Crain 968 vs. Leister vs. WOLFF Electric Vinyl Floor Groovers
Electric floor groovers prepare seams in sheet vinyl and other resilient flooring before heat welding. Compare the Crain 968 Type 2, Leister GROOVER 108.395 and WOLFF Master Groover 50159 by blade speed, seam tracking, cutting depth and purchase cost.
Electric Floor Groover Comparison
| Feature | Crain 968 Type 2 | Leister GROOVER 108.395 | WOLFF Master Groover 50159 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor speed | 12,000 RPM, single speed | 14,500 / 18,500 RPM, two speeds | 6,000–10,000 RPM, variable speed |
| Electrical supply | 110V, 9A | 120V, 350/700W | 115V, rated 2 HP |
| Included blade | 130mm × 3.3mm carbide blade; trapezoidal groove | 110mm × 3.5mm carbide blade; trapezoidal groove | 5-inch × 3.3mm carbide disc; semicircular groove |
| Seam tracking | Front guide wheel follows the seam; rear wheel follows the cut groove | Adjustable guide roller and rear roller on a three-roller base | Adjustable tracking and lateral guidance for raised rubber flooring |
| Depth control | Floor-following wheel adjusts blade height with surface variations | Adjustable cutting-depth setting | Automatic depth control on uneven substrates |
| Maximum groove depth | Type 2: 3/16 inch (4.76mm) with the included 130mm blade | 4mm | 3/16 inch |
| Dust collection | Dust bag and spring-loaded floor-following shroud | Integrated extraction fan and dust bag | Chip extraction and dust bag |
| Carrying case | Included | Included | Included |
| Approximate purchase price | $700–$900 | $2,500–$2,700 | $2,150–$2,300 |
Approximate price ranges for comparison, September 2026. Actual prices, availability, shipping and discounts vary by seller.
Crain 968: A Lower-Cost Alternative to the Leister Power Groover
The Crain 968 Type 2 cuts flooring seams for heat welding and includes a carbide blade and carrying case. Within the price ranges above, it costs less than half as much as either the Leister GROOVER or WOLFF Master Groover.
For contractors comparing electric vinyl groovers, Crain combines a lower purchase cost with floor-following depth control. Check the required groove profile, width and depth for your flooring before choosing a machine.
View Crain 968 Type 2 Price and Availability
Blade Speed, Heat and Seam Edges
Blade RPM affects cutting speed and heat at the cut. Feed rate, blade sharpness, groove depth and flooring material also influence whether seam edges soften or melt. Holding the blade in one spot or using an unsuitable feed rate can affect the cut on any machine.
Crain operates at a fixed 12,000 RPM. Leister provides two higher-speed settings, while WOLFF offers a variable 6,000–10,000 RPM range. Adjustable speed gives the operator another way to match the cutting action to the flooring material. Follow the machine and flooring manufacturers' operating requirements.
Following the Seam and Maintaining Groove Depth
The Crain uses front and rear guide wheels to follow the seam. A separate floor-following wheel raises or lowers the blade as the floor surface changes, compensating for up to 1/8 inch of variation over one foot of seamline. This surface compensation is separate from its maximum cutting depth.
The Leister GROOVER also uses a rear roller that follows the groove, together with an adjustable guide roller. WOLFF provides automatic depth control for uneven substrates and an adjustable lateral guiding wheel for raised rubber flooring.
Match the Blade to the Flooring
The included Crain and Leister blades produce trapezoidal grooves. The included WOLFF disc produces a semicircular groove. Select the profile, width and depth specified for the flooring and welding system being installed.
Crain's No. 971 carbide blade is the standard blade supplied with the 968 Type 2. For metal-impregnated safety flooring, the No. 972 diamond blade is sold separately.
View the Crain 968 Type 2 | View the Leister Electric GROOVER