Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 16, 2005 01:14am | #1

   I have a PM 54A. (6"). I have been MOST pleased with it. I swapped out the stock cutterhead for a Byrd "Shelix" head. Very cool. It is an indexed head, with a bit of a twist. Check out the website for a better explanation. I am the type who likes to use the machines, not tinker with them. The indexed heads are the way to go, no doubt. No knife setting, if I do nick an edge, it is easily turned for a fresh edge. Smaller chips for the DC and less tearout, altogether a win. My only regret? Not getting the 8"! For me, the 8" would be far more useful, but that being said, I'm sure that if had the 8", I would be complaining that I need a 12"!

   Good Luck!

   John

1. 
   webdesigner | Aug 16, 2005 01:57am | #2

   Thanks John, where did you buy the Byrd Shelix heads?
   They sound very expensive. No problems with the fit, are they a universal size?thanks

2. 
   webdesigner | Aug 16, 2005 02:38am | #3

   No worries John, I found the Shelix heads.
   Ballew has the best prices? $426 for 8" Powermatic, am I reading it right?
   It that all I need or are there hidden costs?http://ballewsaw.com/VENDORS/Byrd/insert_tools/shelix/journal_heads_jointer.aspxThanks, Gary

1. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 16, 2005 06:16am | #4

   This is Byrds' website: http://www.byrdtool.com/journals.htmlThey list the part you want at $449.00. Now you quoted a cheaper price, but when they sent me my cutterhead, it was all set up, fully assembled (handle with care!!) plus they sent me a pack of ten or twenty indexes. When I had a question, I called Byrd and Mr. Byrd spent a good half an hour on the phone with me. That says a lot to me about the company. Let us know how it works out.John

2. 
   JMartinsky | Aug 16, 2005 06:24am | #5

   Oh, one other thing. The only thing that you will need is access to a machine press. nothing fancy, I had a local auto parts store that does bearing work, do the pressing. On my machine, the original head came out with the bearings. I needed to have the bearings pressed off the old head and pressed onto the Shelix head. The only thing I would suggest is to CAREFULLY measure the old cutterhead as to where the bearings sit so that the Shelix head will have the bearings set at the same width as the old head, or reassembly becomes tough. I would be very specific with the press operator as to the location of the bearings. 1/32" isn't close enough in my opinion. If you get that part done correctly, the rest was a breeze.good Luck!John

2. 
   ram | Aug 17, 2005 01:39am | #6

   Web guy, if I recall correctly you're in the SF area?

   If so, and if you are leaning toward the PM 54A (I have one and love it), there is a tool supplier in Redwood City called Tooland. Owner's name is Jessie, he's a good guy and gave me what I thought was a very reasonable price on the jointer and a mobile base. I buy all my big tools there when he carries what I want. Great customer oriented attitude, too. For example, a friend of mine got a tool from him and Jessie came to my friend's house personally to troubleshoot.

   -robert

1. 
   webdesigner | Aug 17, 2005 01:59am | #7

   Hi Ram,
   Wow, and I thought Tooland was expensive.
   It's close to San Bruno BART right? I'll look into it and ask for Jessie.I'm thinking about buying the Powermatic PJ882 or the 60B 8" jointer.
   The 882 weighs as much as a medium size elephant, now that's heavy!
   Is the PJ882 that much better!? Can anyone tell me, please?Thanks, Gary

1. 
   ram | Aug 17, 2005 02:15am | #8

   Well, maybe I'm not an authority on bargains, but Tooland came about 5% over the only good looking PM54A on eBay (before tax, but the used one would have had to be shipped), and quite a bit lower than list. Definitely you should price compare and decide accordingly.

   I didn't seriously consider a jointer over 8". I hear the PM54A is considered a lightweight but adequate unit by seasoned pros, with the bigger PMs considered "serious." I don't have enough experience to offer an informed comparison. Mass is obviously useful. I've never felt the 54A to be underpowered or too light. The main selling point for me was the long table.

   If you're going for the Shelix head, you may be in a budget category that aligns better with a wider/heavier option. $426 would have added substantially more than 50% to the price I paid. (I've been happy with the standard knives, but I'm no pro.)

   Tooland is not close to any Bart station, unless San Mateo county has changed radically ;-). Address is 1369 Industrial Rd in San Carlos (I was mistaken about Redwood City location -- it must be right on the border). Between Whipple and Brittan exits off 101.