2 YEARS LATER: Was my helical jointer/planer head upgrade worth it?

[@DB-thats-me]

Here's a way to get more than a decade use out of the original inserts. If the insert is being turned to the fourth (and last) position, instead putting back in what is obviously a high use area, swap it into a position where an insert has never been rotated! Bingo. You gain nearly 4 new edges whilst allowing the tired insert to see out its days in quiet contemplation. A simple idea from a simple guy.

[@joeaccordion]

You are so right. The inserts towards the middle of the planer head get the most use, while the ones towards the edges hardly get any use at all. Swapping inserts from the edges to replace the center ones is a brilliant idea.

[@d.k.1394]

Great idea!

[@shaunjackson6093]

THANK YOU I rarely see updates on other channels. I've even came to notice some of them no longer use the tool with no explanation on why they changed or upgraded.

[@thewoodweldingfabricator9300]

Follow up reviews are my absolute favorite! I love having access to someone's experiences and insights on a tool they have been using for a while, as opposed to the fit and finish type of reviews that do not give you any type of idea about how good of an investment it really is.

[@loading...3197]

Smart content James! Thank you for holding your channel to a high standard :)

[@roBLINDhood]

I think that spiral cutter heads and saw stop technology are the two biggest advances in woodworking tech in the past decade or more.

[@btdga]

Except saw stop hasn't actually done anything to improve the quality or efficiency of woodworking.

[@Balisktic]

I don't know. I think working with all ten fingers greatly improves the speed of one's woodworking.

[@incognitotorpedo42]

@tyvek05 A lot of people beg to differ. People who still have intact hands. Yep, Sawstop products are expensive. So is getting a finger reattached. And the reattached finger won't even work very well.

[@edlauren9434]

I love my SawStop table saw. The funny thing that I don't have to use my measuring tape anymore when I work on my SawStop saw! I used to have a Delta table saw and I would have to use measuring tape every time before I do a cut. With SawStop..... my measuring tape stays in my pocket. The safety option that comes with SawStop table saw is a great-great addition.

[@nevermindthebull0cks]

cnc software

[@davidconaway2830]

James, my only regret in updating my 13" Dewalt planer to a helical cutterhead----is the fact that I waited so long to do it! Depending on usage, you will pay for the upgrade in a year or two----just in blade changes and the time that takes. I will never go back to knives!

[@wortheffort]

Nice update.

[@mothman-jz8ug]

Where can I buy one of those saw blades that leaves your logo imprinted on end of the log? I want one of those! (BTW: I really enjoy our videos.)

[@ThrowingItAway]

What you didn't mention is the reduced sanding time and discs being used. The finish on the wood is so good that I often don't have to go below 220 grit.

[@edlauren9434]

It is a truth! I am sanding every single board that comes out of my planer. When you put time/sand paper and the cost of helical head on a scale.... Well, I am ordering helical heads.

[@d.k.1394]

Oh yes....good point

[@justinthomas4442]

I’m really starting to love ur videos. Love the no bs approach. Straight to the point, clear and concise and super informative/helpful. Thank you!!

[@btdga]

I had a bench top planer with straight knives and a Grizzly 6" jointer with a helical cutterhead (not Byrd, whatever Grizzly uses). I really needed to upgrade both as the planer wasn't powerful enough for the amount of work I was doing with it and the noise was unbearable, while the jointer was too narrow. There was no question in my mind that I was going to get helicals on both replacements. I ended up with a Felder A3 31 combination machine with their helical cutterhead. While that might be out of the budget for hobbyists, I still would advise upgrading to helical heads by upgrading the whole machine rather than retrofitting, especially a bench top planer. Thats like putting racing tires on a Civic. Sure, you get great traction and control, but there's nothing to back them up. Upgrading the entire machine solves the power issue as it will be designed for the helical head and the noise issue as it won't be a benchtop with a universal motor. IMO the combo machine is a great option as you're only paying for one cutterhead and one motor. Even in a production shop I don't find the changeover to be a problem. Just plan your work flow and you won't be making that many changeovers anyway.

[@greggiono8789]

I'm sold,any more footage of you opening your Barbie talking treehouse?

[@custos3249]

A comical amount of comments summed: "WHAT?!?! You mean to tell me that I should invest in a quality set of cutter heads that costs more than my dirt cheap, 90% plastic and chewing gum planer/jointer but will provide immense conveniences? Nah. I'd rather continue causing myself frustration, hassle, and lower quality production to save money I'm ultimately gonna burn on far less consequential, frivolous things that provide me little to no benefit. Now hand me that chest drill and 5/8" straight flute bit. I got six holes to drill and only a week to do it. I don't like new things. Change is scary."

