FWW Dec2005 #180 --Jointer cutterheads
Page 70....The author Mr. William Duckworth was comparing:
"Chevron Pattern with Carbide Inserts;
Spiral Pattern with Carbide Inserts at Shear Angle (Byrd Head);
Spiral Pattern with Carbide at a Right Angle;
Spiral Pattern with 3 High-Speed Steel (HSS) Knives (Powermatic etc).

"The HSS knives produced very smooth cuts, but I was disappointed with the quality of the cuts made by the carbide inserts. All Three ran 5 db to 10 db quieter than the straight-knife heads."

"Are upgraded cutterheads worth the money?" ... "For a shop
where the jointer sees occasional use, I'd stay with the less costly straight knives."

(From what he wrote, I do not think he tested the "Spiral Pattern with Carbide at a Right Angle")

Your thoughts?
Phil