For the ultimate in dependability, we designed a serrated steel infeed roller and a smooth steel outfeed roller. Both rollers and the chip breaker are precisely set at the factory but have user accessible adjustments that allow the user to keep the POWERMATIC 15HH perfectly tuned in years to come. We also provide infeed and outfeed roller spring tension adjusters that are accessible without having to disassemble the cutterhead
A special serrated infeed roller keeps the
stock moving consistently under the
cutterhead. A smooth steel outfeed roller helps the wood exit without damage to the freshly planed surface.
The POWERMATIC 15HH has two material feed rates –20 FPM (Feet Per Minute) used primarily for rough dimensioning and 16 FPM to increase the cuts-per-inch to create a silky- smooth surface. A push/pull knob shifts between the feed rates on the fly. The rollers are driven by a gear and chain drive with an automatic chain tensioner, housed in a cast iron case. The gear section runs in an industrial style oil bath for maximum control over long-term wear.
The durability of the carbide combined with the low impact, shear cutting action mean the Byrd inserts have an extremely long life, far exceeding that of straight blades. The potential life span of these carbide inserts means that many workers may go years before having to index them. Should a hidden piece of metal be encountered and actually damage a few of the carbide inserts only those need to be indexed or replaced. Just in case you accidentally plane a metal object, we include a package of ten spare inserts and a wrench with the POWERMATIC 15HH.
Feed & Rollers
The spiral layout of the Byrd cutters (left) insures a true shear
cut that is exceptionally clean while reducing stresses imparted on the wood. Each carbide insert (right) has four identical edges, substantially increasing the useful life of an already extraordinarily tough cutter.
The Byrd cutterhead inserts are precisely machined from solid high-grade carbide, each with four identical cutting edges. If an edge eventually goes dull, you simply index it to the next cutting edge! Each insert has a marking at one edge that makes indexing all or any number of them the same way very easy, though needing to do that is unlikely.
Because the inserts themselves and the seats into which they fit are so precisely machined, there is no adjustment or “fitting” necessary. Indexing or replacing an insert takes just seconds. Simply loosen the T25 Torx screw (wrench included), turn the insert to its new position and tighten the screw.
The Byrd cutterhead cuts so efficiently that it makes surprisingly little noise when cutting wood. In fact, it is so quiet, new POWERMATIC 15HH users often think it is not cutting wood at all - until they see the results. The shearing effect of the Byrd cutterhead produces a remarkably smooth surface on even heavily figured wood.