Rojek 550 x 35 x 3mm Planer Blades, Resharpenable HSS for Professional Finish

Manufactured in the UK by Xcalibur Tooling, these 550 x 35 x 3mm planer blades are precision-engineered for compatibility with all planer and thicknesser machines requiring a 550mm blade. Produced for trade workshops and discerning woodworkers, these knives are trusted by professionals across the UK for their durability, dimensional accuracy, and consistent surface finish on hardwoods and softwoods alike.

Each blade is made from T1 High Speed Steel (HSS), a high-tungsten alloy recognised for its superior edge retention and resistance to heat build-up during demanding cuts. The blades are heat-treated and stress-relieved, then precision-ground to a 40° bevel cutting angle. This geometry is the industry standard for planer knives, providing a balance between sharpness and edge strength, allowing for clean, tear-free planing on a wide variety of timber species. The T1 HSS composition offers a significant performance advantage over conventional HSS, especially when working with abrasive hardwoods or timber containing knots and mineral inclusions.

Manufacturing tolerances are tightly controlled throughout production. Each blade is ground to within ±0.02mm on thickness and width, ensuring consistent seating in the cutter block and uniform material removal across the full width of the machine. This precision minimises vibration and helps prevent ridges or snipe, resulting in a smooth, even surface straight from the planer. Blades are supplied as a matched pair, making installation straightforward and reducing setup time for accurate knife setting. The resharpenable design provides long-term value for workshops equipped to regrind blades, extending service life and reducing overall tooling costs.

Technical Specifications

• Machine Compatibility: Rojek Compatible with planer/thicknessers requiring a 550mm blade
• Blade Length: 550mm
• Blade Width: 35mm
• Blade Thickness: 3mm
• Material: T1 High Speed Steel (HSS)
• Cutting Edge Angle: 40° bevel
• Edge Type: Single-edged, resharpenable
• Pack Size: 2 knives (1 pair)
• Manufacturing Origin: Made in the UK
• Brand: Xcalibur Tooling

Applications

• Joinery and cabinet making
• Surface planing of hardwoods (oak, beech, ash, iroko)
• Planing of softwoods (pine, spruce, cedar)
• General workshop thicknessing
• Preparation of timber for finishing or assembly
• Restoration and refurbishment of reclaimed wood

Why Choose Xcalibur Tooling

• T1 HSS for superior edge retention and heat resistance
• Resharpenable, extends blade life for professional workshops
• Precision-ground for consistent thickness and flatness
• Trusted by professionals and workshops across the UK
• Over 45 years of UK manufacturing expertise
• Quality Guaranteed, every blade batch is inspected before dispatch

Brand Statement

Manufactured in the United Kingdom by Xcalibur Tooling. Over 45 years of manufacturing expertise. Quality Guaranteed. Trusted by Professionals.

Shipping & Returns

All orders are dispatched from Bramhall, Cheshire within 1-2 working days. Free standard delivery on all UK orders. Returns are accepted within 30 days. Items must be unused and in original packaging.

Payment

Payment is accepted via PayPal, credit card, or debit card through secure checkout. All prices include VAT where applicable.

FAQs

Q: Will these 550mm planer blades fit my Rojek machine?
A: These blades are compatible with any planer or thicknesser that requires a 550mm long, 35mm wide, 3mm thick blade. Always check your machine’s manual or measure your existing knives to confirm these dimensions. The blades are supplied as a matched pair for straightforward installation in standard cutter blocks.

Q: What is the cutting angle and why is it important for planing quality?
A: The blades are precision-ground to a 40° bevel, which is the industry standard for planer knives. This angle provides an optimal balance between sharpness and edge durability, resulting in a clean, tear-free finish on both hardwoods and softwoods. The 40° geometry also helps maintain edge strength during heavy cuts and reduces the risk of chipping.

Q: What advantages does T1 High Speed Steel offer over standard HSS?
A: T1 HSS contains a higher tungsten content than standard HSS grades, which significantly improves edge retention and resistance to heat during extended use. This means the blades stay sharper for longer, especially when planing abrasive hardwoods or timber with knots. T1 HSS is also less prone to micro-chipping, which is critical for maintaining a smooth surface finish in demanding workshop environments.

Q: Are these planer blades resharpenable and how many times can they be ground?
A: Yes, these blades are single-edged and fully resharpenable. With correct grinding technique and care to maintain the original bevel, each blade can typically be resharpened 6 to 10 times, depending on the amount of material removed per grind. This makes them a cost-effective choice for trade workshops and professionals who require consistent performance over time.

Q: Are these blades suitable for planing hardwoods as well as softwoods?
A: These T1 HSS blades are engineered for use on both hardwoods and softwoods. They perform exceptionally well on demanding species such as oak, beech, ash, and iroko, as well as on softwoods like pine and spruce. The high-tungsten steel composition and 40° cutting angle help produce a smooth, even finish with minimal tear-out, even on interlocked or figured grain.

Q: How do HSS planer blades compare to TCT blades for workshop use?
A: HSS blades, such as these T1 grade knives, are resharpenable and offer good edge retention for most woodworking applications. TCT (Tungsten Carbide Tipped) blades last longer, especially in abrasive or high-volume settings, but they are not resharpenable and are more expensive per set. HSS is the preferred choice for workshops with sharpening facilities or where frequent blade changes are not practical.

Q: What is included in the pack and how are the blades protected during shipping?
A: Each pack contains two matched planer blades (one pair), precision-ground and individually inspected. Blades are supplied with edge protectors and rust-inhibitor packaging to prevent corrosion and damage in transit. Every set is dispatched from Xcalibur Tooling’s facility in Cheshire.

Q: What are the manufacturing tolerances and why do they matter?
A: Each blade is ground to within ±0.02mm on thickness and width, ensuring consistent seating in the cutter block and uniform material removal across the full width of the machine. This precision minimises vibration and helps prevent ridges or snipe, resulting in a smooth, even surface straight from the planer. Tight tolerances are essential for professional results and long-term machine health.