Powermatic PM100 planer

[Michael Dye]

I know this subject has been done to death, but has anybody got an opinion on converting an older PM100 to the Shelix head? I've thought about it a lot lately, just haven't been able to justify the cost.

[Eric Commarato]

I would like to. For some reason a PM100 is super loud. I have a Boice Crane 1000 that is vastly quieter than my PM 100, I'll use it before I'll use the PM. I also have a General 130 that is quieter as well.

[David Davies]

If you're interested in buying a PM100 knife grinder let me know.
Dave

[Joseph Montroy]

I converted my pm100 over, best thing I ever did (besides putting a Byrd head in my p60 jointer first! ). FWIW, mine is a 50's pea green machine that still has the original 2hp single phase motor. I take 1/8" passes with cherry or black Walnut regularly. Love my pair of old Powermatics , I highly putting a Byrd head in the old girl and letting some chips fly!

[Dave Cav]

Go for it. I put one in the PM100 at school as soon as I could and it made all the difference in the world. My helper (a retired auto mechanic) and I got it installed in about 2 hours with very basic hand tools.

[Michael Dye]

David, I certainly would be interested. I used one of these many years ago on a friends PM100 and always thought that would make a nice addition. Email me with details, please. helimd@sbcglobal.net

[Joe Jensen]

I put a Byrd head in my PM100 around 2005. Fantastic upgrade. I have a 12" jointer and the 12" planer is fine. Next step up for me would be a 24" Euro planer and I don't have space. When dialed in the PM100 is a solid machine. I would say swapping the cutterhead is pretty simple. Once swapped spend the time required to get bend and the pressure bar set right. I have my +/- .0005" according to my dial indicator. That took hours to do.