1/3 - Installing a Shelix Cutterhead in a DeWalt DW735 Thickness Planer

I have the X model of this planer. Thanks for putting this together. I have noticed the knives dull extremely fast. Last week I did a moderate amount of planing after switching the blades out and when I was done they already had burrs. I was pretty underwhelmed and hoping this is the answer.

This was, without a doubt, the best instructional video I've ever watched. I bought my Shelix Cutterhead after watching your very detailed video(s). For whatever reason, mine did not ship with ANY instructions whatsoever. I didn't even flinch though because I was so sure I knew what to do after watching your video. I followed your every move from beginning to end. That even includes the 15 minutes fiddling with that rotten snap ring. In fact, since you included your struggle with it, it gave me the confidence I needed to keep working at it until I got it off. Like you, it took me about 15 minutes and the help of a small screwdriver.

I love my new cutters. I previously had carbide blades on and they lasted me about 2 years of regular use so I felt I at least got my money's worth out of them. The new cutters produce a smooth cut with seemingly less load on the motor. It's a little hard to make a fair evaluation because I don't recall exactly how well the carbide cutters worked when they were brand new. All I know is the new cutters swiped through 1/32" of 12" wide oak with relative ease. I'm happy.

In any case, thank you so much for making and sharing this video. It saved me tons of stress and heartache!

2:40 :v omfg
2:45 lmfao

Thanks for this set of videos Chris. I just upgraded my 735 last week after watching your videos several times. They were most helpful with several issues. The tools required, the "hard" and "easy" things, and the photography. I am very pleased with the Shelix cutter head. I wish I'd done it a couple years ago.

killer I was looking for this info on shelix. Thanks.

I just bought a 735 and I fully planned on swapping the head to the shelix, but after running through several hardwood end grain cutting boards I'll be keeping it stock, I cant imagine a better finished product, I just hit the boards with some 400 grit and they are perfect.

Chris ( or anyone) do you have any noise level readings for before and after the Shelix head was installed?  The before reading should be 95dB. I measured that with the free Decibel 10th app for my iPad - that figure matches the value given in the manual for the DW 735

Was it money well spent? Or would you rather get a more heavy duty planer?

Super useful video, thanks man!

phone book gag appreciated

Installation successful.. Thanks for a great instructional video Chris.

Hi Chris, have you had any issues or concerns since switching to the shelix cutterhead? Looking for feedback before I purchase. Thanks

have you ever had to replace the rollers in the DeWalt DW735?  I have two of them now, a new one and one that needs new rollers, couldn't justify the cost of having them replaced vs. buying a brand new planer...

Dude...@ 1:53 you said, "And you get a nice instruction manual too" which made my heart jump a few beats (like the price hadn't already). All I could see was the manual behind you, that turned out to be a telephone book, under the actual manual. Thanks for an awesome video...and free heart attack...ha, ha.

I'm glad that my videos were helpful and I'm happy to hear that you encountered no issues during the installation.

Great video! The bearings just started to squeal on my cutter head, took off the side panels on the machine yesterday and was trying to figure if I should attempt the repairs. The answer is a resounding yes! Thanks again.

Great video! The bearings just started to squeal on my cutter head, took off the side panels on the machine yesterday and was trying to figure if I should attempt the repairs. The answer is a resounding yes! Thanks again.

Yes.