Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Dec 30, 2008 05:14pm | #1

   A perfectly tuned jointer or planer with a freshly sharpened set of steel knives will almost always leave a slightly better finish than a machine with a carbide insert cutter head, but the difference isn't great. Once the steel knives have gotten a bit dull or nicked, which can happen amazingly fast with dirty, knotty, abrasive wood species, the advantages of using steel blades is lost and the carbide will give as good or an even better finish than the steel knives, and will do so for a long time before the carbide inserts need rotating or changing.

   So there is no simple answer, but if you aren't interested in spending an occasional hour or so changing out the steel knives when they get dull, and paying to have them sharpened, then you would probably be better off spending the extra money for a carbide insert head.

   In any case no matter how good the surface left by either type of cutter, you will still have to sand, scrape, or hand plane any surfaces that will be visible and covered by a finish to be sure that the small ripple marks left by either type of head won't show up in the finished piece.

   John White

   
   

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   Edited 1/1/2009 6:17 pm ET by JohnWW

1. 
   Christopher_Hawkins | Dec 31, 2008 01:03am | #2

   Thank you very much for your thoughtful reply.  Based on the information you have provided, I believe the carbide is the way to go for me.  Thanks again.

   Chris

1. 
   JohnWW | Dec 31, 2008 01:53am | #3

   Chris,You are welcome, glad I could offer some insight.Have a Happy New Year,John W.