I finally pulled the trigger and installed a Byrd Shelix head on my 6" Jet jointer.
First I removed the fence, rear access panel, and belt cover to access the belt and remove it.
I removed the two bolts holding the head assembly. These are a little tight to access but take your time and lift slightly on the head to remove it.
Next you have to loosen the belt pulley set screws and remove the pulley. I had to use a gear puller to get mine off but it came of very easy. Remove the key way.
Next using the the gear puller, I removed the mounting heads that contain the bearings. They came off fairly easy. Again take your time and work slowly.
The bearings were a little more difficult and luckily I had a smaller gear puller. I even had to slightly grind the jaws of my gear puller to get it to fit the space between the bearing and head. I removed both bearings and laid the old head aside. Remember the knifes may be old but are still sharp so handle with care. This pic shows the old head with the bearings installed and the new Shelix without bearings. The bearings are also different sizes and so keep that in mind.
Next I wrapped the Shelix head in tape to protect it (AND ME) from damage while installing it.
I installed the new bearings using a deep well socket and gently tapped them into place. I then reinstalled the mounting heads and put the pulley back on. Remember to tighten the set screws. Reinstall the bolts... Again you have to be patient and articulate the head slightly to get them started. I loosely started one and then started the second one before tightening. Sorry no pics but it is hard to get a good pic.
I replaced the belt, belt cover, and rear panel.... After a good cleaning of course.
Next I removed the tape and raised the outfield table level with the cutter head. I rotated the head until I found top dead center on an insert at one end of the head. I then moved to the other end and found it to be about 3/1000 lower!!! Hmmm.... So I used an old filler gauge and cut a shim. I loosened the head assembly on the lower end, inserted the shim, and rechecked the cutter height. Both ends were dead on!!!
I replaced and aligned the fence, oiled all adjusting rods, cleaned everything really well, and cleaned the beds. I also applied a sticker showing it is a Shelix!!��
Last thing was to make a test cut. I used a piece of 4/4 rough sawn cherry. Cuts like butter but sounds so different!! Sorry I forgot to take a pic of the test cut. However, I promise it is glassy smooth and dead square!
My my final review is two thumbs up!!
First I removed the fence, rear access panel, and belt cover to access the belt and remove it.
I removed the two bolts holding the head assembly. These are a little tight to access but take your time and lift slightly on the head to remove it.
Next you have to loosen the belt pulley set screws and remove the pulley. I had to use a gear puller to get mine off but it came of very easy. Remove the key way.
Next using the the gear puller, I removed the mounting heads that contain the bearings. They came off fairly easy. Again take your time and work slowly.
The bearings were a little more difficult and luckily I had a smaller gear puller. I even had to slightly grind the jaws of my gear puller to get it to fit the space between the bearing and head. I removed both bearings and laid the old head aside. Remember the knifes may be old but are still sharp so handle with care. This pic shows the old head with the bearings installed and the new Shelix without bearings. The bearings are also different sizes and so keep that in mind.
Next I wrapped the Shelix head in tape to protect it (AND ME) from damage while installing it.
I installed the new bearings using a deep well socket and gently tapped them into place. I then reinstalled the mounting heads and put the pulley back on. Remember to tighten the set screws. Reinstall the bolts... Again you have to be patient and articulate the head slightly to get them started. I loosely started one and then started the second one before tightening. Sorry no pics but it is hard to get a good pic.
I replaced the belt, belt cover, and rear panel.... After a good cleaning of course.
Next I removed the tape and raised the outfield table level with the cutter head. I rotated the head until I found top dead center on an insert at one end of the head. I then moved to the other end and found it to be about 3/1000 lower!!! Hmmm.... So I used an old filler gauge and cut a shim. I loosened the head assembly on the lower end, inserted the shim, and rechecked the cutter height. Both ends were dead on!!!
I replaced and aligned the fence, oiled all adjusting rods, cleaned everything really well, and cleaned the beds. I also applied a sticker showing it is a Shelix!!��
Last thing was to make a test cut. I used a piece of 4/4 rough sawn cherry. Cuts like butter but sounds so different!! Sorry I forgot to take a pic of the test cut. However, I promise it is glassy smooth and dead square!
My my final review is two thumbs up!!