Mike Tekin
06-21-2019, 2:53 PM
I have a DW735 and also had a Grizzly 15" with Byrd cutterhead in it and remember the cut quality was fantastic with the Byrd head no matter what direction I planed. I unfortunately sold that planer a few years ago as I wasn't do much woodworking and just kept my DW735. A couple months ago I purchased the OEM size Byrd head for the Dewalt planer and not that impressed with cut quality as I think something may be wrong. The finish on both the quartersawn white oak test board as well as fairly straight grained poplar leaves a finish with some tear out and fuzziness (rough finish).
I will note that the inserts had to be completely removed and reinstalled on this OEM size head in order for it to be installed in the planer, could it be me not re-installing the inserts correctly? It is safe to assume the screws won't sit perfectly in the recess of the cutter when fully set as they are in my jointer?
I did meticulously examine and check each surface to make sure nothing everything was clean as well as use a torque wrench. I even followed the instructions and kept the cutter away from the back section of the cutter head to make sure it torqued down flat on the surface of the cutter head.
I just think its strange that the surface is so poor and there isn't a specific area where I can see one cutter leaving a poorer finish than the other. Essentially, its the same surface one wood get if they planed or jointed a surface with dull straight knives. I checked each insert, however, they are all razor sharp. In addition, the finish on new knives on my Dewalt planer left a great finish - it was the longevity of the blades which led me down this path as well as having great experience with Byrd heads on both my previous planer and current jointer as well as a friends with positive experience.
I also left a message with Byrd but curious if anyone has seen this on either their DW735 Byrd head or another Byrd head on another machine.
I would also be curious if those that installed the OEM size Byrd head on their DW735 where they had to remove and replace their inserts are having superior results than me...
I will note that the inserts had to be completely removed and reinstalled on this OEM size head in order for it to be installed in the planer, could it be me not re-installing the inserts correctly? It is safe to assume the screws won't sit perfectly in the recess of the cutter when fully set as they are in my jointer?
I did meticulously examine and check each surface to make sure nothing everything was clean as well as use a torque wrench. I even followed the instructions and kept the cutter away from the back section of the cutter head to make sure it torqued down flat on the surface of the cutter head.
I just think its strange that the surface is so poor and there isn't a specific area where I can see one cutter leaving a poorer finish than the other. Essentially, its the same surface one wood get if they planed or jointed a surface with dull straight knives. I checked each insert, however, they are all razor sharp. In addition, the finish on new knives on my Dewalt planer left a great finish - it was the longevity of the blades which led me down this path as well as having great experience with Byrd heads on both my previous planer and current jointer as well as a friends with positive experience.
I also left a message with Byrd but curious if anyone has seen this on either their DW735 Byrd head or another Byrd head on another machine.
I would also be curious if those that installed the OEM size Byrd head on their DW735 where they had to remove and replace their inserts are having superior results than me...