Convert planer to Shelix head

[gt64155]

I have an older Bridgewood planer and the knives are getting tired. I see that I can buy a Shelix head for it. Are these very difficult to install? Has anyone done a Bridgewood planer before. Are there things to look out for. Am I foolish to invest this much money in such an old machine? I'm interested in any help or suggestions.

Thanks,
Bill

[JGrout]

Generic 4 post planer shelix install instructions

Takes a few hours and if you do your own bearings a puller

the rest is just time...

One note: sometimes you will run into an issue with an odd part not fitting. there are solutions though if you hit a snag people are around who can help

Joe

[gt64155]

Joe,
Thank you for providing the instructions. I was hoping to see what it would take to do the switch before I decided if this is what I want to do. It doesn't appear to be that big of a deal to switch the head out.
Will I see much of a difference on the surface of a board. I don't get much tear out now, but the planer seems to work harder, because the blades are really dull.


Bill

[JGrout]

I believe that shelix belongs in planers and the surfaces are generally better than straight knife planers.

I am going to also say that I think they are a marketers dream on a jointer. you need the stock to be flat so it can be run through a planer not nearly perfect. That is the job of a planer; and done correctly all potential defects left from a jointer are gone from both sides with one machine.

that ought to get em going.

[fredhargis]

I don't think the age of your planer (as long as it's in otherwise good shape) should keep you from changing to a Shelix. It's not a difficult job and gives you a chance to inspect other things for any maintenance needs while it's apart. Well worth it in my opinion. If the bearings turn out to be something you can't deal with, a machine shop can handle them pretty reasonably.

[DSHartmann]

I just installed one. It's not hard to do it just takes some time. The only part I found frustrating was the gearbox on mine wasn't the same as the instructions so I was left to figure things out on my own. It took me about 3 hours.

[Ray Newman]

JGrout: thanks for that link. I bookmarked it as I am considering a SHELIX.

My only question is why do the instructions and/or video(s) always make it look like it so easy? I am "getting at that age" where nothing seems to be easy or quick anymore....

[JGrout]

Like I said there are enough of us who have done it that you can always ask if you hit something that does not seem to be going as expected

I do understand that the instructions seem to make it appear to be mighty easy

Joe

[Wild Turkey]

gt64155 said:

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Joe,
Will I see much of a difference on the surface of a board.

Bill

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My Byrd head makes a much smoother and faster cut than when it had straight knives.

The biggest difference I've noticed is the NOISE level goes way down -- like to not needing earmuffs.

[gt64155]

Well, I just ordered a new Byrd Shelix head for my Bridgewood 15 inch planer. I'm not yet sure when it will ship. Time to reread the instructions. I did order a new set of bearings with the new head. They may not be needed, but I might as well replace them when it's all apart. Ater the install, I post about my experience. Thanks to everyone who responded.

Bill