First jointer purchase-griz vs. shellix
I am upgrading/downgrading from my LN No. 7 to something that makes a lot more dust and noise. Rather than my typical hobby woodworking I am now set upon the task of turning rough lumber into kitchen, floors, doors etc. and need face/edge jointing production. Most of my stock is 6-10″ width, so a 6″ jointer would mean ripping a lot of lumber. I can live with ripping the stock wider than 8″, or may try flattening by swapping sides with the guard removed…although I have no experience with powered jointers and such techniques are heresay. As usual, pricing has set me looking at the grizzly lineup. My current choice is between the G0490 and an aftermarket Byrd shellix cutter ($1290 delivered) versus the G0490X with the factory installed spiral indexed cutter at $1219 delivered. What say ye? If I go 490 w/o the byrd, chances are I would pay an additional $50 or so down the road. Is the stock 4 knife cutterhead worth anything to me? I doubt I would wear out either spiral option in my lifetime of woodworking which will be on the order of 3-500 bdf per year after this house is done.
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I have the twin to that jointer (the ShopFox 1741) which is essentially Grizzly's retail line. There has been a lot of discussion over carbide insert heads so here is my 2 cents:
1. the finish off of the 4-knife cutterhead is very good, even with some figured wood.
2. The Byrd is a true helical head whereas the Grizz is not so you don't get the same shearing cut. For the minimal price difference you mention the Byrd would be hands down winner.
3. jointing is only half the game. your planer should also have a shelix to get the better finish on both sides, otherwise you aren't getting the benefit of the shelix/carbide head.
4. Some argue that the lower/easier maintenance of the carbide inserts makes it worthwhile regardless. Only you can determine if that is the case based upon how much you would use the jointer.
Thanks for the thoughts, especially on the planer. I think I will try the 0490 for now and get the add on shelix as needed....although at $350 it is tempting to get the Byrd now. The DW735 performs admirably, but does leave some faint machine marks that I need to look into.
I have a 6" jointer with the aftermarket Byrd. I have run a lot of rough lumber through it and it continues to cut like a champ with virtually no tear out. it does leave machine marks. all jointers; straight blade or shelix will leave machine marks. sanding or scraping will always be needed.
I also put a byrd head ($1,200 just for the head ouch) on my 16" planer. hands down blows straight blades away maintenance wise. I used to touch up my straight blades all the time. the shelix cutters seem to last forever; are quiet you can actually hear the little blades cutting.
for me it has been worth the trouble and cost because I go through several thousand feet a year. I used to be constantly re-touching planer and jointer knifes. Re-setting the knives… I don’t miss that at all.
I will never buy a tool with straight blades again.
I just got the 490 with 4 knife cutter. Leaves excellent finish- even on interesting grain in maple. I had planned to get the spiral, but decided to get the 16" planer instead. Cost wise it'll be almost the same to put in the spiral now vs later so I'll wait to see how often I need to change the blades. At very least,I'll invest in a drum sander and use that to clean up boards/glueups. I process 1000+ bdft of hardwood per year. Can't say enough about the 16" planer compared to portable 12" - time savings$$$.
Nathan
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