[@copedog101]

Your work is only as good as your tools, but I would not put a high dollar helical head on a cheap tool either

[@GordonGEICO]

​@@copedog101 It won't be cheap once you put the shelix on it.

[@davidtakeda7409]

Thanks for your update Stumpy! I have been on the fence to upgrade & more than once, I have had the info filled out to order a Byrd head, but the $1264 for my General 130 14” planer is tough to swallow 😳. I went ahead & ordered it this time though. Thanks for your quality reviews. My terribly noisy Delta 8” jointer upgrade will have to wait though. Keep up your reviews!

[@guitarchitectural]

James, I really love your channel and appreciate the humour and insight you provide! However, if I could make one tiny critique? There's no way the saw in your intro has the cutting depth to make it through that log. Can you ask your CG guy to give you a larger blade? PLEASE?! Drives me nuts every time I see it!! (joking aside, I do really enjoy your channel, thanks for this followup!)

[@StumpyNubs]

We'll spare no expense to get that fixed. :)

[@mytoolworld]

Here! Here!

[@jbuszkie]

I just noticed that! lol Now it will bug me too! :-)

[@Dgreencouch29]

Totally agree with the review. I'm one year in and so glad I made the jump.

[@colemahaney880]

i did to and went back to the straight knives

[@garyhorton6652]

Hey James, thanks for the follow up. You are so right about the timing of reviews. I also by waiting an up grade comes out and the price sometime drops a little.

[@StumpyNubs]

I can tell you, the prices on these things will never drop, only rise. They can barely keep up with demand, sometimes there's even a waiting list.

[@philearnshaw6564]

I looked up my planer on woodcutters site. I had no idea these were that expensive! Almost $700!! From your review, I'd love to upgrade but unfortunately, not in the cards right now. Regardless, I love your videos. Based on one, I upgraded my dust collector with a Wynn filter, moved the motor/impeller close, and added a trash can Thien filter. The result is AWESOME!!

[@everettdale]

Yeah, same here, they cost more than my planner cost new. Maybe I need to get a more expensive planner to justify the cost.

[@keats182]

I looked mine up as well. Mine was $855! My Planer was $500. For all of that, I should have bought a Grizzly with a helix head already installed.

[@michealmartin1618]

Phil Earnshaw hg

[@rjtumble]

Great to hear how it's worked for you long term, thanks for the review.

[@dlfabrications]

In this video, you have what seems to be, a cutter head with 40 inserts. A Crafttech CX13HC planar helical head from BUSYBEE TOOLS has 26 14.3 X 14.3 X 2mm cutters. The cutters are staggered on parallel planes to the rotational axis. They do not look like the flutes of a drill bit. Is this type of planer worth buying?😁 It might be a generic brand of KING CANADA

[@allensmith6430]

Caveat emptor! I have a Makita and 2 oem pullies do not fit shelix shaft and depth of keyway is not correct and key does not fit. I brought to attention during warranty and manufacturer will not fix.

[@tracdfar]

Dear Stumpy, I am sorry but I may have to stop following you. You have repeatedly reinforced several of my own observations and conclusions. My wife even likes your presentations and I'm so jealous that I've considered starting my own KZbin channel but it would probably be exactly like yours except that I'm older, greyer, have much thinner hair, and a face for radio. You probably like craft beers, too! Damn it! Regards, Trace

[@gregoryvangundy6170]

Agree with jointer replacement . I replaced the knives on my 6” Steel City jointer and got a huge improvement in performance and eliminated the hassle of knife sharpening, adjustment etc. hadn’t thought about the lack of chip jams but it’s true. I have not replaced the knives in my Dewalt 735 planer and am unlikely to do so as it’s performance is very good already, knife replacement is cheap and easy. The cost of a spiral cutter for it is way too expensive. More likely is that I’ll continue using it until it breaks at which point I’ll get a 15” heavier duty planer with spiral cutters. So, easily worth it for the jointer, planer not so much

[@briand2507]

Thanks for the 2-year review. Agree about most reviews being unboxings, not actual reviews. The Shelix was definitely worth adding to my DW 735 and it is true that you need to take lighter passes. That is not a big deal at all and like you, no tear-out and no knicks for me in 4 months.

