8 thoughts on “Introduction to helical cutter heads”
Hello! I am looking at buying a used jointer that has a helical head and carbide tips with the exact same engravings as you have in this article (the face of them have the numbers, 1, 2, 3, and then a + sign). I’ve been unable to find what brand makes these (if they are still made), and what the specs are and where they are sold. Would someone be able to tell me what carbide tips are compatible to swap out and replace the ones described above and listed in this article, and if by chance who makes the original? Thank you!
Excellent Article! However, after reading every aspect of this article, I’m still unsure about 2-sided & 4-sided helical cutters?? One Taiwan mfg swears by 2-sided as smoother easier to push through Another mfg swears by 4-sided! HELP
Hi Richard. A 2- or 4-sided cutterhead refers to the number of cutting edges on the inserts (knives) on the cutterhead. Only one of the cutting edges contacts the wood on each insert. The advantage of a 4-sided insert is that you have 4 cutting edges – as each edge dulls you turn the insert 90° to expose a fresh cutting edge. Another advantage of 4-sided inserts is that they are more economical.
This was a very helpful article. Thanks. I’ve got a Ridgid 13″, which I like well enough. Curious if anyone has experience with that machine and/or installing the cutter.
Given that the helical upgrade will be in the order of $400, I’m debating selling it and buying a new planer with the factory head installed. (That debate is still in the air.)
I have been looking at planers and would like some advice. The two that I am contemplating are the Dewalt 735 and the Rikon,,,,both 13”. I have looked at comments on both, Rikon is about pounds lighter and with a helica head. The Dewalt has very good reviews and some have changed out to the Shelix head, a bit of a task to change. Any advice on either of these machines.
We’ve not reviewed the Rikon planer Kim, so can’t comment on it. I had a DeWALT 735 for over a decade – no complaints with it. A great machine. You might want to post your query on our Woodworking Forum (it’s free). If you’re not a member you will need to register (it’s painless). Perhaps some of the members will have experience with the Rikon. Carl
Hello! I am looking at buying a used jointer that has a helical head and carbide tips with the exact same engravings as you have in this article (the face of them have the numbers, 1, 2, 3, and then a + sign). I’ve been unable to find what brand makes these (if they are still made), and what the specs are and where they are sold. Would someone be able to tell me what carbide tips are compatible to swap out and replace the ones described above and listed in this article, and if by chance who makes the original? Thank you!
Excellent Article! However, after reading every aspect of this article, I’m still unsure about 2-sided & 4-sided helical cutters??
One Taiwan mfg swears by 2-sided as smoother easier to push through
Another mfg swears by 4-sided!
HELP
Hi Richard. A 2- or 4-sided cutterhead refers to the number of cutting edges on the inserts (knives) on the cutterhead. Only one of the cutting edges contacts the wood on each insert. The advantage of a 4-sided insert is that you have 4 cutting edges – as each edge dulls you turn the insert 90° to expose a fresh cutting edge. Another advantage of 4-sided inserts is that they are more economical.
This was a very helpful article. Thanks. I’ve got a Ridgid 13″, which I like well enough. Curious if anyone has experience with that machine and/or installing the cutter.
Given that the helical upgrade will be in the order of $400, I’m debating selling it and buying a new planer with the factory head installed. (That debate is still in the air.)
I have been looking at planers and would like some advice. The two that I am contemplating are the Dewalt 735 and the Rikon,,,,both 13”. I have looked at comments on both, Rikon is about pounds lighter and with a helica head. The Dewalt has very good reviews and some have changed out to the Shelix head, a bit of a task to change. Any advice on either of these machines.
We’ve not reviewed the Rikon planer Kim, so can’t comment on it. I had a DeWALT 735 for over a decade – no complaints with it. A great machine. You might want to post your query on our Woodworking Forum (it’s free). If you’re not a member you will need to register (it’s painless). Perhaps some of the members will have experience with the Rikon. Carl
Very informative. At 55, I’m finally building my dream wood-shop.
This is of great help!
Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed the article Steven. Good luck with your build!