Is This INSANE Planer Upgrade Worth $1,000?

The Byrd Shelix helical head in the DeWALT DW735 planer might be the best upgrade you can make to a benchtop planer! But is it worth the $1,000 upgrade cost? Let's find out!
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Tools in this Video:
Pre-Installed DW735X with Byrd Shelix collabs.shop/w7wmr2
DIY Byrd Shelix Cutter Head for DW735 amzn.to/3S53ItT
DIY Byrd Shelix OEM Cutter Head for DW735 amzn.to/3M6YVnO
DeWALT DW735X with standard knives amzn.to/3rZkVdE
Fe Sharpens Fe Shirt I'm Wearing - bit.ly/3OenDUK
NOTE: Byrd OEM vs other is the OEM is the same size as the standard knife cutterhead but you have to remove all of the helical knives to install it. The other one is 1/16" smaller, but easier to install. The only difference this will make is your scales will be slightly off.
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[@731Woodworks]

▼EXPAND FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼ Watch Next: Oliver Planer with Byrd Shelix Review - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX7If5avedZ9brMsi=hHHyXnX3_XtUF5Ec Pre-Installed DW735X with Byrd Shelix collabs.shop/w7wmr2 DIY Byrd Shelix Cutter Head for DW735 amzn.to/3S53ItT DIY Byrd Shelix OEM Cutter Head for DW735 amzn.to/3M6YVnO DeWALT DW735X with standard knives amzn.to/3rZkVdE Fe Sharpens Fe Shirt I'm Wearing - bit.ly/3OenDUK NOTE: Byrd OEM vs other is the OEM is the same size as the standard knife cutterhead but you have to remove all of the helical knives to install it. The other one is 1/16" smaller, but easier to install. The only difference this will make is your scales will be slightly off. All tool deals for this sale (continually updated) www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals/amazonprimebigdealdays101023 📲 Never miss another tool deal. Sign up for my Tool Deals SMS Alerts - NOTE: I text out tool deals so you don’t miss any! text DEALS to 1 [phone] Be sure to add DEALS to your text to me so you get added to the proper list. You can also click this link my.community.com/731woodworks Important to add the word DEALS to the text! 🇺🇸 Join the Tubafour Nation on Patreon to get an exclusive Tubafour Nation sticker, access to exclusive member-only behind-the-scenes videos, member-only livestreams, discounts, and other cool member-only perks! www.patreon.com/731woodworks Some other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe to our email Newsletter: mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter

[@TheCC89]

The numbers don't add up... $550 planer + $500 helical upgrade = $1,000 + or - $100/$200 Are they seriously charging $500/$600 to install the upgraded head? While keeping the original straight blade head and charging extra for the runoff tables...? 😂 Also, the blade change time is a little off. To change one tooth, ok, sure 30 sec, but to change all the blades on the helical will take 3 times as long as the straight. Also, finding the one chipped of 60 will take at least an HR to inspect all, unless it is just plain obvious. I love the helical cutter head, but I won't be spending $1,600 if I can save $500 for 2 hrs of my time. Also, in my experience, dirt or sand is the main culprit for lines from a chipped tooth.

[@gregwaters944]

You are the first person that I know of to adjust the cutter head while planning. No wonder you got tear out.

[@731Woodworks]

🙄 I had it set too high. It wasn't cutting at all. Then I bumped it down 1/8"

[@sociopathmercenary]

$1000 vs $400 for the DIY install cutter head. As another person commented, seems like a no-brainer to spend the 2 hours installing the helical cutter head yourself and then you have a spare straight cutter head.

[@mando6497]

Exactly, they buy the new head wholesale, probably around $250.00, with no difference in assembly cost and charge an extra $1,000.00. Good for Delta.

[@JustinShaedo]

Yep, not a lot of us making over $300/hr

[@curseddragon129]

You also have to consider the price of the planer if you go with the DIY version

[@meta3584]

@@curseddragon129 he did the pre installed one is 1500. the normal planer can be found on sale for 500 regularly. so the head is 400 but is 1000 if you buy preinstalled

[@Ofageover50]

I upgraded my 17 year old Dewalt 735 a few weeks ago and I was amazed at how much a difference it makes in cut quality and sound level. I watched several videos before doing the swap. The one thing I didn't pay enough attention to was the belt on the small drive wheel and ate a belt in the process, but replaced it with a new one and all is good now. I've since upgraded my ridgid 6 inch jointer with the same quality cut and reduced sound.