[@1959ticktock]

I'm confused. Where's the difference from the original verdict? Or did I hear wrong?

[@atnfn]

I saw one video of a guy on youtube that really hated these things. Dunno if he did something wrong. Seems like half the screws got stuck and he snapped off screw heads and had all sort of problems, perhaps he tightened them too much or something.

[@stevenbelow2502]

As and Avalanche fan had to give you a thumbs down for the Red Wings cup holder. Just kidding, another excellent video. When I budget for a planer I'll be budgeting for a helical head.

[@BB-gy2fo]

I'd sure love to but the lead time at BT is 10 to 12 months . I really don't understand that with a product that will sell easily. . I'm hoping to get my hands on one quicker through Canada...

[@jamesoneal6756]

Thanks for this very valuable information. I am shopping for a planer for the first time. Can you recommend a good benchtop planer that comes standard with a helical cutter?

[@mikeboone4425]

OH can I relate I have a very old Delta Home craft 4 inch plane that I rebuilt the bottom up but those damn knifes are just a real challenge let me tell you . If i lived on a mountain top it would be at the bottom of the mountain, but love it is was nice to BRING IT BACK TO LIFE BUT THOSE KNIVES GURRRRRR. Happy Trails

[@karenstein8261]

This sort of information is exactly what you need when you’re considering a $250 upgrade to a perfectly good $400 machine.

[@swapshots4427]

Can you direct me to a video showing how to replace knives, helical or otherwise, on my DELTA X5 15" planer?! PLEASE!!

[@MrKCful]

Great video Thanks for doing one after you've actually been using it. Just one question does it help with any snipe?

[@scottyV1000]

I don’t have yet. I’m inclined to do my Delta jointer first as that seems to have higher wear plus the blades are harder to align than my 735.

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

Nice Red Wings Coozie.....great video

[@johnconklin9039]

I couldn't agree more. I changed both my jointer and planer a couple years ago and love the performance. I've found that I don't use my drum sander as often after planing.

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

Great video. You sold me when you said the dust collector didn't clog up. Thanks!

[@jhirn2957]

Is this a comparison to straight or spiral blades? Entry grade woodworker here so curious since helical blades are about the price of the planar alone.

[@dougprentice1363]

I'm disappointed that the lux helical leaves a wavey, or rippled surface.

[@tonymarrazzo354]

After watching your video I went to my woodcutters and ordered a spiral head for my Grizzly jointer. I didn't get the Byrd, I got the Lux Cut III.I was very reluctant to put money into the jointer as it was below average at best. Since I didn't have the $$ for a new jointer I decided to give it a shot. What was once a very marginal tool is now an absolute gem. I watched several video's on how to swap and tune up my jointer and it is a totally different machine. With ear protection on when I first turned the unit on I wasn't even sure it was running. After the first pass with a board I was amazed at the quality of the cut. Fast forward a bit and the only thing I noticed was before I couldn't slow down the motor while jointing but with the spiral head I can. Even with that, I would do it again in a heartbeat! Everything you have said on this video is spot on with my findings. Thanks for turning me on to Mywoodcutters, they are awesome. Now for a spiral head for my Makita planer! Keep up the great work!

[@StumpyNubs]

What specific problems were you having with your jointer before?

[@tonymarrazzo354]

It seemed like the fence was warped, but I think in actuality the cutterhead wasn't properly aligned. I had to shim one side to get it aligned with the outfeed fence, I got it within .001". The fence does have a slight twist, but not huge. The issue was when jointing wider boards for door panels the jointer would put a slight twist into the panel the same way it was twisted. I will try another panel and see how it comes out. I am contemplating putting and extruded aluminum fence on it. Thanks for the reply!

[@StumpyNubs]

@@tonymarrazzo354 - I have an 8-inch Grizzly parallelogram jointer and the fence is giving me problems too. It's never square to the bed. I have to check and adjust it every single time. I can't figure out why since it is usually slightly tilted backward, which shouldn't be possible because there is a stop to keep if from moving that way. It's only a few months old.

[@tonymarrazzo354]

@@StumpyNubs Mine has been warped from the get go. I called Grizzly to see if it can be flattened, and they don't have the equipment to do that. To have it done locally is price prohibitive. There are lot's of aftermarket fences for table saws, and band saws, but I have never seen one for a jointer....... I never tilt my jointer fence, so I will get creative on a new fence setup.

