Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 02, 2003 03:39pm | #1

   I don't have one (yet!) but I can tell you that a "spiral" cutterhead is different from what you are imagining. Typically there will be several perhaps as many as 100, square "knifes", arraigned in nine or so spirals on the cutterhead. Each "knife" is bolted to the cutterhead by an allen or similar screw. Therefore, each "knife" has FOUR cutting sides! Once you wear out all four (good luck!) you remove the "knife" and bolt on the new ones. No blade setting or anything like that!. For me, that alone is worth the extra $. But you should also get a much smoother finish with reduced tear out. The Grizzly website has pics spiral cutterheads on their larger planers. It sounds ugly in my description, hopefully someone with more computer savvy can post a pic.

   Good Luck!

   John

1. 
   SeaTrader | Dec 02, 2003 06:20pm | #2

   How is perfect alignment realized with these 100 or so small square cutters?

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 03, 2003 07:22am | #4

   If you click on the link provided by Steve Krasnow, that should explain it.

   John

2. 
   SteveKrasnow | Dec 02, 2003 08:26pm | #3

   Here is a link to a manufacturer of spiral cutter heads. 

   http://www.byrdtool.com/journals.html

   I also am thinking of the Powermatic 15S for my shop.  Sure would like to see a review of it before spending $1500. 

   Steve

3. 
   FineBlade | Dec 04, 2003 07:31am | #5

   If I'm not mistaken, the cutterheads with 100 or so little knives are called helical heads. The new 15" Powermatic has a spiral head with 3 flexible knives that I think aren't resharpenable (i.e. disposable), and replacement knives are about 100 bucks a set. Hope this helps.

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 05, 2003 04:13am | #6

   You know, I think that you are right! I assumed that it was an indexede head. I can't imagine how they do that. I wonder if blade chages are a nightmare? I know that "Shop Fox" makes a spiral 20" planer, I wonder if it is the same type. Pretty weird. Where did you get your information?

   Thanks,

   John

1. 
   FineBlade | Dec 05, 2003 04:46am | #7

   The 2004 Jet/Powermatic catalog has a good photo of the cutters, they are thin knives with a series of tabs along the back side. They are supposed to be relatively easy to replace and are self adjusting. My dealer thinks that more manufacturers will mimic this style, and that the knives will come down in price eventually. I just stumbled across this info while trying to buy the new powermatic 20". I am selling dump trailers, scaffolding, etc. and buying a number of major shop tools. It sure is tough to get well informed to make the choices. So far the General 10" cabinet saw, General 1" mortiser, Jet 18" band saw, and General International 8" jointer. I am looking at the Powermatic 20" planer, either Powermatic or Delta 3 Hp shaper, and possibly the General 25" drum sander. (I have a big mortgage and nary a wife to hold). Those spiral knives are interesting, but I wish they came in the 20" also. Regards, Daniel

1. 
   SteveKrasnow | Dec 05, 2003 07:55pm | #8

   Your right about the blades in this 15s.  They are the one piece and not the insert type. 

   I found a manual online for this planer and it shows a picture of the blades being changed.  You will need Adobe Acrobat to view the manual.

   Steve

   http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/PMWood/Manuals/CurrentManuals/M-0460286-15S.pdf

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 06, 2003 05:01am | #9

   That's still pretty weird, although cool. The Shop Fox 20" is available with an "indexed" (small, square blades) cutterhead. I wonder if it is any good. Thanks for the link.

   John