[@wardmaltby2179]

Matt, the Amazon page shown at about 12:20 into the video shows the Byrd replacement that is 1/16 smaller that the OEM diameter. That smaller diameter cutter head will throw off the gauge. They have another version that is the same size as the OEM blades but requires you to remove all the carbide cutter heads to install. I think that is a better option.

[@beach3408]

I got the smaller one. I dont use the gauge anyway.

[@Platoface]

That’s exactly what I did. That was like 4 years ago and was about $600 if I remember correctly

[@1steelcobra]

I'll note on the standard blades that the included t-handle driver for opening it up and changing the blades has magnets on the handle for pulling the blades out and rotating them.

[@garymiller5937]

The surface after planing is very impressive, as well as the noise reduction. I do agree though that for the casual woodworker like myself couldn't justify the extra cost. I do appreciate the review as well as all your videos. It's nice to know for sure you aren't biased but very honest. Thanks Matt and Mrs. 731! 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you Gary!

[@SeanK-]

Great video! One thing to pass along - to measure sound levels accurately you have to measure the distance between the microphone and the thing producing sound. Anytime you double the distance from the source it drops 6db, so if one measurement were at 2.5ft vs another at 5ft, you'd expect a 6db drop for the one at 5ft. If one measurement were at 1ft and another 4ft, then it'd be a 12db difference.

[@akquicksilver]

Wow! I bought my Shelix head about 10 years ago and it was $350! One of the best upgrades I ever made to a tool. Just used it yesterday.

[@robertsmith3518]

Nice job on the review . Very honest and pulled no punches. I like that when I watch a review . I have a 735 and the cutter head is on my Christmas list. Thanks !

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks 👍

[@bobh64]

Nice video, I installed the oem version for my DeWalt took about 3 hours after testing the alianment of the cutters. I highly recomend using a torque wrench so you don't break the carbide cutters they are brittle. After 2 years I have only had to turn 3 cutters.

[@AlAmantea]

Great comparison, and I've used Byrd Shelix planer and joiner heads for years. It's a huge game changer, as much as actually having those tools in the shop. One thing I noticed though is that you said there was a 10db difference, by my math, from 108db to 88db is 20 db... That's the difference between a circular saw, and a jet airplane... Personally, I'll never go back to a straight knife planer or joiner.

[@AB-nu5we]

I put my own Shelix head in before the plug and play option was offered. Yeah, it took about 2 hours. Your review is spot on. I don't even sand non-show faces right off the planer. Never had problems with tear out. It's worth the price in reduced sanding alone.

[@timbrown9305]

Thanks for the effort. Nice demonstration.

[@TheMrjoehughes]

I really appreciate all your videos thank you 😊

[@midstaterustics4507]

I upgraded mine back during the summer and did it myself in under 2 hours. So glad I made the upgrade as it saves time all around.

[@flatlander523]

Great video!! I have done the OEM Shelix upgrade for ~ $435 to my 3 year old 735 planer. I have ran about 15 bdFt so far and I think it is wonderful; quieter, smoother. Don't go for the "other brand" that is less in diameter than the OEM to eliminate removing the knives for installation. It messes up the presets.

[@bendavid2320]

I just went and looked this up and you have the right idea you can buy a brand new planer and the cutter for under 1,100 and put it in yourself. Smart guy

[@jodycarter]

This is a fantastic educational video and is yet another reason to love and follow 731!!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you Jody! 👊

[@vernsteinbrecker3759]

I’ve been thinking about changing the head in my 735, this has made me make up my mind. Thank you

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it helped.