[@swapshots4427]

Please please please tell me where to find a video on how to replace my knives on my Delta X5 15" planer.!!

[@arimadx]

I'd kill for a helical cutter head for my planer. It's to bad the heads cost more than the planer itself. Gotta get that purchase past the wife lol

[@davidmiller4594]

*$1300 for my 12.5" planer??!!* Forget That!

[@GeoRedtick]

Grizzly sells both helical an spiral head planers. What is the difference between a helical and spiral?

[@Bogie3855]

When I get a nick in a blade I loosen the screws and shift 2 of the blades a bit sideways in opposite directions. Nick gone.

[@StumpyNubs]

That doesn't work on most planers with indexed knives.

[@aaronoconnor606]

They also save you time on sanding so the extra time it takes because you can't take as deep of a cut is made up for because less sanding

[@fromthistexasbreath]

Sometimes I just hate hearing rave reviews, because you only want it more!

[@MakeThings]

I changed both my cutterheads on my planer and jointer as well and can happily say that I haven't even rotated my jointer teeth in 10 years, and 2 years on my planer. I have never rotated the teeth and both cut just as good as the first time I put them in.

[@bakabaka2061]

You don't to go back to strait blades. Shelix cutter heads are way way better.

[@Chris.Davies]

I just replaced an older cheaper style 2-post planer, with the DW735. And I have to say it is the quietest planer I have ever heard. Because it is a 4-post design, and the entire machine is encapsulated in a big box, the noise from it is very subdued indeed. A real bonus of this machine, along with the fan-forced chip collection system, and the half-speed 179 cuts-per-inch setting, which is phenomenal. Will probably order a shelix head for it at some stage, but not when it came with 2 extra sets of blades, which can slide left or right slightly to hide knicks! The Shelix costs $842 shipped to NZ, so that is a real thing.

[@peterharden8959]

Do they make these for ShopSmith?

[@danielszemborski]

Do they make these for handheld electrical planners? (I'm not even joking)

[@richardheilman6280]

Try Sheartek up in Canada. They sell through eBay. Not sure if they do, but everything they sell is very high quality.

[@thomasbrovarone7136]

Any advice / comments on helical vs spiral cutter heads ?

[@silentscribes]

I can tell you my Dewalt planer is way quieter now with the helical cutter head.

[@timothydavis948]

I’m glad you did the fallow up it helps on my future plans

[@firpofutbol]

Just bought a Dewalt 735x and wish I had known about helical cutter heads. The cost of upgrading plus the planer, would've been better off buying one that came with helical cutters from factory.

[@BakaWoodworker]

Just about to buy the same...735x, upgrading from a delta 580. But first step will be to buy a lux helical and install into the 735. Many review the dewalt with machines with helical pre-installed and always comes back that dewalt in general is better built. For tiny bit more, some elbo grease, few bandaids, and you will end up with a better unit.

[@nickbailey202]

Hey there, sorry to ask a question on a really old video, but I have a feeling you still check these out. Can you tell us about the finish quality of the boards you've run through? I've read various reports regarding snipe, but the consistent feedback is that the cut finish is similar to a hand plane and feels around 220 grit. In your opinion, does having a high quality helical cut reduce some secondary sanding processes? Maybe it skips right over 80 and 120 grit?

[@StumpyNubs]

A helical head does not cause or eliminate snipe. Snipe comes from the way the machine is set up, not the cutters themselves, and can usually be corrected by adjusting the infeed/outfeed tables, or by making extensions to better support the workpiece as it exits the machine. I do not think a helical head creates a smoother finish than sharp, straight knives as respects the grits of sandpaper you may have to use, but it does eliminate tear-out in most cases, which makes a big difference in the quality of the cut, and the cutters do stay sharper a lot longer, which makes a big difference too.

[@michaelcrisler5702]

James, I went with the Lux Cut and am very happy!!! Thanks so much. I have attached a poor photo with a question. When you tried to verify that the new head was co-planer with the old table (which I removed and thorough cleaned and smoothed up the ways). I can’t find where you or anyone else showed this with the helical head. The “helical” is the issue in when trying to find a consistent reference mark. Again I love your channel!

[@michaelcrisler5702]

Sorry for some reason I can’t post the view of the dial indicator set up on the out feed table trying to index from and ever changing surface

[@apowell389]

Stumpy, My family purchased me a Bauer Planer and I am wanting to purchase a helical blade for it. Because this a HF tool. I am not sure if shellux is compatible with my tool. Can you give me any perspective on the possibility of upgrading my HF brand planer?

