Upgrade Your Planer l Shelix Cutterhead l Helical Cutterhead l Byrd Tool l DeWalt DW735

[@danleach4309]

I did not bother looking at other videos on this, as I knew your production value would be as high as the rest of your work. Thank you for clear, concise instructions with just enough personality to make it fun. Will be installing mine today.

[@rhwoodshop]

So glad you liked it. Your feedback is much appreciated. Thank you!

[@DanielMcCurdyNZ]

This is probably the best how-to video I’ve ever seen, and I’m not exaggerating even slightly. Clear, concise, well spoken, incredibly organised and detailed. I have been putting off installing my Shelix but I’ll be doing it tomorrow now ! I’m glad you also have the OEM version, same as me, so it’s exactly the same process - it seems to be the only one regularly stocked nowadays. Thank you for all of the hard work you put into this video, it really is very well received. Hi from New Zealand ! Cheers, Dan

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank you! You just made my data with all these kind words. I tried really hard to make this as easy as possible. A process like this, which is supposed to be a do it yourself, is always intimidating to most. I wanted to break it down into the simplest way possible. Judging from your comment I did that. Thank you so much again!!!

[@DanielMcCurdyNZ]

I did the installation over the weekend with your video guiding the way. It went flawlessly, with the exception of realising I didn't have a damn 23mm socket until I needed it, 10 minutes before the local hardware store closed. Whoops. The shelix head is interesting - slightly different planing result to the straight head - I ended up with a tiny bit of scalloping (on softwood, not harder wood) which I wasn't expecting, but still an awesome piece of kit. Thanks again.

[@brucegraybill]

Thank you! Best instructional video on the installation of this cutter head I have found on KZbin. Great job!

[@GlovikXIV]

Awesome video! Love how clear your instructions are with great camera angles! Boooooom!!!!

[@rhwoodshop]

So glad that you liked it

[@SH-pc4xt]

Thanks very much for posting. I've watched many of these Shelix install videos for the DW735. This is among the very best. Particularly appreciated that you took the extra trouble to get very nice close-up shots of the key steps.

[@rhwoodshop]

Well that’s how they do it in instruction manuals so I figured I would translate that to a video. There’s really not a way you can get a grasp on everything unless you have close ups

[@MrMann-qv6cb]

I like your presentation! To the point not verbose and informative. Thank you very much

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank You so much!

[@anndriapowers7533]

Great video! You explained everything really well. Best video on shelix replacement I’ve seen!!!

[@jbb5470]

By far, the best video I have ever seen on this install. Absolutely fantastic!!

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank You!!! I am so glad you liked it!

[@troymeredith521]

Finally did my upgrade. Thanks for a fantastic walkthrough. I didn't put the screws back where that spring lock was. The washers would have been annoying, so I'll just put the whole thing in a zip lock bag for storage. Now I can store my old cutterhead and maybe build a 13" jointer with it in the distant future. :)

[@rhwoodshop]

That’s awesome. So glad I could help you out Troy. Mine is still running like a top.

[@troymeredith521]

Rock-n H Woodshop I think the hardest part was putting all the cutters back on inside the planer. Lol. Dropped a few down below and had to fish them out (did not raise the planer up...). Awesome to hear the longevity. Can’t wait to try mine tomorrow.

[@rhwoodshop]

Troy Meredith oh man that sucks. Glad you got it done. Let me know what you think about it when you use it.

[@troymeredith521]

@@rhwoodshop Just finished tweaking it. Had some scratch marks on the first run, but that was resolved when I reseated a couple of cutters. The only thing I haven't been able to resolve are these two tiny groove lines from the center of the planer. It's not the cutters as I examined every single cutter in the middle of the cutterhead and nothing resembles those marks. It's not the rollers too because I cleaned them and there's nothing bumpy there. Any ideas from your experience?

[@rhwoodshop]

Troy Meredith Are they grooves or are they relief areas

[@robertbrandau5335]

Excellent - straight forward instructions and clear close-up video.

[@rhwoodshop]

Very glad it helped you.

[@neuhaus59]

I've been wanting to do this for a year. I was scared to try it but this shows how much easier it is than I thought. Thanks Drew, I just ordered my Shelix head.

[@rhwoodshop]

That’s awesome. Did you order it from Byrd tools

[@neuhaus59]

yes sir I did in fact.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

I’ve watched a few videos on how to do this and they all made me feel like it would be too complicated. You totally made this look easy and doable. Hope to be able to upgrade one day!

[@rhwoodshop]

Thanks Tamar! So glad you liked it. I tried to make it as detailed and easy to follow at the same time. You just proved that I did my job. Thank you.