[@bobbray9666]

I converted a Makita 12" benchtop planer from straight knives to Shelix and the finish was similar to your results and much quieter too. Since then, I bought a Jet 12" planer/jointer with a helical head. One thing to note is the Shelix or any helical head should run a bit slower in RPM speed via a gear reduction vs. straight knives, at least my Jet has a much larger gear sprocket that drives the belt than the straight knife version which spins faster with a smaller diameter gear sprocket. Maybe the $1000 upgrade Dewalt planer is modified with a gear reduction? Might be worth looking into this if doing the Shelix knife replacement for a particular planer for best results. Shelix also uses carbide inserts vs. steel for typical straight knives, which lasts a very long time if you don't hit metal in wood. The smoother planed surface of a helical cutter saves a lot of time and heartburn when sanding for a finish. Definitely worth the upgrade!

[@theriddler9963]

I installed my Byrd Shelix head a couple years ago and haven’t regretted it at all. You’re right, if you intend on staying with the lunchbox planer this is the way to go!

[@2smoothku]

Bought my 735 from a buddy who upgraded to a grizzly helical head one for $200. Replaced the straight knives with the shelix cutter myself along with the orange rubber belt and it’s been a workhorse. I also watched Next Level Carpentry’s videos for the tear down, install, and maintenance… invaluable!! I added a wixey digital read out and the infeed/outfeed tables and get great results on all my hardwoods. Only two cons is it’s loud as a mofo and the dust collection when hooked up is awful. I’ll likely cut a hole in the top, remove the shroud and add that improvement next. End goal is to get a hammer planer jointer and get some shop space back but that’s 6-12 months out.

[@leoisidro5476]

This has been my dream planer for a while. Can't count how any videos I've watched on it already. Just not capable of pulling the trigger on it just yet. The shelix head surely takes it to another level.

[@Bobbyg2018]

Another great video! I would love it if you took a look at the 2 speed WEN thickness planer with the spiral cutting head.

[@RoscoPColtrane17]

Your video with the attorney about the patents involving Saw Stop earned my subscription. Brilliant that you were able not only get the attorney on, but he was into woodworking too. This video is great too, keep em coming.

[@henrybialik8333]

I own the DW735X, Installed the OEM Shelix cutterhead. Wow, for me it was a big difference. I did get the head at around $400 at the time. It wasn't the easiest to install, but once it was done would never go back to straight blades.

[@joemcdonald8516]

Matt, as always, I look forward to your "comparison" videos, because they are informative and well done. This one in particular was timely for me as I just purchased my Shelix equipped 735 planer from Byrd Tool Experts. Unfortunately, mine arrived with shattered cast base, because of apparent mishandling by a major parcel delivery service that drives brown trucks. 🤬 Byrd's customer service people were super. After ascertaining what the issue was, they told me what was involved with changing the base (very simple and straight forward, by the way), and immediately sent a new base out to me. After many years of using my Delta 2 blade planer, I was ready for an upgrade. I have reconciled myself to the expense of this machine, but have since fallen in love with it. I have no doubt that my son will get many years of use out of this machine after I am called home. To add to the excitement, I purchased a Wixey digital depth scale for my 735 planer. That installation was also pretty straight forward, and makes for an even nicer experience. If your time permit, you might want to consider demonstrating that addition for your many fans at 731 Woodworking. Keep up the good work!!!

[@731Woodworks]

Great to hear about their customer service! I have the Wixey DRO in the shop and will be videoing that soon!

[@thollin57]

I bought a WEN spiral cutter head thickness planer, and it does a particularly respectable job of planning a nice finish on all the boards I've used it on. And this got it for a fair price. This is from a weekend warrior. thanks, and have a blessed day. Just FYI.

[@Changtent]

An interesting note about sound level is that measured decibel level is not linear to apparent sound level. In sound engineering specs, a 6-decibel increase in measured sound compares to a doubling of apparent sound level. This means if your sound is 12-decibels lower, you are experiencing 1/4th of the apparent sound level. A very significant change.

[@adrianscarlett]

I've always understood 3db to be a doubling in intensity, 6db to be a doubling in pressure, and 10db a doubling in perceived loudness, based on the 'A' frequency weighting scale.

[@awemowe2830]

​@@adrianscarlettsame

[@Andi.Mitchell.Designs]

12db lower will feel like half as loud.

