Question for SHELIX head owners

[BBTom]

I just installed a Shelix head on a 20" grizzly planer.  First run had lots of streaks on one side of the head, other side was pretty good.  I then checked the inserts and found some of them not in line with the spiral around the head.  I tried to reset the inserts and found that it is extremely difficult to get the insert to stay in the right position when torquing the screw.  The nibs behind the inserts are not high enough to hold the insert at the proper angle. 

Am I missing something? 

Is there a way to hold the insert while torquing the screw?

Does anyone else have this problem?

[Larry]

I get a few very faint streaks...sometimes you can see em and sometimes not.  In any case 150 grit sandpaper takes care of them most quick.

Still on the first edge of my inserts so no advise on rotating them.

It is a Byrd head right?  If so I would give them a call.

[Fla._Deadheader]

Just got one for a 15" Jet Planer. Haven't had time to install it.  : : :  All new info would be greatly appreciated. : 8) 8)

[BBTom]

I keep playing with the inserts, and it is better. 

I got my head from woodtech and they have been prompt and helpful. 

I may have just had too high of expectations.  If I ever hit upon perfection, I will let you know how I did it.

[Ironwood]

bbtom,

No experience with those in my shop but a buddy has one on a jointer and it leaves hints of lines,..................but no tear out that's for sure. This may be the trade off. In industry most planing is followed by multi belt sanders and the trade off in tearout, noise and set up time is no doubt a no brainer for commercial production. I will eventually get one for my Powermatic 225, $4000 , but not soon. I do have the Esta disposa knife system and must say it was the worst $500 I think I ever spent.  :-\

                Reid

[BBTom]

Reid,

I do agree that it is AWESOME to be able to carry on a normal conversation while planing. Just have to talk over the sound of the blower. 

I also love the fact that I can take almost 1/8" off an 8" hard maple board with a measly 3 HP (taiwanese 3HP), and can plane right thru the knots and curly grain without ANY tearout. I have already wondered what it would be like if I put one of my Baldor 5 HP farm duty motors on it!!

I guess the slight wave across the board is the trade-off.  Like I stated earlier, my expectations where just too high, but wouldn't it be nice if they made a glass smooth finish to boot!!

I have just been playing with it so far, but will soon be ready for a production run. 

[Fla._Deadheader]

Just hadda update this thread.

  Finally got the Shelix head installed, 30 minutes ago. I gotta say, anybody that does some fairly serious planing, and doesn't have one of these heads, has NO idea how much time they are wasting. This thing just took some SEVERELY torn up Spanish Cedar, and made it ALMOST perfect on one pass. This is gonna save us a LOT of money.  8) 8) 8) 8)

  No streaky lines that I can see, but, that's OK. More than makes up for what little time it will take to run a sander over the surface.  8) 8)

  Talk about QUIET. You can talk in normal tones and hear the guy tailing the planer.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

  Best money FRED ever spent.  : : : :D :D :D :D