Shopsmith Forums

Wanted to ask if anyone here has upgraded their planer with a helix cutterhead, and has it really made a difference? Was it worth the expense?

I ask, because I currently use a DeWalt 12" planer that I've had for about twenty years. My jointer is a 6" Ridgid, which I've also considered getting a helix for. I've seen a lot of the ads promoting the benefits of a helix cutter, just wanted to hear from someone who has installed one, and if it was worth it.

Some discussion here about the helix head, but not on the Shopsmith planer.
https://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/view ... ad#p226373

I upgraded my Dewalt 735 16 months ago. Other than the Shopsmiths, this upgrade is likely the best tool investment I've ever made.
It's cuts are superb. It's much quieter. It has saved a bunch of time and money in blade changes. Most of my planing is rough cut hard wood lumber, chiefly Mesquite. My ROI time should be no more than 2 years.
The change over was not too difficult. If you decide to make the change, I highly recommend buying the OEM sized one. It makes the change over time a bit longer but, it's well worth it.