[@hamilde]

Several years ago I bought a DW735x and a shelix head. I used the blades that came with the 735 for a few jobs and nicked one of the blades almost immediately. I put the shelix head in and have planed countless board feet of wood (I think for about 5+ years). Just a couple of months ago, I rotated my first insert. I would never go back to straight knives.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the different blades! I appreciate it!

[@aaronoconnor606]

My 24 inch planer I have rotated the the teeth 2 times in about 20 year

[@aaronoconnor606]

They are definitely worth the investment they last for ever

[@hamilde]

@@aaronoconnor606 I agree. I think I only had to rotate the one insert because I hit something metal. It only left the slightest tiny ridge and I could have left it, but why not just rotate the insert and get rid of it. I did find an old miniball bullet in some very old oak I was milling. I doubt it hurt a tooth since lead is softer than the wood.

[@beach3408]

I got the Byrd shelix after about 50 board feet. I still have one side of my 4 cutters still ready to go after 11 years. Unreal upgrade

[@ArchersPlace]

Just bought my dewalt 735, Went to flip the blade around because it was dull out of the box which was annoying but the tool that it comes with has two magnets and I realize that's for picking up the cover and the blade so you don't have to risk cutting your hand. Little fun tip

[@jeffa847]

I am so impressed with my Dewalt 735 even with just the straight knives. It's hard to imagine it being much better. My intention was to buy it and just use it until I had a setup that I could put a larger Powermatic (or whatever) planer in my shop but so far I haven't felt the need to upgrade. It does a beautiful job and I can get boards to such a precise thickness with the little gauge.

[@billymurphy3]

I’d suggest looking at the used market if you wanted one of these with a Shelix. I’ve seen some of these with a Shelix installed already for $300-500 around my parts. Definitely found them around $400. Lower $300s are the ones that pop up and disappear even with straight knives around me. Lots of people who install these move on to bigger planers eventually. Just make sure you understand there are a couple different models of the 735. Some parts for different 735s aren’t cross compatible. Also, you can’t be afraid of playing with your machines if this is the route you take.

[@kwilliams2239]

Right. I don't see where the $1000 comes from. $1600 is better spent on a floor standing planer.

[@Aaron-nj4ou]

The shelix cutterhead makes an exponential difference in noise level as you get into bigger machines. My old high school woodshop replaced the cutterhead on a 24 inch Wadkins planer and it cut the noise by probably 70 percent. It use to sound like a jet engine and now you can actually have a conversation while it is planing. For me no matter what planer you have the spiral cutterhead is worth every penny. I would not buy a new planer without it.

[@danbailey5503]

The WEN PL1326 15 amp planer also has that thickness gauge at the front. It also has a spiral cutter head. I am not saying the spiral head is as good as a helix, but it would be interesting to see a comparison with the WEN with these 2 dewalts. But I have the WEN and I love it.

[@Control-Freak]

Great Review! I think I will change out the head when I need blades replaced. Of course it doesn't get used much, I enjoy using hand planes more these days. And I don't need hearing protection for those. For really ornery wood I will break out the 735.

[@erickdanielsson6710]

Thanks Matt, I added the Byrd Helix to my Delta 22-580. Absolutely worth the time, effort and cost.

[@731Woodworks]

Great to hear!

[@kevinrose8568]

One of the best upgrades I've made. Would highly recommend for the reasons given.

[@Danko88]

I got a new bird Shilex OEM for 375 on amazon , installation was super easy after watching a few videos. about 900 total for both. totally worth it after you run wood.

[@woodworking406]

I installed the grizzly spiral cutterhead on mine and have been pretty happy with it.

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

Glad to hear they make a Shelix head for the 734 which I have in my shop. I may have to have a chat with Santa!!

[@philjohnwilliams]

I have a spiral head (not Shelix, but essentially the same) in my 734 and is game changing. Noise is down and dust collection is improved, and of course the cut quality on figured wood is greatly improved

[@frankrodriguez6424]

Changing it out is a act of congress

[@mcmathwoodworks]

Yea I didn’t know that either! I may have to look into it...

