Originally Posted by
Lignum
Just be aware the Carbatec planer and thicknesser are not true spiral cutter heads, but a straight cutter head with an imitation spiral machined in. They use the same style cutters as the Byrd, and because they are spaced it’s still very quiet and the cut quality is still better than conventional blades, but they do not shear cut like true helical heads.
My advice if you really want the Carbatec, is to get the 15” without the fake spiral cutter head and with the $1000 you save add another $600 and have a genuine Byrd Shelix helical head installed. Months/years down the track you will be so glad you spent the extra. Also it will have better resale value if you ever wanted to sell it.
Also Jet has a combination planer/thicknesser JPT-310HH No idea how much they are as you would need to speak to your local Jet dealer. That’s a great option if space is a little tight, and you are saving heaps because there is only one head. And that machine uses the Byrd Shelix helical head.
I have the Byrd on my 8” Jointer and love it so much. Apart from my Domino, it’s the next best thing I own. :)