How Does A Helical Cutterhead Differ From A Straight Cutterhead?

Introduction
When it comes to woodworking, it''s important to have the right tools for the job. One of the most important tools is the cutterhead, which is responsible for cutting the material being worked on. There are two main types of cutterheads: the helical cutterhead and the straight cutterhead. In this article, we''ll take a closer look at each of these cutterheads and how they differ from each other.

What is a Cutterhead?
Before we get into the differences between the helical and straight cutterheads, it''s important to understand what a cutterhead is. A cutterhead is a rotating cutting tool that is used to shape wood, metal, or other materials. The cutterhead is typically mounted on a spindle that is part of a machine, such as a planer or jointer.

Straight Cutterheads
The straight cutterhead is the most basic type of cutterhead. It consists of a series of straight blades that are mounted in a row on a revolving shaft. As the cutterhead spins, the blades cut into the material being worked on, creating a flat surface. The straight cutterhead is often used in woodworking for planing and jointing operations.

Helical Cutterheads
The helical cutterhead, on the other hand, is a more advanced type of cutterhead. It consists of a series of small, spiral-shaped knives that are arranged in a helix pattern around the circumference of the cutterhead. These knives rotate around the cutterhead, cutting the material being worked on at an angle. The helical cutterhead is often used in woodworking for planing, jointing, and other operations.

Differences between Helical and Straight Cutterheads
There are several key differences between helical and straight cutterheads:

1. Cutting Action
The biggest difference between the helical and straight cutterheads is the way they cut into the material being worked on. The straight cutterhead cuts into the material in a straight line, while the helical cutterhead cuts into the material at an angle. This means that the helical cutterhead is able to create a smoother surface on the material being worked on.

2. Noise
Another difference between the two cutterheads is the level of noise they produce. Straight cutterheads tend to produce more noise than helical cutterheads. This is because the straight blades cut into the material in a more aggressive manner, which creates more vibration and noise.

3. Blade Life
The blade life of the helical cutterhead is typically longer than that of the straight cutterhead. This is because the helical cutterhead uses small, spiral blades that are less likely to chip or become damaged than the larger, straight blades used by the straight cutterhead.

4. Versatility
While both cutterheads are versatile, the helical cutterhead is generally more versatile than the straight cutterhead. This is because the spiral blades used by the helical cutterhead can be adjusted to cut at different angles, which makes it more suitable for a wider range of woodworking projects.

5. Cost
Finally, there is the issue of cost. Helical cutterheads are generally more expensive than straight cutterheads. This is because they are more advanced in terms of their design and construction.

Conclusion
In conclusion, both the helical and straight cutterheads have their advantages and disadvantages. The straight cutterhead is a more basic type of cutterhead and is ideal for basic planing and jointing operations. The helical cutterhead, on the other hand, is a more advanced cutterhead that is able to create smoother surfaces and is more versatile than the straight cutterhead. However, it is also more expensive. Ultimately, the choice between the two cutterheads depends on the specific woodworking project at hand and the budget for the equipment.