[@tommythompson6278]

I have used the “w” version to plane purpleheart, hard maple, figured walnut and paduak. The only time that I had tear out was when I was aggressive with amount of material being removed. All I had to do was to back off the amount to be removed in a single pass. BTW hit does plug up the dust collector so I the small dust deputy and the problem was solved.

[@Maceofblades]

I have a helical head on my planer and my jointer. Those cutter heads are great, and I would struggle going back to a standard cutter head. Love your content sir please keep it up! God Bless!

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks

[@c.a.g.1977]

Wow, that really makes a difference! Do you know if they have one for the Dewalt DW733?

[@Dennissells05]

Well done!! Thank you for comparison

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you liked it!

[@rockharvey5787]

Grizzly makes a helical cutterhead for this planer as well. I bought it for my 735, it was an amazing upgrade. No tear out at all, no matter the figure in the wood.

[@quargr]

Matt, made an earlier comment but before I clicked away another though occurred to me. Based on your review if a smother finish is being provided by the Shelix head, another advantage is you will need less sand paper (think cost) and have less ware on your sander(s), not going to mention the reduced electric and sanding time. Just saying these things one might consider in the final analysis. Thanks again!

[@dwightl5863]

Matt did mention that less sanding would be required.

[@bobbrown2502]

I have purchased 2 of the 735 planers. The first had a bolt strip out on the planer head with the first knife change. Without the support of that bolt the knife flexed and caught the framework. The planer was basically blown up. It needed a new motor base plate which costs about half the price of a new planer. I upgraded the new one to a helical head before I plugged it in. The original unit sits on a shelf in case I need spare parts. Watch out for that missing bolt.

[@AxGryndr]

I figured I would use up the two sides of the installed blades and then on the replacement set that came with the machine before deciding if the upgrade makes sense. The disadvantage, the price may go up between now and then.

[@lawrencedeleurere4427]

This comparison is between a brand new shelix and a five year old straight knife. I am sure that the shelix is better, but it's not really a fair comparison. It's obvious that your rollers on the old machine are slipping which is where those cross grain lines are coming from. I'd also be interested in seeing how new your blades are on the old machine.

[@davefarmery8180]

What would you recommend for cleaning up scaffolding boards

[@anthonyrivera7815]

I bought one of Byrd’s 735 with helical installed. Do you think I would be able to run an end grain cutting board through it safely? Love your videos! Thanks

[@daddski1]

fantastic, i just cannot find the justification to buy over my Ridgid 13 in planer. It has been fantastic and two years into it, still works like new. Wondering though, if I can add these blades to what I have?

[@deeeeeeps]

I have a 15" 240v planer and done a TON of planing with a Shelix head. I'm yet to rotate the blades. Absolutely incredible how much better they are in every way...EXCEPT a stain ready finish. Everything must be sanded because they leave lines.

[@MR-si1eq]

I just recently bought a Dewalt 735. I did do the review search thing. For the money it's ok. I get blade marks on every single piece I've ran thru it. I use a lot of walnut, maple, hickory, red oak and hickory. I'm thinking maybe i should have got the Oliver from the beginning. Not to impressed. I'd give it about a low 4 out of 5 As for your test. Definitely get the new cutter head. It seems like your saving a lot of time and money with it in the long run. Less sanding time is a big deal when your doing large or multiple pieces. Replacement time. And so on. I'm thinking now that I'm in to this for $600 I might as well get the new cutting head. 😊

[@PreparationH67]

Would be interesting to see a more in depth review of something like the Grizzly G0940 and how it preforms as a planer that comes stock with a helical head. Doesn't seem like its a planer that gets talked about much.

[@michaelzeal844]

I can definitely see the benefit of the Shelix head on this, however I can't see spending this much for that planer, especially when there are options out there that are more versatile such as the Grizzly G0959 - 12" Combo Planer/Jointer with Helical Cutterhead, its a jointer and planer and is benchtop and list is under $1200

[@skylier36]

Great video. I went the Oliver route to get the warranty and wixy gauge.

[@731Woodworks]

Good choice!

