Powermatic 1791213 15HH 3 HP 15-Inch Planer with 230-Volt 1 Phase Byrd Shelix Helical Cutterhead

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Price: $3,059.99    

Product Feature

• Byrd helical cutterhead with 98 four-sided knife inserts provides smoother, quieter cutting and finer finish than conventional systems.
• Powerful 3HP TEFC motor controlled by magnetic switch for safety.
• Three V-belts transfer maximum power to the cutterhead.
• Serrated steel infeed roller and smooth steel outfeed roller allow for 1/8-Inch maximum depth of cut and trouble-free operation.
• Large cast iron handwheel positions table quickly and easily.

Product Description

Includes 15HH 15-in Deluxe Planer - 1791213, Byrd� Shelix® Planer Cutterhead, Extension Tables, Closed Stand with Built-In Casters, Cast-Iron Infeed and Outfeed Tables, 4-in Dust Port

Powermatic 1791213 15HH 3 HP 15-Inch Planer with 230-Volt 1 Phase Byrd Shelix Helical Cutterhead Review

I have waited for a few months to post a review of this machine to get aquainted with it and fine tune it. I ordered the machine from Amazon and was pleased with the price and shipping method/time. Upon unpacking I did find that the motor inspection door had been dented, but not badly enough to warrent a return. Assembly was a breeze, as the in/outfeed tables have allen head set screws to aide in leveling prior to tightening the mounting bolts. A 220V cord is provided.

I was amazed at how (relatively) quiet the machine is. It runs smooth without a load, no vibration or rattles to speak of. Under load this machine is amazingly quiet, this alone nearly justifies the cost of the Shelix head. After a short time, I noticed I was getting unacceptable rippling in the test wood. I soon traced this to the belts. I had to tighted the belts about once a week for the first month, as they seemed to strech before finally finding a set. This was a very easy process with no dissassembly save the removal of the access panel. I plan to replace the 3 belts with the segmented type after they wear out.

After the belt/chatter gremlins were solved, I moved on to the snipe issue. This machine as delivered had a pronounced snipe problem at about 1/32". Since the infeed and outfeed tables were true I turned my attention to the bed rollers. There are two full length rollers located in the bed of the table to aide in planing rough wood. These rollers are shipped a few thousanths of an inch proud of the table. I spent some time adjusting them flush to the table as I have most of my stock delivered S2S and had no problem with binding. This adjustment eliminated the snipe entirely.

I have now run several thousand board feet through it and I have found the cut to be very good. While not quite the mirror smooth finish of a helical head it is quickly finished with a few passes of the D/A. The Shelix head really shines on highly figured woods. In fact I was blown away. Softwood perfomance is merely average. As for heavy cut/quick dimensioning performance I have to say this thing is a beast. Even at 1/8" depth with a full width hardwood board there is virtually no bogging down. The Shelix head will not give you a truly glass smoth surface but the overall performance, lifespan and low cost of the cutters (no more sharpening or knife setting!), reduced motor and belt wear and amazingly low noise levels a very worth the $1000 upgrade. The anti-kickback pawls are supurb.

After months of heavy use I have rotated the cutters once. This was an easy yet time consuming process. The four sided knife inserts are indexed so used edges can be documented.

I gave this machine 5 stars based upon its value to performance ratio. While more of a brute than a ballerina this is quite literally the last stop before $7000 or more falls out of your pocket for an 1800 lb. 20" unit. I highly recommend this tool for small to midsized shops.

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