Need info, installing a Byrd Shelix head on a Hammer A3-31

[jgt1942]

My current plan is to install a Byrd Shelix head on my Hammer A3-31 but before I make the purchase I'd like to get more information regarding the installation. So far my search for such has not produced anything helpful. Does anyone have any information? I have seen a few videos regarding other machines but I fear that the A3-31 may have some unique challenges.

 

[Mark Johnson]

I would call Hammer. They have helix heads for their machines. I have the A3 -41 with the helix heads and it works great. Also their support guys were very helpful when I called in the past.

 

[Alan in Little Washington]

I would call Brian Gumpper at Holbren Precision Cutting Tools. He should be able to tell you everything you need to know. They have free shipping and usually the best price (they give discounts to WoodNet and other forum members.) I got my planer and jointer Sheelix heads from them. Byrd Shelix Head for Felder Planers

As discussed in this old SMC thread, about putting a Byrd Sheelix on the A3-31, many folks recommend you get the Sheelix with new bearings installed, just in case you "modify" the old ones during removal and re-installation.

 

[jgt1942]

I would call Hammer. They have helix heads for their machines. I have the A3 -41 with the helix heads and it works great. Also their support guys were very helpful when I called in the past.

Mark, Hammer recommends against any aftermarket head and does not offer their Quiet head as an upgrade. You can get the Quiet head only when purchased with the A3 unit. They want you to purchase a new machine.

 

[Bernhard]

may want to check out the Felder Owners Group (FOG) (felderownersgroup groups.io Group). Lots of knowlegable people on that group. That is my first step whenever I have some issues with my Felder equipment.
Cheers,
Bernhard

 

[jgt1942]

I would call Brian Gumpper at Holbren Precision Cutting Tools. He should be able to tell you everything you need to know. They have free shipping and usually the best price (they give discounts to WoodNet and other forum members.) I got my planer and jointer Sheelix heads from them. Byrd Shelix Head for Felder Planers

As discussed in this old SMC thread, about putting a Byrd Sheelix on the A3-31, many folks recommend you get the Sheelix with new bearings installed, just in case you "modify" the old ones during removal and re-installation.

I just sent an email, too late in the day to call. Thanks

 

[jgt1942]

may want to check out the Felder Owners Group (FOG) (felderownersgroup groups.io Group). Lots of knowlegable people on that group. That is my first step whenever I have some issues with my Felder equipment.
Cheers,
Bernhard

Thanks for the suggestion and link. I looked and learned a few things but still need a lot more info.
Interesting before Felder released their Quite head as an option per the group Felder offered the Byrd head as an option. Now they state they do not recommend any aftermarket heads, but to get the Quiet head you must purchase a new machine.

 

[Mark Johnson]

Mark, Hammer recommends against any aftermarket head and does not offer their Quiet head as an upgrade. You can get the Quiet head only when purchased with the A3 unit. They want you to purchase a new machine.

well that is a bummer

 

[jgt1942]

After a lot of research, it appears that before Felder released their Quiet Head per customer request they would install the Byrd Head on the PJ. After releasing their own head they stated that they did NOT recommend 3rd party heads and only offered the Quiet Head on new machines, e.g. you had to purchase a new machine to get it.

I'm still looking for more information.