SCM Bottom Cutting Glue Line Ripsaw - R18 (20HP)
The Cantek R18 bottom cutting straight line ripsaw is designed with performance and added safety in mind. Cutting from below forces the workpiece down on to the feed chain for superior hold down. In addition the blade can project up above the workpiece to allow the gullet to clear the chips which leads to less heat buildup resulting in longer blade life and improved cut quality.
The R18 is capable of producing a glue joint cut up to 12 feet. The user friendly floating fence allows the operator to easily line up the material for optimum yield resulting in greater efficiencies. The powerful 20HP direct drive ensures optimum feed rates no matter what material or thickness you are cutting.
Features
- Cutting from below has a distinct advantage in that the gullet of the sawblade projects above the stock to clear the shavings halfway through the cut providing for superior finish results and extended blade life
- Bottom cutting also forces the material down on to the chain surface providing for safer operation
- Powerful 20HP motor allows for optimum feed speeds no matter what the material or thickness
- Extended hold down assembly with guaranteed glue joint ripping from 1’ to 12’
- Precision cast-iron split feed chain with automatic lubrication for maximum wear protection
- Floating infeed fence with pneumatic quick locking or mechanical locking
- Auto-lowering bottom anti-kickback finders to facilitate with lining up the workpiece on the table
- Extra heavy-duty machine frame made of thick welded steel and cast iron
- Split chain, double feed track with HRC60 Rockwell Hardened Guideways
- Massive steel table with 26” maximum rip capacity
- (11) hold down rolls and 41” long chain above the table ensures precision straight-line ripping
- Automatic chain and track lubrication system ensures long life of the chain & track assembly
- Saw arbor height is adjusted manually
- Manual adjustment with linear scale for thickness setting
- Saw arbor brake included
- Anti-kickback fingers top and bottom for safe operation
- Safety interlock on access door
- Comes with 14” rip saw blade: 14mm pin holes on 65mm centers
- Optional laser light to project the cutting line to help with cutting yield
What our Experts Think
Q&A
Q: What is the SCM R18 used for?
A: The R18 is designed for precision ripping operations, producing straight, glue-ready edges directly from the saw without additional jointing.
Q: What are the benefits of a bottom-cutting design?
A: The bottom-cutting configuration improves material control, cutting stability, and surface quality for cleaner, more accurate results.
Q: How does the 20HP motor enhance performance?
A: The powerful 20HP motor delivers the strength needed for high-speed ripping of hardwoods and softwoods in demanding production environments.
Q: Is the R18 suitable for glue-line applications?
A: Yes, it is engineered to create smooth, accurate edges that are ready for panel glue-up and assembly.
Q: Why choose the SCM R18?
A: It offers precision glue-line cuts, high production efficiency, excellent edge quality, and reliable performance for professional woodworking operations.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean the saw blade, feed system, arbor assembly, and machine interior daily to remove sawdust and resin buildup.
- Inspect the bottom-cutting saw blade regularly for dull teeth, cracks, or damage and replace as needed.
- Ensure blade alignment and arbor components are properly adjusted for straight, glue-ready cuts.
- Check feed rollers and pressure systems for wear and consistent material control.
- Lubricate bearings, chains, guides, and moving components according to SCM maintenance guidelines.
- Inspect the 20HP motor, drive belts, and electrical connections for signs of wear or overheating.
- Verify fence and cutting width settings regularly to maintain dimensional accuracy.
- Keep the dust extraction system operating efficiently to reduce debris accumulation and improve cut quality.
- Tighten loose hardware, blade mounting components, and safety guards during routine inspections.
- Follow SCM’s preventive maintenance schedule to maximize cutting precision, productivity, and machine lifespan.
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