Woodfast or JET combo planer/thicknesser

I'm looking to buy a 12 inch (300mm) planer thicknesser. From research it seems for my use a helical cutting head is a must. I could buy a JET JPT310HH, which seems expensive at AU$4000, or retrofit a helical head to a Woodfast WPT310 at around AU$2700 (AU$1700 plus the cost of a helical head of say AU$1000).
Provided the quality of the machines is similar it appears a retrofitted Woodfast is a much more cost effective choice.
Has anyone retrofitted a helical head to a Woodfast WPT310 and if so do you recommend it?
Any other comments welcomed.

I have the Woodfast 12inch planer/thicknesser.I appreciate that you have stated a need for the helical cutter, but I find the machine to be very good with the straight cutters as supplied. Perhaps you might consider using it as it comes and then if you ultimately need to convert to a helical system you can.

If you are happy with it as it comes (as I am) you can pocket the $1000 conversion cost. :2tsup:

G'day Harry, I have no experience with the Woodfast but I do have a Jet JPT310 which I retrofitted a helical head to. I was amazed at the finished surface difference especially with wood that is prone to tearout with straight cutters.
It's a bit like an addiction, once you have used it (helical head) you would not want to go back. Also much quieter and that's good in the burbs when you have to consider neighbours.:oo:

Whichever way you go, enjoy it, Cheers, Ian

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Originally Posted by harry wall

I'm looking to buy a 12 inch (300mm) planer thicknesser. From research it seems for my use a helical cutting head is a must. I could buy a JET JPT310HH, which seems expensive at AU$4000, or retrofit a helical head to a Woodfast WPT310 at around AU$2700 (AU$1700 plus the cost of a helical head of say AU$1000).
Provided the quality of the machines is similar it appears a retrofitted Woodfast is a much more cost effective choice.
Has anyone retrofitted a helical head to a Woodfast WPT310 and if so do you recommend it?
Any other comments welcomed.

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Harry the JET JPT310HH is being reduced quite substantially by Gregory's in a 3 day sale as from Thursday a saving in the vicinity of $600 with a sale price of $3060 I believe.
Just something for you to consider. I have no affiliation with Gregory's but its good to able to bring these things to folks attention for their consideration.

Cheers:)

Thanks for the tip Johnno. I noticed the Gregory offer a couple of days ago and it's looking cheaper for me to buy a Jet from Gregory's in QLD and have it shipped over here to WA than buy it from a WA supplier. Makes you wonder if WA retailers are being greedy. I haven't yet heard of anyone who has retrofitted a helical had to a Woodfast.