[@CreativeCustomDesigns]

The next purchase for us is an 8" jointer....it will have the helical cutter head......I might see how involved it will be in our Dewalt planer to do the exchange myself. GREAT video Matt

[@CreativeCustomDesigns]

Matt....I noticed an adaptor on the back of your planer for the dust collector. Mind telling me where you got it?

[@kennethholmes9315]

Not to mention that the cutters on the shelix are carbide. Which stays sharp much longer than the high speed steel blades that come with the Dewalt machine.

[@CorbyQ]

Great video Matthew. If i can ever afford a planer I want the dewalt. God bless , have a great day.

[@Terkinstein]

wow I bet that pinky hurt when you mashed it. God bless you and your 731 family!

[@bryanblissett2066]

Hi Matt, I have the Dewalt 735 and I am afraid I cannot give it a glowing report, I purchased mine in 2019 and I am chasing spare parts to rebuild the burn out motor for the second time! seems it is a common occurrence with these machines, how yours has lasted this long amazes me, I only use softwoods, and cut 1/2 mm passes, what sort of duty cycle do you use, to prevent heat buildup, as mine was destroyed when the rotor delaminated and destroyed itself. Oh yeah, if you get a chip in a blade (3 blade Unit) it is a simple matter of sliding the blades sideways as the holes are elongated so they do not line up and good for another run.

[@pwrgreg007]

I have not used the DeWalt DW735, but I own the Ridgid TP13002 13" Thickness Planer. It has a removal indicator at the infeed called "Ind-I-Cut", yeah that's cute. It also has preset thickness stops called "Repeat-A-Cut." I like those stops that prevent me from "over-planing" mistakes. I definitely plan to get a helical cutter, as in my experience the straight blades tear out maple & walnut regularly. If the reader has a preference between Byrd, Shelix, or Lux Cut heads, I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts.

[@RedEyedJedi]

Are your straight knifes also brand new?

[@chrispanek4401]

i dont know how much of a difference it would make but are the straight knives a brand new set?

[@SamWanamaker1]

Were the straight knives brand new as well? I feel like you mentioned you would have to flip them to get a better cut. So the comparison seems pretty unfair.

[@qwerty112311]

Fortuitous timing… replacement blades for me 735 arrived today… I guess dropping by Home Depot to return them tomorrow and order this sucker right now.

[@p8ntblr1]

If you have a half way decent used tool market in your area I would hold out for a floor model and get a helical head for that. Which will be the same if not less than the dewalt head. Not an option for everyone but I would check first

[@seanzawko09]

Love the video, but… what watch and is that? 😊

[@mwimmer8947]

I don't recall you mentioning this... But if you want to keep using that handing material removal gauge... You need to order the oem size cutting head. Read the note below from Byrds website. Both blades cost the same, but one is more involved to install and maintains oem diameter. The other is super easy, but is smaller diameter. OEM Original Size Option: If you select the Original OEM Head Size option, you will need to remove the straight blades that come pre-installed on your head first before you can install your new cutter head. One your head is installed you can re-attach the carbide inserts to your head. Smaller “Easy Install” Head Option: Byrd’s default SHELIX head is 1/8” smaller in diameter to enable you to install the SHELIX head without having to remove all 40 knives. The disadvantage is that this will reduce the cutting ability by 1/16”. As this machine by default can only remove 1/8” per pass, equipped with this SHELIX head, you will only be able to remove about 1/16” per pass. Due to the fact that spiral heads require more horse power, you cannot remove more than 1/16” anyways when cutting wider stock.

[@TWC6724]

It’s a nice upgrade if you have the money, but in all reality, I finish hand plane my surface anyway so if you want to save money, that’s an option. I save the last 2-3 passes for ultra low depth planing so it doesn’t leave as much tear out on hardwood.

[@ravenheart1439]

Would like to do that to my 735...prolly shoulda just bought it already set up...

[@shawncaudill424]

Just curious why you were cranking on the handle after you sent the board through

[@cristianbrenes03]

could you do a comparison between Dewalt, Rigid, and Ryobi Thickness planer?

[@Prophocy408]

I have that planar but for some reason i get a solid 3" of snipe on each end of my boards

[@kevinr1704]

I would love to have a shelix cutterhead for my planer and 8" jointer. Do we see a smashed pinky on your left hand? Lol, I've been there many times before.

