Byrd Tool H7769 - 20" Shelix Cutterhead

Works like a champ. I followed Grizzlie's directions for the most part. I took their advice and bought new bearings even though this was being installed in a new machine. One mistake I made was installing both bearings. The smaller bearing that goes into the gearbox has a separate oil seal that screws to the gearbox. I had to remove it, remove the bearing from the old cutter and install it on the Shelix cutter. That leads up to what I feel is a major flaw in Grizzlie's directions. They would have you tap the shaft out of the gearbox with the bearing still retained in the gearbox. The gearbox, while stout, is cast iron. I removed the screws from the oil seal and used a bearing separator to remove the bearing. Other than that, installation was very easy. It cuts wood like butter. It leaves a excellent finish. It is also much quieter.One final note: Buy some disposable leather gloves. I ruined a favorite pair handling the cutter.

This is totally worth the money and time invested. Be sure to call Grizzly for the other small parts - a couple of bearings and one other small part make the installation easier. It does take a few hours to dis assemble and re assemble but your life will be changed. Our shop is quieter, we never have to clear the vacuum hose (it used to plug the outfeed from the planer with longer strips - since this chips it small there is no more plugging) The wood gets planed perfectly and you can rotate the cutter 4x before replacement.

Going to keep this short and sweet, I installed it on my Powermatic 209. its cuts so quite i can barely even tell my planer is running with my dust collector on. Install was 4 hrs will need a gear puller. It cuts so smooth, well some things i don't even sand. the worst parts of my life are hmmmm adjusting 4 blades in a tight space all day long after every sharpening. here comes byrd haha no more of that crap! 100% happy

A challenge to install, but with the help of the Byrd PDF it went smoothly. There is a significant decrease in noise from the machine as it cuts and the finish cut is as smooth as a baby's rear (well not quite, but almost). Stock will require fewer trips through the sander reducing sanding time so I can get on with making furniture. A good purchase.....

SWEET!! all I can say is SWEET!! Far better results than I ever expected. At least 50% quieter. Minimizes tear out by at least 50%. Any serious woodworker should have one of these on their planer. I have a 20 inch Powermatic model 209 and the Byrd Shellix head gives me the best surface Ive ever gotten with this machine.

To replace cutter head in power matic 209 planer works flawlesslyThanks