Byrd Helix cutterhead swap instructions for Ridgid

[Tom Hassad]

I was looking to replace my Ridgid planer with either a jointer/planer or a stationary planer and as I investigated I see a lot of people are keeping their lunchboxes and putting in the Helix cutterhead. My reason for upgrading is to cut down a lot on noise. My Ridgid makes a lot of noise even when I do not run wood through it due to the universal motor design but if I can retrofit a helix cutterhead for $450 or so then it makes sense to do this rather than buy a whole new machine for me.

I cannot find any instructions so I wanted to see how hard this process was and whether the instructions are clear enough for me to attempt.

Has anyone else done this to their Ridgid planer?

I notice how the Steel City planer looks very similar to my planer (which is orange in color).

Thanks, Tom

[Myk Rian]

Go to www.holbren.com (http://www.holbren.com) and use the SMC10 coupon code for a 10% discount.
Is this the planer? http://www.holbren.com/byrd-shelix-head-for-ridgid-r4330-13_planer.html

Installation instructions.
http://www.byrdtool.com/TechCorner.html

[Larry Rasmussen]

I am the previous owner of a larger Grizzly 15" planer I put a Shelix in. I have a lunch box Rigid now selected anticipating a possible upgrade, I really like the results using the spiral cutterheads.

Looking at the steel brand planers after I noticed their lunchbox type does have a spiral cutterhead I discovered another option:

accu-head.com

In theory at a glance you think these would be noticibly inferior to the shelix. User reviews, those I could find seem to indicate much of the advantage of the shelix heads is realized with the Accu-head product. $249.99 is more consistent with the overall value of the Rigid Planer. You'll have to snoop around as it is a pretty new product. Let us know what you end up doing. I'm going to be off work after a minor hernia surgery in a month or so. Thinking it might be a nice kitchen table project for my down time.

Luck with this,
Larry Rasmussen,
Seattle

[Myk Rian]

The Accu-head has HSS cutters and are not cutting on an angle. Just something to consider.

[Todd Hoppe]

The accu-head seems to be the exact same design that is in the Steel City planer?

http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/16771/easy-to-install-spiral-cutterheads-for-250

[Daniel Berlin]

The accu-head seems to be the exact same design that is in the Steel City planer?

http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/16771/easy-to-install-spiral-cutterheads-for-250

Yes, Shin-max makes them for the steel city planer.