Concerns w/ upgrading my Jointer

[Mike Reinholtz]

A couple months ago I picked up a used Delta/Rockwell 8" Jointer, so far everything has worked great but the knives were pretty dull when I got it and it needs some attention. After the great experience i had with upgrading my planer to a Byrd head, I am considering doing the same to my Jointer. I didn't pay very much for the Jointer (in fact, very little), so putting $400 into a Byrd head isn't too much of a concern. My question is more related to power.

I noticed with the Byrd head in my DW735 that I am really maxing out the motor while taking a smaller cut and sticking with the slower feed rate. Is this something I should be cautious of with my Jointer? The machine came with a 1.5HP motor and does bog down a little when I'm using the full 8" with hard maple. Anyone installed a Byrd head and found their machine was underpowered for it? I know there is a substantial difference between universal and induction motors, just want to be on the safe side.

Thanks for the help!

[Don Jarvie]

Did you put new knives in or are you still using the dull ones?

A 1.5 hp motor should handle the maple so with a new head you should be ok.

Maybe do a serach and see what the new 8" jointers are using. Should be plently of power.

[Russ Massery]

Should be plenty of power. I've had a Byrd head on my jointer for a few years now. Didn't notice any change in the power requirements. But the planer you have has a universal motor which by design has a lot less torque. I would go with the Byrd head.

[Mike Reinholtz]

Sounds good to me, thanks for the replies! Just needed a little confirmation before ordering the head.

Thanks again!