Due to the brand fame and perfect performance, the DeWalt 735, or its upgraded version, DeWalt 735X, might be the first benchtop thickness planer for many woodworkers.
However, some of you may want to change to a new cutterhead so the planer can gain a better cutting result. Here comes the question: Which type of cutterhead is better? Or which brand is better?
In this blog, we will explain the three types of cutterheads in detail, and we will compare two brands of cutterheads, SHELIX vs. FindBuyTool. Now, let's begin!
Straight vs. Spiral vs. Helical Cutterhead
Straight, spiral, and helical are three types of cutterheads. However, they can lead to different cutting effects on different materials. Thus, in this section, we will introduce them individually to get the best choice for DW735 or DW735X.
Straight Cutterhead
When you get a new DW735 or DW735X, you will find it is equipped with a three-blade cutterhead - a straight cutterhead. It uses long, straight blades mounted parallel to each other on the cutterhead.
The blades' features mean they punch the materials at 90 degrees. This cutting method may cause the wood to tear and leave cutting textures, especially on figured wood.
The straight cutterhead will cause louder noise than spiral and helical cutterheads, but it's much cheaper than them. When you find the blade gets dull or damaged, you need to change the entire blade.
Spiral Cutterhead
The spiral cutterhead differs from the straight cutterhead, but you can compare it with the helical cutterhead.
The indexable inserts on the spiral cutterhead are arranged in a spiral pattern on the axis of a cylinder. Due to the design, the cutting action of the insert is distributed across the entire blade head, rather than concentrated on two or three points as with a straight cutterhead, resulting in lower noise levels.
Although the blades are arranged parallel to the axis of rotation, they still contact the material at 90 degrees during cutting, just like a straight cutterhead. It's more suitable for cutting soft wood and low-density materials, especially those materials that will produce amount of waste during cutting.
Helical Cutterhead
Now, here comes the key type we focus on - the helical cutterhead. Some people may think spiral and helical are synonyms; as a result, they confuse these two cutterheads. In fact, these two are generally similar, but there are also slight differences in the details.
Like the spiral cutterhead, the indexable inserts on the helical cutterhead are arranged in a helical pattern along the circumference of the cutterhead. But the main difference between spiral and helical cutterheads is that these inserts are not parallel to the axis. Their cutting edges are angled slightly to the path of the workpiece, typically around 14 degrees.
This means that the inserts do not strike the workpiece directly at a 90-degree angle, but rather gradually contact the workpiece as the material passes through the machine. This design reduces the impact of the inserts on the workpiece and reduces noise during operation, resulting in smoother cutting and a smoother surface.
When the inserts on the spiral or helical cutterhead are getting worn or dull, you don't need to change the whole blade like the straight cutterhead, but only one single insert. Therefore, maintenance costs will be lower than those of a straight cutterhead. But the initial cost of a helical cutterhead is much higher than that of a straight or spiral cutterhead.
FindBuyTool VS. SHELIX: Which is Better?
We've mentioned three types of cutterheads above; however, most of the thickness planers are equipped with a straight cutterhead, and the DeWalt 735 & 735X are no exception.
Nevertheless, for a smoother surface, more and more woodworkers prefer to use a helical cutterhead rather than the spiral for their DW735 & 735X as an alternative. Thus, in this section, we will compare the two most famous brands of helical cutterhead: FindBuyTool and SHELIX.
FindBuyTool Helical Cutterhead for DW735 & 735X
In 2020, FindBuyTool made a breakthrough on the helical cutterhead for DeWalt 735. This new version uses 56 carbide inserts on a 4-row design. The spiral carbide insert configuration provides a shearing cut, rather than a straight cut.
The unmatched feature is the 150mm edge radius and 0.5mm rounded edges. This design ensures that even if the insert is installed slightly crooked, it can prevent scratches and splinters on the surface. A specific spiral angle ensures efficient cutting without the accuracy issues caused by excessive spiral deflection angles.
What's more, the design of the installation reference points helps users install the inserts more accurately, reducing the time spent on repeated adjustments. And the streamlined curvature design effectively reduces wind noise during use.
SHELIX Helical Cutterhead for DW735 & 735X
SHELIX or BYRD is also a famous and old-timer brand, and its helical cutterhead for DW735 or 735X is recognized by many professional woodworkers. It's not a bad option either.
This cutterhead is equipped with 40 carbide inserts on a 4-row design, resulting in smooth and finished cutting. And the size of this cutterhead is a little larger than the original one to give you a cutterhead that is the same size as the one you are removing.
Differences
These two cutterheads have their distinctive advantages. FindBuyTool's cutterhead has more inserts; thus, it is more durable and can get a smoother surface. In addition, the helix angle of the SHELIX cutterhead is larger, which usually sacrifices precision for a smoother cutting effect.
Parting Shot
According to the above description, the three types of cutterheads have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, for DeWalt 735 and 735X, the original cutterhead is straight, so when replacing it, you can choose other types as alternatives. Compared to the spiral cutterhead, the helical cutterhead is undoubtedly a better choice.
If you have any questions about this blog, you can comment below and leave your email address, and we will reply to you ASAP. For another, much appreciated if you would share this blog on your social media.
FAQ about Cutterhead for DW735 & 735X
#1 Can you put a helical head on a Dewalt planer?
Of course. You can replace the original cutterhead with a helical cutterhead to get a better cutting effect and reduce tear-out.
#2 Which is better, spiral or helical cutterhead?
It's hard to say which one is better, because each has its own advantages. But for DW735 or 735X, we recommend the helical cutterhead.