[@billonthehill9984]

Well done Drew... Clear, straightforward demonstration on this procedure. I do not recommend this procedure to those less mechanically inclined in such things however... I do have a set of snap ring pliers, both int. & ext. & is the only thing I would have done differently! Lol... I am just starting my research on portable thickness planers & thus far I like what I am seeing with the DeWalt DW735 planer. Based on my research thus far, I believe the helical cutter head is a superior cutter versus straight blades. I am about to take a closer look at the straight carbide cutter blades with respect to performance & costs versus the factory straight blades & then make a decision as to what thickness planer I actually go with after everything is said & done... Bill :-)

[@ronepl]

Just wanted to thank you for the tutorial. My install didn't go quite as smoothly as yours, but I hung in and got it done. Great finish and definitely quieter. Cheers.

[@rhwoodshop]

That’s awesome. So glad to hear.

[@PatrickCosentino]

Great video , just did the same thing myself last month. a small warning to anyone about to do this , my screws to the retention clip (to lock the blades) were COVERED in RED loctite. Stripped one screw head completely , and almost again with the second one. Use a good , perfect fitting screw driver for those suckers! Luckily you don't need it with the new head.

[@rhwoodshop]

Nice tip. Mine had them too but luckily it came out without an issue.

[@woodshopaddict4856]

Excellent, Drew! Glad to see you back. I need to do this. I have the same planer. I thought I would wait until the blades needed changing to make the leap.

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

Nice Video, well thought out. Good presentation too... can't wait to get mine done....

[@rhwoodshop]

+Mr Pool Player Thank You so much!!!

[@juancampos1826]

Yes, mine is the same brand. and it seems like they should sit in the right spot, but for some reason when I run a piece of wood thru it is leaves cutting marks. The problem is that there is no way to find out if it is a factory problem since you have to remove the blades to install the cutter head. I will try to re-align them one more time, and if it doesn't work I will have to remove it and send it back to the factory. Thank you for taking your time to reply my comment.

[@ivarhusa454]

I know I can install my Shelix after watching this video. Well done. Perhaps the most valuable suggestion was to store removed components in an organized manner. My eyes got wide when I saw how many bins you had to scrounge up. My solution is to nail temporary dividers to my working table (that has long accepted insults such as nails). Referring back to this video gives us an idea of 'how many' and 'how large'. I will create perhaps 16 'cells'. Dividers could be as minimal as 3/4"x3/4" strip ripped out of 2x4 material. Basically no cost, and you won't have to find a place to all those bins you just bought.

[@rhwoodshop]

Ha ha. Yeah I got a bunch of those from my job as an X-ray technologist. I have over 50 containers that I use for all kinds of dividers. Staying organized spells success in the fact that “spare parts” don’t happen. 🤣 it also ensures step by step procedures forward and reverse. So glad this video helped you. I have had my shelix head and it is still working so well. Enjoy.

[@bigdogmn73]

great video on this...I've seen the same video many times before, but this one is the best video...I have the same planer and I'm debating selling it and getting a 20" powermatic 209hh...thanks for making this!

[@rhwoodshop]

You are very welcome and thank you so much for the feedback.

[@timb.6269]

Great instructional video. It taught me all I need to know about replacing my blades with the Shelix. Which is that I'll pay a pro to do it for me. Thanks!

[@forthofers]

You made it look easy. Great job! Can't wait to do mine.

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank You!!! Good luck!!!🍀

[@jodyrolandconstruction6577]

Great video on the how to. Seems like a lot of work to get a comparable result. I look forward to your updated video.

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank You!!! Should be fun on a Monday. Lots of alder to run through.

[@thehamlinwoodshop]

Can’t wait to see the results when you send some wood through the planer. I have been contemplating changing heads and your video was great and will be a huge help if I do. Thank you!

[@rhwoodshop]

I should be running some wood through on Monday. Gonna be fun!

[@mikiedunn9263]

Thanks was a great video. Just got my Shelix in today and going to install half way there.. you made look simple thanks again

[@eugenedaniels5925]

Just watched your video. Awesome instruction so easy to follow for when I need to change blades. Thank you so much

[@justinprewitt245]

Great video on how to change the head.

[@rhwoodshop]

Thanks J!

[@LuchoFerro]

Thanks for doing this great video. I have already seen two installation videos and feel ready perform this modification. Subscribed.

[@blakedavis7609]

You missed the snap ring at 4:50ish in the video. Had a bunch of trouble getting the old cutter head out. Other than that, thanks a lot for such a detailed and easy to follow video.

