Shelix

[Birdhunter]

I bought a Shelix helical cutter head for my Delta 8" jointer.

Installing it looks like a real bear.

Anyone have any experience with this product?

 

[flair woodworks]

I installed one in my DJ-20 almost four years ago.  It wasn't that difficult, but took some strategizing.  Read how I did it here:
http://flairwoodworks.com/2009/05/21/installing-a-shelix-cutter-head/

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Great blog Chris!  Thanks for posting.  I just might go for a shelix now that I understand what is involved in the install!  Definitely looks do-able even for someone of my limited mechanical aptitude!

 

[VictorL]

I've bought Shelix head for my 6" jointer recently. The biggest challenge was bearing installation. I've rented bearing remover in Auto Zone. Then I had to sanded Shilix shaft a little bit for easy installation. Don't forget oil when installing bearings.
I love cut quality. It's just amazing.

VictorL

 

[jacko9]

I installed the Shelix on my vintage Powermatic 100 Planer this past summer and it feels like I have a new machine.  I just finished installing my Oneida V-System for dust control and I'm looking forward to many more years of milling wood without the tearouts and dust.

Jack

 

[TinyTiger]

I installed one on my Powermatic 54A Jointer.  I bought a $10 bearing puller from an auto supply store, and that made pulling the end bearing a lot easier.  That was the toughest part, and it wasn't really that difficult.

Based on the ease of changing the inserts and the great cut quality, I highly recommend it.  I love mine.

Good luck with yours!  [big grin]

 

[jacko9]

While my experience with the Shelix cutter head is limited to my 12" Powermatic Planer,  I was wondering if the cut on a 8" Jointer is as rippled as the one on my planer?  The wood surface has a ripple pattern about .006 - .008" high that has to be hand planed or sanded off before finishing.

Jack

 

[TinyTiger]

While my experience with the Shelix cutter head is limited to my 12" Powermatic Planer,  I was wondering if the cut on a 8" Jointer is as rippled as the one on my planer?  The wood surface has a ripple pattern about .006 - .008" high that has to be hand planed or sanded off before finishing.

Jack

I can't speak for an 8" jointer, but I can tell you there is no ripple at all on my 6" model with the shelix head.

 

[Alan m]

While my experience with the Shelix cutter head is limited to my 12" Powermatic Planer,  I was wondering if the cut on a 8" Jointer is as rippled as the one on my planer?  The wood surface has a ripple pattern about .006 - .008" high that has to be hand planed or sanded off before finishing.

Jack

im going to guess that some of the blades arent seated properly
there should be an almost perfect surface

 

[flair woodworks]

The carbide cutters on the Shelix are not perfectly square.  Rather, each edge is crowned, so the ripple pattern is normal.  However, the ripple pattern is so subtle, I didn't realize it even existed until I exposed it to a raking light.