Okay, so I have a 5 hp rotary phase converter on the way to power this aircraft carrier.
I have the casters on order for the mobile base that I have yet to build, but finished designing for the most part. Need to tweak it a little, but not much.
I called Northfield, they're great to talk to and very helpful. Still need to switch out the heating coils on the starter, which they'll sell me. Need to replace the switch and possibly front panel on the starter box. They also sell replacement knives for $150. The knives are high speed steel. I've heard good things about the carbide tipped knives, but Infinity doesn't have the size I need, so I did a google search. There is one company that I found that makes the size I need. American National Knife is the place, a set of 3 costs $280. Anyone dealt with this company and know anything about them as far as quality? And on average, how many re-sharpenings could I get out of a set of blades? I know nicks and what not could seriously limit the lifetime, but trying to get a feel for this here.
At that price, I got to thinking I might as well go for the byrd shelix head. Basically 4 sets of knives and I've paid for the byrd head. Talking to the office lady at Northfield, she was saying they did not recommend the helical cutterheads. Something about it taking Hercules to hold the work piece down. Does anyone on here have a helical cutter on a 12" or bigger jointer, and is it a problem holding it down?
This thing is going to break me...Thanks for any help!