[@actionjksn]

This is definitely a good upgrade. I'm mechanically inclined so there's no way I would pay the hundreds of dollars extra to have it pre installed. Two hours of tinkering around and not losing the factory warranty is totally worth the little bit of time. Your motor and other parts should actually last longer, since you are lowering the resistance with blades that are more efficient. I love the fact that the blades have 4 sides so you can renew it twice as many times. I bet i could successfully sharpen these things at least once with my diamond plate sharpeners. One thing that is really amazing is if you hit a nail or something you are only ruining maybe one or two of the little square cutters instead of a whole big piece.

[@jimkonrad2528]

My understanding is the installation of the aftermarket knives voids the warranty even if installed by the owner. I am not 100% certain but arrived at that information when I was researching the topic last year.

[@surlycanadian]

@@jimkonrad2528correct. Dewalt does not honour any warranty if the cutter head is upgraded, regardless of who installs it.

[@fuzzywigglebutt]

@@surlycanadian Purchase the machine with straight knives, change out for the helix and if you ever need warranty work just put the old knives back in. 🙂

[@fuzzywigglebutt]

You would think you are lowering resistance, but I remember seeing on youtube that someone doing a test put a voltage meter to the machines and the helix head raised the voltage the machine pulled which seems to me would be more resistance. I am not very knowledgeable about that type of thing so don't really understand the theory behind the testing I saw. They were just saying the helix was harder on the motor.

[@surlycanadian]

@@fuzzywigglebutt that’s a great example of fraud. They very likely have some in-built mechanism that tells them if you’ve split open the panels to do anything to the assembly.

[@kelvinteoh9058]

It would be interesting to see how loud your old machine is if replaced with the shelix blades.

[@danwaggoner1006]

I have done the self replacement. Not mechanical inclined it takes me an effort when I was younger to overhaul an engine. It was a pain to do the swap out. If I remember correctly removing and reinstalling the belt. Involved a lot of cussing and a few skinned knuckles. I do like having the Helical head and it was worth the effort but give yourself at least a half a day to do the swap.

[@BroRiv]

I know how much you don't like to sand, so hopefully this will come in handy. Enjoy my friend! 👊Oh and it's been 3 years since the Wahuda...I know...time flies..especially when you get OLDER LOL. I haven't changed a single blade on my Wahuda..they just last and last...

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks 👍 It means more than you know! 👊

[@lanesynker4473]

I have a shelix in my Dewalt and something they tell you is that they draw more power, especially with a wide board. Maybe they have fixed that problem on the new ones, but it has not affected me.

[@margueritewhite3038]

Did you change out your straight blades before testing? If they are older, obviously they could be duller thus leading to tear out. No doubt the helix is better but you can get really good results with the straight blades if they are sharp. That said, I have the 734 and have the helix cutter on my wish list!!

[@jackrabbitkayaks6430]

Just a thought..... but I don't think you should be adjusting and lowering the planer depths while the board is already feeding. Needs to be set before feeding materials

[@michaelbandy2979]

Nice presentation as an engineer of 42 years I wanted to point out an improvement on your next video that includes noise measurement it is imperative that the menter be placed in the exact place on each device. Sound measurement is a function of the square, meaning distance from the sound source is greatly affected by distance. So to really compare devices distance from the source must be the same to have credibility in the numbers. Keep up the good work.

[@jayhitek]

I have the Rigid R4331 benchtop planer.. It also has the "Ind-I-Cut" indicator that tells you how deep of a cut the machine is going to make when you first start to put the board into the machine.

[@JamesSmullins]

If memory serves dewalt has a bar all the way across that moves the indicator while the rest only have a small tab so you have to place the wood in the right spot for it to work.

[@jayhitek]

@@JamesSmullins correct. The Rigid has a small ball spring lever right in the middle.

[@tommysts1920]

Are the knives new in the old machine? Just bought a new knife machine and it does a beautiful job.

[@731Woodworks]

They are older blades. Blades cut well. Helix cuts amazing. Basically is the gist of the comparison from me, and most anyone else who has the helical cutter heads. Not a "necessary" upgrade, just makes it better.