[@StumpyNubs]

Honestly, I would not invest in a helical head for a Harbor Freight planer. The planer is not likely to last long enough to recoup your investment. I am not saying the planer won't work for you, maybe even for a long time if you are just an occasional user. But it doesn't make sense to me to put a $600 helical head in a $300 planer. I would invest that $600 is other tools instead and just use the regular knives in your planer. That's just my opinion, I may be wrong :)

[@grovejack9580]

Jason, any chance you could do a comparison to the lux cut III helical cutter head??? I’m on the fence between it and the shelix.

[@StumpyNubs]

We already did- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYikqmuPrMp8gKM

[@grovejack9580]

Stumpy Nubs thank you!!! I missed that one.

[@jeffoldham3466]

james may i ask what size is your planer,,mine is the porter cable benchtop and it is good i was thinking about upgrading to a 15 inch grizzly but needless to say it requires 220 volts,,in your option do you think the difference in size is worth it,,and i noticed amazon has the spiral type 13 inch wen planer for less than 500,,,can you give me your thoughts on this,,

[@StumpyNubs]

This one is a 12.5". I have since upgraded to a 15 inch. It's nice, but it is rare that I need that extra width. What I like about it (it's a Grizzly) is it is quieter and more powerful compared to portable planers.

[@jeffoldham3466]

james im going to bite the bullitt and go with a 15 inch planner,,,but my question to you is,,,which one would you perfer,, one made by grizzly which has a 1 year warranty or a jet brand which is 5 yrs,,thank you

[@StumpyNubs]

I find Jet and Grizzly to be pretty much the same in terms of quality. The extra warranty time would be nice, but at what additional cost, and what does the warranty REALLY cover? Where do you have to take it for repairs? What are the loopholes? Consider all that, then decide :)

[@jameswilliams5982]

Start using that cutter on a professional basis and it’s another story

[@jimbo2629]

Too expensive for my wonderful Emco planer thicknesser. If I were 20 years younger I’d buy one and a Sawstop to replace my wonderful Sedgwick circular saw. But I’ve no desire to take out another mortgage! So I have to sand or scrape the notched planks, and hone my knives regularly, and be extra careful with rotating saw blades, and put on my ear defenders. I wonder when the Chinese will produce one for $100.

[@optimistichorizon]

*Was that you getting the Nintendo 64?*

[@scottkennedy5842]

Follow up revive is great. Could you talk about the difference between helical cutter heads . some manufactures are now having these type heads but most are straight not spiral.

[@StumpyNubs]

I would never buy a straight head. I want my cutters to shear the fibers at an angle so they produce a smooth surface with no tear-out. That's also how a hand plane is often used, turned to a slight angle during the cut. I can't imagine why they would make them straight. It defeats the whole purpose.

[@shawnbradley3874]

Haven't watched this all the way through yet, but I'm going to guess that he says the upgrade is worth it, otherwise be wouldn't have plugged the manufacturer right in the beginning.

[@StumpyNubs]

The video explains the REASONS it is worth it. You are free to disagree, but at least I am willing to back up what I say with a detailed explanation.

[@tbernardi001]

Go Wings

[@waltcorey5115]

I'm interested in switching to the helical blades. My jointer I believe is straightforward. My delta 22-580 might be more problematic. For the brief shots you show of your planer it's either a Delta or very similar. Could you point me to a vid on swapping cutters? Thanks!

[@opieone68]

Hi, I'm in the UK, but I'm struggling to find the answer to this. Can you upgrade any normal straight knife cutter block with a helical one on any machine, well at least the trade machines. Great videos btw.

[@tonymcdonald4773]

I installed a Shelix cutterhead on my DW 735 one year ago. Overall I think it has been a great investment, however, the power demands on my machine are significant. I have been through 3 circuit breakers before finally bypassing the breaker because it pops after 6-8 passes or less taking 1/32 off of a 6" board. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this issue. I have contacted Byrd but they have not commented if this is a common issue.

[@rodcormier7428]

Thx for the information... I was thinking of switching over.... I while definitely make the switch after ur videos... once again thank you and enjoy ur videos very much

[@tomsuica8731]

1:36 I cannot understand the words you said.

