Helix head in my woodmaster

[Chris Payne]

I am wanting to replace my cutter head in my 18” woodmaster and trying to decide weather to go with the woodmaster head or the Byrd cutter head your thoughts please.

[Scott Besaw]

I have a Byrd head in my 8" jointer and a Woodmaster in my 18" planer. They are very similar in appearance and performance. Byrd did not make a head for Woodmaster a couple years ago. I would not have any problem using either again if I had the need. It also looks like the Woodmaster is about $400 - $500 cheaper.

[Clint Baxter]

Interestingly enough, I was visiting the shop of a friend with a Woodmaster, with the helical head installed. He was showing me the ridges left on the lumber after it'd been milled, and asked if I got similar marks from my Hammer A3-31, seeing as it also used a helical cutter head. I don't know if the Byrd head would be any better, but I wouldn't be very satisfied with having to deal with those ridges. BTW, my Hammer may leave tiny scallops, but a quick pass with 150 on a ROS is more than enough to remove them.

No idea if this is common with the Woodmaster, but what I observed on this one. YMMV.

Clint

[Chris Payne]

I right now get my lumber from a mill that uses a planner with a helix head and that is one of the things I don’t like about it is all those small ridges, but I have to run it all through my sander to remove them. I was just wondering if one head was better then the other I know the Byrd head is quite a bit higher then the Woodmaster but if it would do a better job I would pay it.

[Scott Besaw]

The cause of ridges is the inserts have grease under them. I did have to remove all of the inserts, clean and reinstall on both heads. The Woodmaster was worse then the Byrd before cleaning. I get small scallops on both heads and no ridges on either now. The scallop pattern on both look the same.

[Bob Falk]

Interesting thread. I have been thinking about a helical head for my Woodmaster 18". Scott, is your Woodmaster quieter with the helical head?

[Mark e Kessler]

The Byrd head and appears Woodmaster heads are not true Helical heads, the Felder silent power, SCM Xylent and the Hermance HelixHead are - I doubt the finish from the Byrd or Woodmaster equal that of the true Helicals . I would look to see if Hermance makes one for the Woodmaster.


I right now get my lumber from a mill that uses a planner with a helix head and that is one of the things I don’t like about it is all those small ridges, but I have to run it all through my sander to remove them. I was just wondering if one head was better then the other I know the Byrd head is quite a bit higher then the Woodmaster but if it would do a better job I would pay it.

[Scott Besaw]

The Byrd and Woodmaster are spiral heads. Definitely quieter than a head with three knives. They also produce small thin shavings that are easier to bag and throw away.

[Mark e Kessler]

Are they a Spiral or Helical? Spiral and Helical are two different things...


The Byrd and Woodmaster are spiral heads. Definitely quieter than a head with three knives. They also produce small thin shavings that are easier to bag and throw away.