In this video, we'll guide you through the process of installing a new spiral cutter head in a 15-inch planer, including valuable tips to ensure smooth installation, alignment, and ongoing maintenance for optimal performance. We'll also highlight the benefits of spiral cutter heads over traditional straight knife options, such as reduced noise, better finishing results, and a longer lifespan.

We've also included the step-by-step instructions below if you'd like to follow along.

Important Safety Precautions:

• Disconnect Power: The very first step is to disconnect your planer from the power source.
• Read Instructions: Watch the entire video and thoroughly read and understand the written instructions provided with the product before beginning.
• Proper Tools: Do not attempt this project unless you have all of the proper tools to avoid delays and potential damage to your equipment.
• Handle Knives with Extreme Caution: Remember that the knives are extremely sharp. Use extreme caution and wear gloves when handling them.
• Technical Support: If you still need assistance, feel free to call technical support at 570-546-9663.

Required Tools and Components:

• Pulley puller
• Replacement gaskets for the gearbox
• New bearings
• Wrenches and screwdrivers as needed for removing covers and fasteners
• Rubber mallet
• Flathead screwdriver
• Cardboard for protection
• Clean 80/90 weight sprocket oil
• Torx wrench (for spiral cutter head insert rotation/replacement)
• Torque wrench (capable of measuring inch pounds)
• Gloves

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cutter Head and Bearing Replacement:

1. Disassembly (Removing the Old Cutter Head):

• Disconnect the planer from the power source.
• Remove the dust port and the top cover.
• Remove the straight knives from the cutter head. Use extreme caution and wear gloves.
• Remove the pulley cover and V-belts.
• Remove the cutter head pulley using a pulley puller.
• Remove the table hand wheel.
• Remove both rear guards from the sprocket cover.
• Remove the sprocket cover to expose the drive sprockets and chains.
• Remove the sprockets and chains.
• Drain the oil from the gearbox.
• Place blocks under the cutter head for support.
• Reinstall the table hand wheel and turn it until the cutter head just touches the blocks.
• Remove the four cap screws at the top of the gearbox.
• Using a rubber mallet, carefully unseat the cutter head out from the headstock.
• With the assembly still resting on the blocks, separate the gearbox cover by removing the gearbox cover cap screws and gently tapping near the gasket using a mallet and a flathead screwdriver.
• Remove the helical gear (this may be held on with a cap screw or threaded onto the cutterhead).
• Put the cap screw back in the cutterhead if your helical gear uses a cap screw.
• Carefully remove the entire cutter head and gearbox assembly and place it on your workbench.
• Separate the cutter head from the gearbox using a mallet.

2. Installing the New Spiral Cutter Head:

• Wrap a layer of cardboard around the new spiral cutter head to protect it from getting chipped during installation.
• Install the new bearing (if not already done) on the new spiral cutter head.
• Put the spiral cutter head into the gearbox.
• Install the helical gear.
• Using a new gasket, reassemble the gearbox.
• Fill the gearbox with clean 80/90 weight sprocket oil.

3. Reassembly (Installing the New Cutter Head Assembly):

• Install the gearbox and new spiral cutter head assembly back into the planer.
• Ensure that you seat the cutter head shaft bearing by tapping on the gearbox with a mallet.
• Reinstall the sprockets and chains.
• Reinstall the sprocket cover and both rear guards on the sprocket cover.
• Install the cutter head pulley.
• Remove the cardboard from the spiral cutter head.
• With the power still unplugged, rotate the cutter head slowly by turning the pulley to make sure it is not in contact with anything.
• Reinstall the V-belts.
• Put the V-belt cover back on.
• Put the top cover and dust port back on.

Final Checks and Adjustments:

• After reassembly, verify the alignment of the new cutter head with the table, as well as the feed roller and pressure roller heights, using the instructions in your owner's manual.
• When you are ready to test run your planer, listen for any unusual sounds or noises and verify the tightness of all bolts and fasteners that were removed during the installation process.

We trust you will find this video to be beneficial. Please feel free to reach out to us HERE if you have any questions on how to change a spiral cutterhead.