Sawmill and Timber

The wood shop => Tool Reviews => Topic started by: Kirk Allen on October 08, 2008, 06:24:28 PM

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Title: Byrd Helics Planer Head
Post by: Kirk Allen on October 08, 2008, 06:24:28 PM
I had purchased the Byrd carbide spiral cutter head for my 15" Delta Planer at least two years ago and just never stopped long enough to install it. 

Having to plane a bunch of Osage this month for our porch job I figured no better day than today to install it.  Total time from start to completed test board was 3 hours. 

Opinion?  WOW  :o :o ;D

It is the most unbelivable cut I have ever seen and on the hardest wood in the US.  It truly came out like glass and not a single chip out even at 30 FPM.  Osage is natorious for chip out but this cutter head holds up to its claims. 

My hats off to the manufacture as it truly makes planing enjoyable.  When these blades get dull you just rotate 90 degrees.  Each carbide cutter has 4 sides and when they are shot, just replace them. 

Anyone thinking about this upgrade I can only say I wish I had installed it when I got it two years ago. 
Title: Re: Byrd Helics Planer Head
Post by: DaveK on October 09, 2008, 12:07:08 AM
I don't have any experience with them, but everything I have read has been very positive.  Some day I'll have a planer to run one on 8)
Title: Re: Byrd Helics Planer Head
Post by: Kirk Allen on October 09, 2008, 02:07:50 PM
Its hard to believe the difference.  Just the fact you can stand next to it and talk to someone and have them actually hear you is remarkable. 
Title: Re: Byrd Helics Planer Head
Post by: HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader on February 07, 2010, 02:42:17 PM

 And, the chips are like coarse Circle saw dust.  I would LOVE to have one in my Belsaw Planer. Over $1200.00 for a 1 off jobby. When I strike it rich, I'm gonna buy a 20" one, and cut it off and turn it down.