[@rhwoodshop]

That’s because I did not hit cutterhead in that direction. You don’t have to take out both snaprings because you’re only taking the cutterhead out in one direction. If you attempted to hit the cutterhead out in the direction the snap ring was in then yes it won’t come out.

[@blakedavis7609]

Rock-n H Woodshop ok. I thought that could be the case as to why you didn’t mention it. I just had a hell of a time knocking out the original cutter head and thought there had to be a reason. I guess it is just that hard to hit out.

[@phildecocco7310]

Excellent video...very easy to install! Thanks!!

[@rjtumble]

Nice video, I love the organization idea you suggested. It would have been cool to see a before and after planing result old to new cutter heads.

[@rhwoodshop]

Yeah but I didn’t have new knives nor a meter to measure sound. Would have loved to but I will do a follow up on how it performs later.

[@tivaman]

very good, I'm sure I'll be rewinding a bit during the process !

[@rhwoodshop]

Well Rick, how did it go with your install?

[@nklenke]

Thanks for the great video. I just got that planer and head this week so I’ll be referencing this again soon.

[@rhwoodshop]

Awesome. Good luck on your install.

[@alfredneumann4692]

Very good demonstration. Super camera-guide. Cheerio from Germany.

[@rhwoodshop]

Alfred Neumann Thank You!!!

[@GeeksWoodShop]

I just installed this and your video was so easy and helpful to follow. Thanks so much!

[@rhwoodshop]

You are very welcome. I actually had to re-implement all of these steps to fix my cutterhead as of late. I am doing a review after one year of use of the cutterhead, video coming soon.

[@GeeksWoodShop]

@@rhwoodshop Look forward to your review then, thanks again

[@maxwaters1461]

What is a number five allen head? Is it close to a 5 mm allen head?

[@mikesmicroshop4385]

Yours must be slightly different than my 735. I did not have to take off the cutters to get it in the machine. It was tight, but it went in no problem. The Shelix gives a great cut and is quieter I think than the old head. It also seems to take a bit more power to go through the wood as it seems to slow the motor more than the old head. Over all I am VERY happy with my decision to change to the Shelix!

[@rhwoodshop]

That’s good to hear. It is not actually the planer that’s different it’s the cutterhead. Mine is the OEM replacement. They make two different sizes for that particular planer, one is a smaller diameter while the other is a straight up OEM replacement.

[@mikesmicroshop4385]

I got ya! I don't remember there being two when I got my replacement, but hay I probably just missed it. I would also re-calibrate your height scale now as it was off after on this one.

[@rhwoodshop]

Yes, most definitely. Thank you for the tip

[@mfwoodshop]

this is on my todo list, I have the same planner

[@rhwoodshop]

Sweet.

[@jimward9962]

Great video Drew!!!

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank you

[@escobarr8818]

Thanks for this video!

[@TheLocalWoodworker]

You seem to have gotten the belt on very, very easily. I could not get mine on and had to take pulley off, mount the belt to it and use a clamp to stretch it over the shaft. As much stuff like this I've done I could not get the belt on any other way for fear of damaging it.

[@michaelmcdonough1989]

Super video Drew as always. Just one thought since I am an old guy I like to take pictures of the assembly I am working on so I can reference it if I forget how it came apart.

[@rhwoodshop]

Good tip!

[@SouthernGinger]

Nice work Drew!

[@rhwoodshop]

Thanks Zach.

[@WKYanks]

Great video! Thanks

[@fazmanicg]

Interesting. I have the same cutterhead and I did not have to remove the cutters to install it.

[@rhwoodshop]

Yea, mine was an OEM. It’s a bit bigger. They have a smaller diameter head too

[@dgramsz2146]

Great video! How long was the entire process, start to finish?

[@rhwoodshop]

About four hours and that included filming

[@gbjones54]

Drew, Thank you very much for doing this one. When my blades get dull I'm moving doing the same. It was very helpful. I'm saving this video and using it as a guide for sure! BTW my granddaughter Nemi is visiting and asked about Hannah AKA little BOOMER. 😉

[@rhwoodshop]

She is so good. Just won student of the month and turned 7 a few days ago. So proud of her.

[@rhwoodshop]

So glad this video has helped you and I hope it helps many others.

[@gbjones54]

Rock-n H Woodshop Glad to hear it. Nemi is 6 and will turn 7 in November. She's a crafter and has been hanging with me in the shop the last day or so. I love it. Enjoy them Drew they grow up fast.

[@Carpenter8080]

if u put the new cutting head with bearings on it in the freezer the day before and take it out right when your ready to install, it should make slideing it in much easyer and should not have to hammer the head in and will be less side loading on your bearings makeing them last even longer. Dont forget to take blades off before freezing it and let it warm up to room temperature before fine tuneing

[@rhwoodshop]

So it makes the bearings shrink?

