Grizzly G0815 15" Planer Head Swap to Shelix Helical Cutter Head

[@JohnBonhotal]

This video was exceptionally helpful. Thanks for the tip about NOT removing the motor. You are correct, it doesn't have to be removed. When I disassembled the gearbox the shift fork and all gears slid out with the cover plate which made removing the old cutter head easier as well as working inside the gear box. I loaded the new cutter a bit differently by loading the head with the rear bearing attached into the machine first and sliding the assembly bearing in further than it's home position while taking care not to interfere with the drive chain. Then I aligned the shaft with the gearbox and bolted the gearbox in place, then tapping the shaft into the gearbox bearing, and lastly bolting the gear onto the end of the shaft. This made alignment of all components easier.

[@TheShop858]

I'm glad this was helpful for you. I had a good friend helping me out with this. He is more proficient with machines - where I'm better with working with wood. It was a great discovery project to work on. The helix head has been awesome. It is definitely produces a better surface for wood. I really appreciate your detailed comments. Hopefully, others will find them, along with the video, beneficial.

[@nater_baiter]

Thank you for this video. I've been thinking about upgrading mine for awhile, but felt a little uneasy to do so... This is a nice step by step video that I'll definitely use, when the time comes! Cheers!

[@TheShop858]

Appreciate the feedback. It wasn't too bad at all. Looking back, we probably didn't have to remove the electric motor, but either way, it is working great.

[@crisskinzel8447]

Just finished doing the same upgrade on a used g0815 and are now have issues with the boards not feeding past the feed drum. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheShop858]

@@crisskinzel8447 I used wood paste wax on the cast iron plate. I let it set for about 15 minutes before buffing it. It worked really well for me. Hope this helps.

[@crisskinzel8447]

@TheShop858 After digging around I found a compound called slipit and it solved the issues. Thank you for your help!