Replies

1. 
   Nathan Barnard | Feb 21, 2008 05:27pm | #1

   Hi Rich,
   I am in also in the market, upgrading to a 8" jointer and 15" planer. I am seriously considering spiral, primarily because I find my 6" jointer knives wear way too quickly and are a hassle to setup (I have to sharpen for every kitchen). There are added benefits such as quieter and less tearout, but these haven't really been major problems in the past. I believe another benefit to these machines are their capacity to remove large amounts of material, quickly. I think my money is going to go for the Grizzly G0453Z and G0490X.

   Regards,
   Nathan

1. 
   andyfew322 | Feb 22, 2008 01:58am | #2

   you do know rich hasn't been here for 3 years 

   Ductape can fix EVERYTHING!!!

1. 
   LeeSorenson | Feb 22, 2008 02:16am | #3

   well, its about time someone answered his question! :)

   lee

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 22, 2008 10:41pm | #8

   lee,

   That was definitely an 8, maybe a 10 on the Ray Pine Humor Scale.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   Nathan Barnard | Feb 22, 2008 07:15am | #4

   :) Okay, I was searching for spiral cutter discussions...guess I never checked the date on the original post.... Wonder if Rich ever ended up with a spiral cutter? Thanks for the tip though, Andy. Nothing like bringing up the past.

2. 
   terrylee86 | Feb 22, 2008 06:51pm | #5

   Nathan,If you are seriously considering spiral vs. HSS I have a couple of good examples for you. I switched from a Delta DJ-20 8" jointer to a 12" spiralhead and from a 12" Powermatic 100 12" planer to a 20" spiralhead 4 years ago and I have not rotated the carbide cutters yet. In that time I have built 4 chests of drawers, 3 entertainment centers, coffee tables, end tables and headboards...lots of wood planed. All hardwoods and I still don't think I need a change on the cutters yet. My son and I retrofitted ( for him)the DJ-20 and the 100 with Byrd shelix's and they were never that good of a machine when they were brand new. The shelix is better than the spiral but not that much. Quieter, longevity, smoother cut, and no tear out on figured wood these carbide spirals have made my WW life much more fun, hated changing blades twice a year.Terry

1. 
   Nathan Barnard | Feb 22, 2008 07:23pm | #6

   Hi Terry, thanks for the info. My primary reason for considering carbide spiral is knife longevity. Although I think I will see longer life on HSS knifes by taking fewer, heavier passes - as well as having the extra HP to push the knives longer (compared with lunchbox planers). I would probably go through about 1000 sq. of stock per year. Might wait and consider these "upgrades" for a later date.

2. 
   frenchy | Feb 22, 2008 07:48pm | #7

   Rich

     I have the old  4 bladed style and I will be buying a spiral cutterhead for it..

     you can get smooth with the old style however grit can and does get onto wood and when it does it nicks the blade which means that long before the blade  is dull you need to replace all 4 blades..

      With a spiral cutter all you do is rotate the affected blade 90 degrees.. it takes moments comared to the time consuming task of changing blades.

    Yes to quiet

     yes to no tear out  on tough woods

    and yes to ease of changing cutter edges..

    In the past 5 years I've worn out 4 sets of planer blades (at $79 a set)  and resharpened them so many times I've lost count. It's like $30.00 to resharpen them which is real close to the cost of disposable baldes (you get two  fresh edges with each blade, assuming they don't break)..  MY dispose ablade set up cost me close to $400.00 and I can tell you that the expensive colbalt blades are not immune to nicking..