[@markespenshade9159]

Metal contracts when it gets colder and expands as it gets warmer. Are basic sciences no longer being offered in our schools?

[@rhwoodshop]

Very funny. The thought never occurred to me

[@sailingbvi1]

Outstanding video. I have the same cutter head and have not tried to install it until now. You made it seem very easy. Now I just need my old knives to dull prior to installing the new head. By the way you stated that once you turn the blades four times you would replace them. Wouldn’t you be able to sharpen them on a wet stone, say 1000 grit? I saw another video where the flat side was sharpened and it was good to go. Loved the video thanks for the information. Bob L

[@rhwoodshop]

I guess it just depends on how bad the nicks are in the side you intend to sharpen but replacements for it are really not that expensive. So glad you liked the video. Thanks for commenting.

[@robertbanner3054]

Rock-n H Woodshop cementing

[@shawnsullvan3217]

there 2 different byrd cutter heads for the dewalt dw735 the oem that you need to remove the insert's because it is the same size as the original in diameter. which is part # B4725OEM and the standard one part # B4725 which is smaller in dia. and you can install with the insert's on

[@rhwoodshop]

Yep learned that lesson shortly after this video was aired

[@juancampos1826]

Great video, but he didn't test the cutter head, I just replace mine and it's has been a real pain to set the cutting heads back correctly, if anyone has any experience with this problem please let me know how is the best way to re-install the blades in correct perfect alignment. Thank you.

[@rhwoodshop]

Hey one. Yes this video was not meant for testing that was going to be on another video all together this was merely for the installation. Why are you having trouble realigning your cutterheads. My particular model was made by Byrd and it has self aligning registrations that put the cutters in the exact spot they need to be. Does yours not include this?

[@robertbooth1525]

Another informative video love watching your channel ..... BOOOOOOOOM

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank you!

[@KenPem]

Hey Drew, great video as always. How long did the process take? A follow up would be great too, letting us know if you think it was a worthwhile upgrade.

[@rhwoodshop]

Yup there will be a follow up. Process took about 4 hours and that included filming.

[@xkguy]

There are 2 sizes on these. A smaller one does not require removing all the blades. It is 1/16 inch smaller.

[@rhwoodshop]

Yeah I figured that out after the video. I did want the OEM version so I wouldn’t have to change anything

[@tomwilson5924]

Great vid. But, you missed a step. When you remove the gear box, the next step is to remove the snap ring holding the cutter head in place. You went straight to knocking the head through the planer. Still great vid. I just didn't see that snap ring due to the grease. Thanks!

[@rhwoodshop]

There was no snap ring holding the cutterhead in place on that side. Only on the opposite side. I did not miss a step. Thanks

[@rhwoodshop]

Also if you look in my parts tray in the very last tray that contains the Allen head bolts that held the gearbox on, there is no snap ring.

[@rhwoodshop]

That particular snap ring that you see in the grease does not need to be removed if you bang the cutterhead the opposite direction. If you want to bang it through the gearbox side then yes the snap ring would need to be removed

[@donsdiys1140]

Thanks. I have been looking at doing this for My planer

[@rhwoodshop]

It’s easier than I thought

[@HoustonJames]

I definitely would spent the few bucks and buy that new spring. If it failed because of weak material, which it most certainly did, then stressing it by making it do the same job at a shorter length will just make it fail faster the next time. Plus being that easy to get to and cheap, eh, why not. But that’s just me. The “gear box”, is that the actual motor assembly?

[@rhwoodshop]

Thanks for the clarification

[@darrinwesterfeld8948]

Thanks so much for the vid! Easy?? If I decide to pull the trigger on one of these, I’m driving up to your house. I’ll pay you to do it 😁

[@rhwoodshop]

No problem. I got this.

[@talegunner115]

You can purchase a shelix head 1/16 smaller that does not require to remove the cutters

[@rhwoodshop]

I know you can. I requested the OEM because I did not want to have to adjust anything after installation that was going to require major calibration. The OEM replacement required zero calibration

[@ParadiseBeachWedding]

Awesome Drew! One day when I need to change mine, now it won’t be such a daunting task! Do you have an affiliate link for the Byrd?

[@rhwoodshop]

No I don’t but Byrd tools is really interested in my video.

[@ParadiseBeachWedding]

Rock-n H Woodshop I think it’s wonderful how you go through this so thoroughly! I was always afraid to change mine, but with your tutorial, I’m not afraid to!

[@rhwoodshop]

That’s great to hear. That means I accomplished what I wanted to.

