New planer or replace cutter head
hotdogman
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I currently have a Jet 16 inch planer in good shape equipt with straight knives. Under a load/heavier cut you can hear the sound of the belts slipping a bit. It has not been a huge problem but wondering if an helical cutter head would be too much for this planner. I am trying to decide if I should buy a replacement helical cutter head for this machine about $1200 or replace the machine with another for an added $1500. I would be looking for a 3 Hp 220 volt planner with an helical head. What do you folks think? I think I could sell my Jet planner for around $850, maybe.
Replies
Have you tried sharpening the blades?
or perhaps the belts need adjustment- they do loosen up over time. But- if you're happy with the planer overall, it's risky to buy new. I just went thru something similar. Had a 20" Powermatic with straight knives. Thought I'd treat myself to a new 16" Oliver with helical head. The new machine never worked well, could not eliminate significant snipe. So I had to send it back- but Oliver wouldn't acknowledge the problem, and it cost me $600 to try the Oliver, send it back and keep the Powermatic. Luckily I hadn't yet sold the Powermatic, even though I had a buyer. So, you never know.
Yes I have three sets of blades and rotate them to make sure the knives in the machine are sharp. It has a three knife cutter head and sharp or not still get tear out depending on the wood I am planning.
Your belts shouldn’t slip unless you are taking to heavy of a cut. I have the Laguna 16” ShearTec planer. The odd time I have fed to much and the belts do slip, as they should in this overload situation. But they never make any noise as the jamming happens fast. I changed the factory belts to the notched style. The driven sheave is a tight turn to maintain 5000 rpm under load, so you need maximum contact with the belts. The notched style provides this. Also, belts can get dryer and lose flexibility over time.
Sell it and get the helical head machine.
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