Jointer Head replacement

I thought I would do a quick review of a cutter head replacement I did on my Carbatec CTJ-196 6" Jointer. I got a bit tired of having to sharpen the blades and then spending the time to set them perfectly each time afterwards so I wanted some sort of segmented head. I looked online to see if something was available and checked with Carbetec, but they don't have a changeover head for this unit. I also checked the other common machine brands to see if their heads might fit as the machines looked very similar, but everyone is just slightly different in dimension whether it be length or diameter.
Armed with this info I looked for generic replacement heads and came across Woodcraft Supplies who also trade under the name Wizard Products. They have a listing of standard Thicknessers and Jointers they supply heads for and once it has been confirmed with them what you have, they will provide a price for either a Shelix or CTS cutter head. Both of these brands are true helical heads with the Shelix being manufacted in the USA and the CTS manufactured in China.
It turns out the head in the Carbatec machine is a very standard unit and was readily available. Once paid for it was despatched and arrived very quickly. The CTS head was approximately $200 less than the Shelix so I took the chance that it would fit and perform as well as it was only for home use. They come with the Torx bit for replacing cutters and 5 spare cutters. It was well wrapped in foam for protection and all packaged up in a solid wooden crate.
Replacement was very easy as everything just bolts together simply. I had to fit bearings to the new head and the existing bearings were still in as new condition so I reused them. They are a press fit on both the old and new heads so need to be removed with a puller. Not having a press at home, I slightly heated them so they were almost a slide fit onto the shaft of the new head. The new head just bolted straight in and was in perfect alignment with the tables.
I have just finished a project where I needed to make a batch of stands out of Vic Ash that had to be edge jointed together, and the joint line was very difficult to find if you matched the grain pattern correctly.
I no longer concern myself with the condition of the timber when I pass it over this machine as the carbide inserts handle everything with ease and hold their edge. Also no more need to set blades.
I have no affiliation with the supplier, just one very happy customer of their service and product.
The cutters are also a common size and available from SJE Tools but I think it will be some time before I need any more.

Attachment 486592
Original cutter block

Attachment 486591
New head