[@tthomasokc]

Shelix offers 2 replacement heads, a large one and a small one. Looks like you got the large one. The small one does not require removing the cutters but you give up a small amount of cut capacity, I think 1/16th.

[@rhwoodshop]

Yup you are right. They have had some issues with people complaining about the smaller diameter so I think that’s why they upgraded to two different sizes. Doesn’t bother me none. Keeps it more OEM than not.

[@dslboysc1]

Thanks second replacement video and found the answer to my small diameter for easy of installation vs. OEM size cutter head. Time to place a order now

Nice upgrade :) I also think for a while to buy a planer ...

[@rhwoodshop]

I need it in my shop. It’s a staple

Rock-n H Woodshop That's why the shelix ;) I know this feature from the professional Felder machinery

[@mikemcdonald5147]

WOW I wanted one of those cutter heads but thats way to many steps and parts for stupid non mechanic me LOL :) Wish I had one but not gonna tear up my machine. Ill stick wit what I got LOL :) Glad I watched this before purchasing.

[@rhwoodshop]

Well it isn’t for everyone. I can put it in for ya though. 😉

[@mikemcdonald5147]

dont I wish lol

[@btsss]

That spline is a 6mm not a 7 like you said. Great video but damn. Stripped the damn nut.

[@rhwoodshop]

Strange.... my 6 didn’t fit. I went up from 5mm and 7 is what fit. Sorry man.

[@btsss]

​@@rhwoodshop All good. Thankfully I was still able to get it off. Thanks for the work you put into your videos.

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank You!!! I’m surprised yours was on there that tight. Mine came off pretty easy.

[@RunCircusRun]

@@rhwoodshop it's definitely a 6mm, I just took mine off the original head a few days ago. Should maybe add an annotation to the video.

[@MrHoustonplumbing]

Decent video like the detail of the break down of the parts but the boom though gets corny when you rely on it like you do

[@rhwoodshop]

Thanks for the comment.

[@BronkBuilt]

1 - 2 - 3 Boom!

[@boneman1868]

$400+ upgrade, and you didn't spend 10 bucks for some circlip pliers?

[@rhwoodshop]

Yes I did, afterwards. Didn’t know what was involved until I was already in there.

[@whirled_peas]

That tensioner spring is comical. Built to break has got to end.

[@rhwoodshop]

I agree

[@stevegronsky8904]

You didn't run it! By now I'm sure you've run a board through. What do you think?

[@rhwoodshop]

Actually I haven’t done that yet because I ran smooth out of time yesterday. I plan doing a follow up vid once I start running alder through. This was just an installation how to.

[@beal5666]

Great video Drew I really enjoy your video's and Instagram clips. You're extremely informative. Buy chance do you have any logo stickers for sale on you sight? Would love to get one from my new shop.

[@rhwoodshop]

I do have logo stickers that look just like my boom logo in my video. If you mail me a self addressed stamped envelope I will get you one back immediately. Email me for the address. [e-mail]

[@SpatialGuy77]

So, what’s the verdict? Brand new blade cutter vs brand new helix cutter. Don’t want a comparison between your old blades and a new helix!!!!

[@rhwoodshop]

I plan on doing a follow up video on the results. This won’t be compared to my old blades but a brand new set of blades which I can tell you does not last very long as they are very soft. Steel blade versus carbide tipped blades are almost no comparison, but I will follow up with a comparison video.

[@SpatialGuy77]

Rock-n H Woodshop - I’m interested in the comparison between the wood surface with a very sharp blade that peels off a clean shaving like a plane, compared to the helical cutter with 10 or 12 not so sharp individual cutters. I realise the carbide will not dull for a long time, kind of set and forget, but as you know, you can’t get carbide anywhere near as sharp as steel. Interesting comparison coming up - 3 razor sharp hand planes vs 10 not so sharp chisels - all at 10,000 RPM. COOL 😎

[@rvamaker5152]

I replaced the cutter head in my DW735 last year. It's true the surface is great and I have yet to rotate the knives. The down side is this planer is too under powered for a spiraled cutter head. The knives are always engaged in the material so the motor never gets a break. I know it sounds fishy but the motor will cut out when feeding wide stock or when surfacing a lot of wood. Very frustrating at times. If you are a hobbyist that works in soft wood and narrow stock it's fine but for me, I'm looking for a decent larger machine like a Grizzly or Jet.

[@ivarhusa454]

@@rvamaker5152 The larger machine is good for you. Otherwise just take less material per cut.

[@giovannipetitti1588]

💣💣💣💣👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@rhwoodshop]

Thank You!!!