[@MrWSM1]

Matt, were you using brand new knives on your old machine for this comparison?

[@Mortalis2]

If I heard you correctly, you said you should have or did not, change the straight blades before starting this challenge? The sharpness of the blades will definitely make a difference in the noise levels and the finish in regards to the standard blades. The Shelix inserts are going to be sharper than the straights even if the straights were changed for new because the Shelix inserts are carbide and the standard blades are HS steel. The "tear out" was almost positively caused by the loose bolt unless there was a loose cracked piece when the board went through. I had one of the hold down set screws come loose in my portable power planer and oh my gosh what a mess it created in a Mahogany top I was making. Don't get me wrong though. I've wanted to change my Ridgid planer over to the Shelix for years but I just couldn't justify the cost with the small quantity of wood that I plane. Even at the price of just the Shelix arbor.

[@ScottJ5860]

Are the streaks from the straight knife planer because of the design or are they because the knives are dull and need to be changed? I've had my sites set on the $600.00 DeWalt planer but it seems pointless to buy it if the results are sub par.

[@liamcallahan6652]

I have this planer with the Byrd Shelix and it works beautifully. But, I had a problem with the motor. As luck would have it, the planer was still under warranty. I took the planer to our local Dewalt service center. The tech at the service center told me the Byrd Shelix violated my warranty. After several days and considerable phone calls, they finally replaced the motor. But , they told me that my planer would no longer be covered by the warranty unless I put the straight blades back on the planer. It seems crazy to me.

[@Luvs2fish76]

Matt do you know of anyone that has had a comparison between the Shelix and Lux?

[@brettpeckinpaugh]

If you go helical, I recommend getting a torque driver so you can properly torque them down, got one as my jointer and planer both have helical heads on them.

[@jeffa847]

When you say a torque driver - is that different that a torque wrench? Any reason why a torque wrench couldn't be used?

[@brettpeckinpaugh]

@@jeffa847 same function but a wrench won't fit inside the body or your Planar. And instructions on most if not all torque wrenches are to not use extensions. Also the torque values are normally lower than the typical wrench. Yes they make the just most people have a 20lb/ft on up wrench.

[@jeffa847]

@@brettpeckinpaugh Thanks for the info. I have a torque wrench in inch pounds I assume would do my jointer but I guess if I get a shelix for Dewalt I might have to buy another tool.

[@scottc4321]

When doing sound testing you should try to keep the measurement at the same distance as the DB will decreases with increase distance.

[@731Woodworks]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@scorpionsting600]

Neat test. But you had old straight blades versus new Shelix blades. Not fair!

[@markm3.16]

That's wild that it's quieter while planing. It looks amazing. I didn't notice those lines on mine but I wasn't doing high quality. As impressed as I am with my stock planer I will probably upgrade it some day because that looks awesome. Just look at the price 3 hours after you posted: $419 using your link. $20 more just because you gave them high reviews 😢 What do you think about buying used as is offered by Amazon?

[@731Woodworks]

I haven't bought anything used from Amazon, so not sure. Might be worth the risk if Amazon offers money back guarantee.

[@markm3.16]

@@731Woodworks btw, I just bought the RIDGID tracksaw w/2)27½" & 1)60" tracks for $339 delivered tomorrow free. "Deal of the Day" deal. Your review convinced me.

[@thewags2005]

It would be nice to see how something like the grizzly or other heads compare in the $300-400 range.

[@p24t]

Moving to a Shelix made a night and day difference on my curly maple.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I’m a. retired Professional Woodworker and for my next personal Shop i set up i’m not even going to fool with the typical Lunch box or Portable Planer witha 121/2 or13” width my plan is to bite the bullet and just pick up a used Commercial thickness Planer off Ebay those machines. have the wider capacity and almost always have the Helical Cutter upgrade installed yes they are 220 volt but most home or low production shops need 220 for something and let’s face it very few of us rarely move our thickness Planers around anyway and if you. need to do so there are plenty of budget Lunchbox Planers to chose from if you need to. work with a mobile style Shop which of course will be a lower quality overall