What is the Difference Between a Helical and Spiral Cutter head on a Jointer?


If you’re in the market for a new jointer, you may be wondering what the difference is between a helical and spiral cutter head. Both of these types of cutter heads have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between helical and spiral cutter heads, as well as help you decide which one is right for your needs.

What Is The Difference Between Helical And Spiral Cutterhead On A Jointer?

Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences between these two types of cutter heads:

The main difference between spiral and helical is the cutter’s alignment to the axis of the cutter head and the number of inserts. Spiral heads align the cutting edge to be parallel to the axis of rotation. Helical heads align the cut edge so it is rotated 14 degrees off the axis.

Spiral cutter heads are positioned perpendicular to the jointer feed, whereas helical cutter heads are positioned at an angle to the feed.

Spiral cutterheads typically have fewer inserts than helical cutter heads, which means they can’t cut as aggressively.

Helical cutterheads are less likely to tear out the grain of your wood, making them ideal for delicate projects.

Spiral cutterheads are more resistant to build-up of sawdust and chips, so they require less cleaning and maintenance.

So, which type of cutter head is right for you? If you’re looking for a jointer that can handle tougher projects and doesn’t require as much upkeep, then a spiral cutter head is the way to go. However, if you’re working on more delicate projects or ones where tear-out is a concern, then a helical cutter head is the better choice.

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What Is A Helical Cutterhead And What Are The Benefits Of Using One

A helical cutter head is a type of cutting tool that is designed with a spiral blade arrangement. The blades are set at an angle to each other, and they work together to create a shearing action that can be used to cut through materials.

Helical cutterheads offer many benefits over traditional cutting tools, including:

– Increased cutting efficiency: The spiral blade arrangement of a helical cutter head allows for more efficient cutting action, which means that you can get the job done faster.

– Reduced vibration: Because the blades are set at an angle to each other, they create a canceling effect that reduces vibration. This results in a smoother, quieter cut.

– Fewer tear-outs: The shearing action of a helical cutter head produces cleaner, smoother cuts with less chance of tearing out the material.

If you’re looking for a cutting tool that can offer all of these benefits, then a helical cutter head is the right choice for you. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of helical cutterheads.

What Is A Spiral Cutterhead And What Are The Benefits Of Using One

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Spiral Cutterhead is a type of cutter head used on a jointer. Its main purpose is to shear the wood at a more efficient angle, making for a cleaner cut. The spiral also helps to eliminate tear out on tougher woods.

There are several benefits to using a spiral cutter head:

  • Smoother cuts: because the blades are angled, the cuts are generally smoother and more precise
  • More efficient: because of the angle of the blades, they can cut through wood more efficiently, making for a shorter joint time overall.

If you’re looking for a cleaner, smoother cut on your joiner, then a spiral cutter head is definitely the way to go.

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How To Decide Which Type Of Cutterhead Is Right For You

There are several factors you’ll want to consider when deciding which type of cutter head is right for you and your woodworking needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

– The type of wood you’ll be working with most often – hardwoods or softwoods: Hardwoods are generally more abrasive and will wear down cutterheads made of softer materials more quickly. If you’ll be working mostly with hardwoods, a spiral cutter head may be the better choice for you.

– The size and thickness of the stock you’ll be working with most often: If you’ll be working mostly with smaller pieces of thinner stock, a helical cutter head may be the better choice because it will leave a smoother surface.

– The finish you want to achieve: A spiral cutter head will leave a smoother surface than a helical cutter head. If you’re looking for a super smooth finish, a spiral cutter head is probably the way to go.

– Your budget: Helical cutterheads are generally more expensive than spiral cutterheads. If cost is a factor in your decision, a spiral cutter head may be the better choice for you.

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a helical and spiral cutter head. It’s really a matter of personal preference and what will work best for your specific needs. Experiment with both types of cutterheads and see which one you prefer!

The Pros And Cons Of Both Helical And Spiral Cutterheads

Helical and spiral. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered before making a decision on which one is right for you.

Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type of cutter head:

Helical Cutterheads:

Pros:

-The blades on a helical cutter head are positioned in a way that minimizes tear out.

-Helical cutterheads typically stay sharp longer than spiral cutterheads.

-They also tend to produce a smoother finish.

Cons:

-Helical cutterheads can be more expensive than spiral cutterheads.

-They can also be more difficult to find replacement blades for.

Spiral Cutterheads:

Pros:

-Spiral cutterheads are less expensive than helical cutterheads.

-They are also easier to find replacement blades for.

-Some people feel that they produce a slightly better finish than helical cutterheads.

Cons:

-The blades on a spiral cutter head are more likely to cause tear out.

-Spiral cutterheads also need to be sharpened more often than helical cutterheads.

So, which is the right choice for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the best possible finish and are willing to pay a bit more, then a helical cutter head is probably the way to go. However, if you are on a budget or don’t mind sharpening your blades more often, then a spiral cutter head might be the better option.

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Kevin Nelson

I will always have a special place in my heart for woodworking. I have such fond memories working on projects with my parents on the weekends in the garage growing up. We built tables, shelves, a backyard shed, 10' base for a water slide into the pool, 2 story fort playhouse with a fire pole, and so much more. This woodworking blog allows me to write helpful articles so others can enjoy woodworking as much as we have.

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