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Lux 3 vs Byrd/Shelix Cutterhead for Dewalt 735 - Which One to Choose?

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#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm curious about the Lux 3 helical head for Dewalt 735 planer.
Have many people pulled the trigger on this head?
In fact has anyone tried the Lux-3? I don't see much about it on the internet except one post on LJ and one vendor who sells it and the inserts.

Wondering how they are different. Does Lux 3 have the same number of cutters and rows of cutters as the Shelix?

If you bought the Lux-3, do you like it? Have you had any issues at all? In use have you seen any, even minor, scalloping (small arc shaped divots) or furrows (deeper channels left by un-even cutter or cutters) or ridges?

Was the cutterhead the same size as the O.E.M. cutterhead (hopefully) or did you need to make any changes to the depth of cut indicator? Are the bearings a solid fit, no squeeking, don't get hot or anything?

The Lux 3 sells for a little more than the Byrd/Shllx, and has different cutters - they don't exchange between the two. It's supposed to have s slightly, they claim better, mounting system with better cutter seating or registration, but the cut from either should be about the same. I don't know of anyone who has tried them side by side, but that would be interesting.

Last question: do you know if this the same as the Grizzly T31496 cutterhead or did Grizzly offer their own model and also sell this one? I'm looking to order a helical head for the 735 before Christmas finishes wiping me out. Thanks for you help and opinions!
 
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#4 ·
I regret buying the smaller Byrd with the easy install for my DW735. While the cut quality is very good, it restricts the depth of cut I can make to approx 1/32, and it seems the rollers are crushing the wood.

- Runner
I recall seeing a YouTube commenting on the same issue-said he wish he had known about the smaller diameter before purchasing it.
 
#6 ·
It's gone out of stock for the moment, and I may be buying a project 20" bandsaw, so I'm going to save back up for the insert head. I think I will go for the Lux, OEM diameter too (all they offer for the 735 I believe.)

I've seen some strong arguments for a Tersa hed. They use indexed insert straight knives which are available in a variety of different, even exotic steels, and straight carbide blades. The literature makes the claim that they're ~loose until the head spins up, and faster spinning clamps them into place even tighter. I'll post that link when I see it again. I'm not sure it would save any money, but it was a heck of a sales pitch and worth considering…making the decision even harder! ;0

I will report back when it's installed!
 
#8 ·
I ve seen some strong arguments for a Tersa hed.
- Rodango
I'v got 2 24" thickness planers and 2 16" jointers in the shop. 1 pair has Byrd heads in them, the other pair has Tersa's.
I agree with pretty much everything in the link you posted in regards to the Tersa's.
At the end of the day, it's splitting hairs when comparing the 2 systems IMO. They both perform VERY well, but I'd give the advantage to the Byrd system. The Tersa knives are super fast to flip or change out, but they're expensive compared to carbide inserts.
The only reason I've kept the Tersa's in use is because they only get about 30-40% of the use that the Byrd's do.
As for cut quality, on straight grained lumber, the Tersa wins every time, on anything less than straight grained like figured(even slightly) or interlocked grain, the Byrd kicks ass plain and simple.
Keep in mind also that there isn't a planer, or head made that will produce a finish ready surface. Both style heads will leave knife marks of some description.
The 'scalloping' you referred to in your original post isn't any more difficult to sand out than regular knife marks from straight knives.
If I could only choose one style, it would be the (true) helical heads without question.
 
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