Replies

1. 
   Quickstep | Mar 18, 2007 05:26pm | #1

   I think the subject just got worn out. After researching the alternatives, I recently put a Shelix head in my Delta DJ-20 8" jointer. I bought it directly from Byrd and their customer service was incredibly good. They responded promptly to every email and phone call. The first head I got had an issue with making ridges, but they quickly replaced it. The new one cuts perfectly smoothly after adjusting a few of the cutters. It cuts figured wood with nearly zero tearout. It cuts much more smoothly than the three knife cutter it replaced. I noticed one thing while using it to do edge jointing that I hadn't expected. Because of the helical orientation of the cutters, it actually helps hold the board against the fence. Most people who switch to Shelix notice that it's quieter than the old cutter, but that's a relative thing. It's quieter than the three blade cutter, but it's not like you can carry on a conversation while jointing. The Shelix head is expensive, so it's probably necessary to have a strong reason to buy it. Working figured woods is one of those reasons. I got the Shelix because I hate setting jointer knives and with the high speed steel cutters, one knot could make a dent in the cutting edge that meant shifting or replacing the knives. Either would mean setting the knives. I suspect that I may never need to do that with the Shelix cutters and even if I do, it's as simple a rotating the knives 90°. So, that's my 2¢, but I suspect it's representative of people who have bitten the Shelix bullet.

1. 
   BilljustBill | Mar 18, 2007 07:12pm | #2

      Quickstep,

      I've read that one has to be careful installing those carbide cutter blocks because they can shatter if you overtighten them.

      I was wondering if you bought one of the special torque wrenches that Byrd sells?  Their's is supposed to automatically slip when the cutter has been correctly tighten.

      Did the Byrd people say why the cutterhead left ridges? 

     I've got Byrd's 20" planer head, but it's not installed as of yet.

      Thanks,

      Bill

1. 
   Quickstep | Mar 19, 2007 02:18am | #3

   I didn't get a torque limiting wrench. My cutterhead came with what was essentially a screwdriver handle with the appropriate torx bit on the end. I doubt that I could apply enough force by hand to break the cutter, but I could see how it could happen if using a wrench. Byrd suspected that the original cutter came with some incorrect bits. They were very swift with a replacement. They sent the new one without requiring me to send the old one back and never once suggested it was anything but their problem.

2. 
   Quickstep | Mar 19, 2007 05:16am | #5

   Bill,

   Please post your results with the Shelix planer head. That's a more complicated install on my planer and a significant investment, so knowing the experience others have had is of great value.

2. 
   SmalltownUSA | Mar 19, 2007 02:59am | #4

   Thanks for the input. I think I will go ahead and order the shelix heads.

2. 
   JMartinsky | Mar 19, 2007 05:54am | #6

   Dear Small,
   I think that "Quick" got it right. I have had the Shelix head in my 6" PM jointer for about three years now and after a bit of adjusting, it has been flawless. The company stands behind the product, it works as advertised and it is just bulletproof. I work commercially, so setting blades is out, no one pays me to fuss with the machines. I don't run much figured wood, but tons of maple, Ipe. and even the occasional plywood. I do not baby the machines. Either they do what I want, or they are out. This cutterhead is a winner. The blades seem to never wear, when I have had the occasion to rotate a couple, it is no big deal. Just rotate the offending cutter and keep going. Good investment.

   Best,

   John