[@roofermarc1]

I just installed a lux cut 3 from my wood cutters today in my DJ-20. What a game changer. The noise levels are down 50%. The cut is superb. I highly recommend a spiral cutter in our machines. Btw Byrd has a six week wait for a head so get yourself a Titan knife Lux cut 3 today.

[@AwfullyDeer]

you would think, since they are so much better, manufacturers would just switch to them in the first place.

[@StumpyNubs]

Many manufacturers offer them in machines, but it raises the cost significantly.

[@taworngonzo1638]

James can you review Jet - 10" Jointer / Planer Combo (Model JJP-10BTOS). I’m little worry about making a bad investment (around $800). I’m home use only, but will buy good tools. Thanks.

[@dougskillman6263]

Seriously considering getting a helical cutter for my General Model 130. Due to operator error I failed to correctly tighten one of my blades recently after a sharpening. The blade blew out (in too many pieces to count) and basically destroyed the chip breaker at the same time. I can't find a replacement chip breaker anywhere, so I have a nice boat anchor sitting in my wood shop. Just need to convince my wife that the price is worth it for a nice planer I got out of a high school woodshop for less than $200!

[@davidmiller5832]

I was sold. That is until I checked out the price. $1264.50 for my 12 1/2" Belsaw. Now, the 12 dewalts and deltas are 1/3 that cost, but I love the power of my belsaw, and well, I have it. Blade changes and sharpening isn't a biggie for me on that planer. But I do get annoyed with nicks. But at 1200 bucks, I'd rather look into a nice thickness sander.

[@bobkent21]

I installed a Lux Cut Helical head in my 6" Powermatic Planer today. It was very easy to install. It cuts beautiful. I had to slightly lower my outfeed table and I had to file the keystock to make it fit. I highly recommend this change. Thanks Stumpy Nubs.

[@IndianaJBird]

Did it come with the bearings on the ends? Or do you have to purchase them separately? I have a old powermatic 54a.

[@bobkent21]

@@IndianaJBird Sorry for the delay. My computer crashed. Yes, it came with the bearings.

[@docrob2950]

What a great idea--FOLLOW-UP. I did it in medicine why not in tools!! Thanks Stumpy!!

[@driftlessjoinery5059]

Yep, yep, yep. Went with a Byrd at work a bajjillion years ago in a 20" planer at a University lab for convenience and noise reduction. It cut the noise way down. I continued to swap knives on my 15" planer until about a year ago when I bought a Byrd head. My shop is drastically quieter and not fidgeting with 3 15" knives makes my life easier. I'm still in a love affair with an old Wallace 4 knife shortbed 8" jointer. When that wears off Ill find a longbed 8" longbed jointer and it's not getting used until it has a Byrd head in it.

[@stevestikihutable]

Nice update. Looked up my Delta 12.5” planner, the new blades out cost the machine. Unless I go pro, I’ll keep what I have but thanks again.

[@joem2209]

The “nicks” drive me absolutely crazy. Time to upgrade. Thanks for the advice. Never miss your videos....the garage amateurs also drive me nuts.

[@fixbertha]

Received my cutter head today after a three-week wait. Apparently they are selling so many that the cutters themselves are a supply problem. They did offer to refund all but a small deposit until the head shipped, which is good customer relations. I tried it out on pine, black walnut, white oak, bubinga and padouk. It seems to work exceptionally well leaving a smooth finish with no ripples. Also, no snipe. I had my planer set up pretty well to begin with, but you can't see or measure any snipe on either end of the workpieces. A note of caution, though. I am very experienced working on mechanical stuff and it took me two solid hours to install on my Ridgid TP1300. I had to use a small gear puller to get the drive pulley off the original head. And they really should include torque recommendations in their instructions. Again, I'm experienced enough to know how hard (and how NOT hard) to tighten nuts and bolts.

[@michaelwalton9943]

I bought a grizzly 15" spiral cutter head planer 12 yrs ago and just bout my first 10 pack of cutters at Christmas time last yr and not because they got to dull but because they broke or got chipped I'll never buy anything but spiral cutter heads again. I enjoy your videos really good information

[@ndothan]

Am I looking at this wrong? $426 for a 12 1/2 inch planer blade?

[@StumpyNubs]

It's not just a blade. It's replaces the entire head in your planer.

[@mikehenthorn1778]

Good video sir glad to get a 2-year follow-up because almost no one gives you any kind of follow-up after that goldilocks.

