Instructions or video for installing byrd head in a Hammer A3 31

[Paul Grant]

I've looked but can't find anything. It sure looks complicated which has made me reluctant to purchase it, or am I just overthinking this....

Anyone have a link to some info ???

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi Paul, are you looking to upgrade an A3-31 you already own?

Regards, Rod.

[Paul Grant]

Yes. I used a 15" planer the other week with a byrd, it was so quiet and as good a finish in very nasty wood it makes me want to upgrade, but the mechanics of it are making me nervous.

[David Wong]

Here is some info you may find helpful - http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fi...llation-shelix. I have been thinking about upgrading my A3-31 to a byrd head as well. I work out of my attached garage, and am limited to when I can use the A3-31 due to the noise. No complaints about the cut quality with the straight blades though.

[John Lanciani]

Hi Paul,

I have no direct experience with your machine, but I did recently put a Byrd head in my Rojek MSP415 16" J/P and it was not hard at all. Total time was less than 3 hours. As long as you have the exploded view of the machine and a decent set of tools it shouldn't be that difficult.

[Peter Aeschliman]

I've never done this and I don't own an A3-31. But I have heard they have good customer service and that they install these heads on their machines once they get state-side (as an option). So maybe you can give them a call for guidance since they probably know more about this than anybody.

[Paul Grant]

It seems that nobody has any clear instructions. I talked to Byrd and Hammer and both indicate a bit of patience and the parts diagram and all will be well. I'll go for it.

[Mike Gottlieb]

Paul, Did you go forward with the installation of the Byrd head on your Hammer A3-31? If so, how did it go? Any problems?

[Jeremy Williams]

Paul, Did you go forward with the installation of the Byrd head on your Hammer A3-31? If so, how did it go? Any problems?

[Ben Rivel]

FWIW I looked at purchasing a used A3-31 in great condition but it came with the straight blade cutters, so I thought Id look into what it would cost and take to upgrade it to a Byrd helical head only to find out neither Byrd nor Hammer/Felder could/would help. Youre pretty much on your own with that upgrade. I was very surprised Byrd had no instructions on the install. Made me think: "uuuhhh, you guys HAVE converted one of these right?! You do know it works dont you? Then why in the heck didnt you shoot some pictures and make a set of instructions when you tested it?!?!"

Conclusion: Ill be buying the A3-31 with the Hammer helical head already installed.

[Brad Shipton]

Its not difficult, but it takes patience and the correct setup tools to get it install it so it is level with the planer table and the jointer. I had mine out a couple weeks back again when I broke a plastic part being silly late in the day.

[Jim Andrew]

If you were buying a NEW Hammer A3-31, would it not be smart to get their silent power cutterhead?

[Jeremy Williams]

If you were buying a NEW Hammer A3-31, would it not be smart to get their silent power cutterhead?

Yes, however this is a 2012 machine. I'm looking to retrofit my machine.

[Ben Rivel]

If you were buying a NEW Hammer A3-31, would it not be smart to get their silent power cutterhead?

Yes and wait for the next sale as their sales knock off over a grand if I remember correctly.

[Jeremy Williams]

Its not difficult, but it takes patience and the correct setup tools to get it install it so it is level with the planer table and the jointer. I had mine out a couple weeks back again when I broke a plastic part being silly late in the day.

Did you find any instructions online? I'm semi-comfortable with this, as I have done it before on another machine, but this euro machine intimidates me a little.