiday in June last, I had a look at two PKs. While tinkering with one (PKA 805) I noticed the 18" blade only protruded above the table by ~3 1/2". I checked that sawdust wasn't blocking it's travel - and the head woodworker assured me it had never had a greater depth of cut.

The following day I visited a guy who had only recently acquired his PK, and had a quick measure of his saw. Again ~3 1/2".

Upon return home I cranked up my PK (PKA 800) blade to the maximum and measured 110mm. So I contacted Auscab and he gets 113mm on his (PK 1892). I've since checked another PK (PK 1479) and measured 108mm blade protrusion.

Strange

I'm sure I read somewhere (Matt Matt on the Canadian forum maybe) that some PKs are modified in the factory to have extended depth of cut. But I assumed that meant extended beyond the 108mm depth of cut specified in the catalogues. I can't figure out why Wadkin would claim 108mm (4 1/4") if that was only available as a special order - and if it wasn't by special order, why would they supply some that don't meet the spec.?

Anyway, if any of you PK owners out there would be so good as to let me know your maximum depth of cut we might be able to shed some light on this.

Cheers, Vann.

**Charlie_6ft** · 7th August 2022, 07:00 AM

Could it be that the PKA range was limited to 3 ½" & that yours was a transition model from a Gen 2 to a Gen 3 (or something like that)? I should get mine in about 2-3 weeks had to delay it with some personal challenges.

Will need to get a new blade for it as the one on it is tiny (may 10") but wasn't keen on a 18" as they are expensive, range is limited in that size and kerf on a 18" blade is 4mm were as a 16" is 3mm from what I have read.

**clear out** · 7th August 2022, 07:53 AM

Chas don’t rush into buying new blades I have a few in the stash I’ll never use.
Not 18” from memory but bigger than I can use on the AGS I’m refurbishing.
What are you after ?
Rip, crosscut or for board material ?
I’ll have a squiz later and contact you.
H.

**Vann** · 7th August 2022, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Charlie_6ft

Could it be that the PKA range was limited to 3 ½" & that yours was a transition model from a Gen 2 to a Gen 3 (or something like that)?...

Thanks for the input Charlie, but even the 1936 catalogue (at the time of the change from G1 to G2) states 4" depth of cut. And both the saws with the shallower depth of cut are newer than mine (one is a G4).

Originally Posted by Charlie_6ft

...I should get mine in about 2-3 weeks...

When it arrives I would love to know the maximum depth of cut (and the blade diameter so I can work out DoC with an 18" blade).

Take up that generous offer from clear-out

.

Cheers, Vann.

**Vann** · 7th August 2022, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by clear out

...Not 18” from memory but bigger than I can use on the AGS I’m refurbishing...

If they're off an AGS you'll need to get them bored from 1" to 1 1/4".

Cheers, Vann.

**wallace1973** · 9th August 2022, 03:09 AM

I just got my gen 1 unwrapped and wired up. I thought the blades I had were 18" but their 171/2". I can get just short of 4" depth of cut. On other pk's I've had the riving knife bracket acts as a stop but at full height the bracket on mine doesn't hit. Infact if I keep on winding the threads run out on the spindle.

**Vann** · 9th August 2022, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by wallace1973

I just got my gen 1 unwrapped and wired up. I thought the blades I had were 18" but their 171/2". I can get just short of 4" depth of cut...

So another 1/2" diameter would add 1/4" to the radius, giving just short of 4 1/4" depth of cut. Great. Thank-you.

Originally Posted by wallace1973

...if I keep on winding the threads run out on the spindle.

Mine too

.

Cheers, Vann.

**AJOE123** · 9th August 2022, 10:12 AM

There are two motor types.
The totally enclosed fan cooled motor is fatter and results in reduced depth range.
Jack mentioned this over on the Canadian site.
Cheers
Tony

**Vann** · 9th August 2022, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by AJOE123

There are two motor types.
The totally enclosed fan cooled motor is fatter and results in reduced depth range...

Hi Tony. Thanks for your suggestion - however I don't think that is the answer.

The totally enclosed (ZEF) motor didn't come out until 1954-ish (Jack's 1954 saw has the earlier ZF motor - some other 1954 saws have the newer ZEF). One of the two with the lesser depth of cut is PKA 805 of 1945. I'm trying to work out which the other was

.

Edit: I believe the second PK was PK 1732 which is between Jack's PK 1718 (old slimmer ZF motor) and Scamp's PK 1736 (new fatter ZEF motor) - all built in 1954.

Cheers, Vann.

**wallace1973** · 9th August 2022, 06:59 PM

I think if the threaded rod for the raise was longer and the grease nipple changed I could get nearer 5" cut.

**Charlie_6ft** · 11th August 2022, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by clear out

Chas don’t rush into buying new blades I have a few in the stash I’ll never use.
Not 18” from memory but bigger than I can use on the AGS I’m refurbishing.
What are you after ?
Rip, crosscut or for board material ?
I’ll have a squiz later and contact you.
H.

Thanks clear_out - will give you a call

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