[@scooterbum46]

Byrd makes two cutter heads for the Dewalt 735, one that is the same cutting diameter as the original and a second that is 1/16" smaller in diameter. The larger one requires taking all the inserts off to install. Can you comment on removing and reinstalling the inserts? Potential for stripped screws or other issues? I lean towards the larger diameter one, just a little leery of the potential for issues with that many inserts to R&R.. Great videos BTW!

[@fshields4196]

I'm considering getting a shelix cutterhead for my planer .... which happens to be a Delta 22-560, the same model you show in the video when doing the install. I notice that mywoodcutters has fairly generic installation guides; was there anything tricky or not-so-obvious that needs to be done when installing on the Delta? Or, even better, an installation video that you're aware of? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. By the way, I very much appreciate videos like this that update your thoughts on a tool after you've used it for a while. Too may reviews are "unboxing" or "installation" videos giving first impressions. This is something I'm going to live with for a while (and spend $$ upgrading) so reviews after a period of time are much more valuable to me. Thanks!

[@StumpyNubs]

I remember a lot of the Delta had to be disassembled to get the head out. And I needed a pulling tool to remove the pulley and bearings. I got one from Harbor Freight. This model is a pain, but not difficult to figure out on your own. Just keep track of your screws and if you think you may forget how to put it back together, take some photos along the way with your phone

[@fshields4196]

@@StumpyNubs Thanks for the quick reply. A few months ago, I did an overhaul of the planer, replacing belts, cleaning and greasing the pillars, but stopped when I got to the cutterhead. The tip of using the puller will be really helpful. Thanks.

[@heritagecarving]

Just a note if you miss cut off at the manufacturer you may wait a long time. I ordered my set in March a the vendor was repeatedly promised delivery dates that weren't met. It wasn't the distributors fault. I waited 90 days pass the original promise date. The product is good but manufacturers ability to predict delivery sucked.

[@Kildayyan]

They interest me greatly. However, to upgrade my 6” Ridgid planer, the replacement head alone would cost me more than the unit did when I bought it new. I bought the planer for $250 on clearance at Home Depot, and the new head is $309. I don’t use my jointer or planer often enough to justify the upgrade cost at this time 🙁

[@edlauren9434]

If your HSS planer blades don't have a single snips that would mean that these blades were installed 30-40 mins ago! I am planning to install helical heads on my planer and jointer next week or so and I've heard a lot of positive feedbacks from several woodworkers that have switched from HSS to helical heads.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

James, It was suggested that when I purchased mt 3 hp grizzly planer that I get a helical cutter. I would if I could justify the expense. Maybe after Ifinish paying for the planer? You are a guy who makes it plain. Thamks

[@MrEhf111]

Totally agree, I'm a huge fan of the helical heads ... that said, as you stated in your original video, not all helical cutter heads are equal. To me shelix is the only way to go. I bought them as original equipment on my Powermatic jointer and thickness planer. Yes, they are more expensive at time of purchase but that pain will quickly subside as soon as you start to use them. I'll never go back to the HSS cutters that I had on some of my old tools. Great review.

[@Guardian_Arias]

Nicks completely ruined my high of buying a planer and I have been wanting a shelix drum since the 3rd board i fed but its so very expensive. On the other hand when i run my blades down to the sharpness of a pebble i will probably shell out for a drum over crap knifes.

[@mikedixon8741]

Good info on the helix cutters, but I have a pressing question I just have to ask. Do you use all of the items on the wall behind you? I have entered many contests where you guess how many marbles are in a jar and closest to the correct number gets a complimentary Saw Stop cabinet saw from the great guy putting on the contest. Just a thought you may want to give consideration to!

[@lincolnswaby3102]

what moddle planer is this

[@johnslaughter5475]

I don't have a problem with dust collection from my planer. In fact, I like the massive amount of dust. I have a wheelbarrow at the end of my table. When it fills up, I just take it to a tree or other area that needs landscaping fill. No pine.

[@papirojo4228]

I have an older Craftsman 40 jointer. Will my machine handle these cutter heads or am I better off sticking with the traditional knives?

[@vincechoraszewski2394]

Your doing a great job on your planner, can you help me with mine? I need a gear guard for my Delta 12 1/2 planner. I've tried but no luck. Can you help???

[@colinandersen1347]

I up graded mine right away I was lucky enough to to get my Dewalt 735 planer and 6 inch delta jointer used and cheap so I stuck the money into the helical cutter heads. Love them and I did buy them from your supporter