Anyone add a Byrd head to 20 inch North State planer

[Mike Hoyt]

I'm considering a used 20" planer but I'm curious if any one has replaced the head with a spiral. Either Byrd or one of the Grizzly heads. It looks like any of the Asian imports but I hate to pick up this planer if I can't get a head for it. Any insight would be very helpful.

Thanks,
Mike

[Greg Bender]

Mike,
I know I've seen the North State head in the list and I believe they are still on sale at Grizzly. Got one for my 20" planer for under $800 on sale with veterans discount.
Greg

[Mike Hoyt]

I checked Grizzly's site and didn't see the North state listed, I noticed the sunhill CT 508. I assume they are all the same but I just don't want to grab this planer and the have to have a $$$ custom head made for it. I actually only "need" a 15 inch but I got thinking if I can get this 20 and add a new head for less than the new Grizzly 15 with spiral head why not!

[Matt Day]

Did you call Byrd?

[Mike Heidrick]

Byrd can make whatever you want to pay for.

[Mike Hoyt]

Yes I did call Byrd and naturally they couldn't guarantee that their stock head that goes into the rest of the Asian look alike 4 post planers would fit and of course they could custom make one to fit. They said it takes 16 weeks minimum for a custom order and God only knows how much it will cost. I'm not opposed to dropping some coin but is it worth it? I hate throw good money at bad.....

[Jim Andrew]

Call Grizzly. They likely know if it will fit.