comparing helical cutter heads

My hope is that between a lunchbox planer (that I've had for years), bandsaw, and drum sander, I don't really need a larger planer. I'd like to have a jointer because a lot of wood I get has a lousy edge or is cupped.

Yeah, I went with the combo to save space. The planer is handy to get the work to the correct thickness. If you need wider than the planer will handle, do the glue up of the correct thickness pieces and sand with the drum sander.

I run into rough cut pieces often and like you I need to take care of that lousy edge.

If I had more space I probably would have just gone with the jointer.

BUT my planer raises the cutter head up and down and the motor is on top blocking easy access to get to the knives. So with helical I took care of that issue.

I used a decent delta benchtop planer for years. It was slow and loud but worked. I ran across an opportunity to buy a used but well maintained powermatic 15" planer for $150. I put $300 worth of parts in it and it works like new. I never realized how great a hefty accurate planer could be. I love being able to quickly and reliably get exactly the thickness I need (as you pointed out). I think this planer may outlive me, so I am contemplating a helical head. For now, the knives are sharp and working fine.

Bob

Helical heads are definitely the way to go. They even have them for my Dewalt 735 but they cost as much as a new one. the whole thing isn't worth that much.

I was not terribly unhappy with the 3 knives,on my planer, but a real PIA to take out and replace when they dull, the primary reason for going with helical. Secondary reason is the better cut, I hope. Still have not had time to clean/adjust/try out the new machine.

I pulled the trigger on a new helical head today. I hope to be as satisfied with it as I am for the Joiner upgrade.

Bob

I cracked open the owners manual of the new machine. Hummmm.. If the cutter head runs backwards reverse the wiring. I guess I need to take another look at the spin direction. ;~)

It's quiet now, when it runs. I hope it is spinning clockwise. It might make more noise if I have to reverse the wiring. LOL

We need pictures!!!

Leon <lcb11211@swbelldotnet> wrote in news:f-idndsK0cLqEIj9nZ2dnUU7-R snipped-for-privacy@giganews.com:

If you're not sure it's running the correct direction, just measure the board. If it's thicker than when you put it in, you know it's going in reverse!

Puckdropper

Well that may a cool feature!!! I often need to make a board wider and thicker too. ;~)

Whadya mean you can't cut a board longer.