Planer Heads
Planer Heads and Helical Cutterheads
A planer head is the rotating cutter that does the work, so changing it changes the surface and the noise. This collection has two kinds. Festool HL 850 heads include the standard smooth head and rustic heads in fine, coarse, and undulating patterns for textured surfaces. Powermatic SHELIX helical cutterheads fit 15-inch and 20-inch stationary planers, including a Byrd Shelix head for the 209HH, and a 10-pack of replacement inserts.
What to Look For
- Machine fit. Festool heads fit the HL 850. Powermatic heads are sized for specific stationary planers, so match the width and model.
- Surface wanted. Smooth heads leave a flat finish. Rustic heads leave a hand-hewn texture.
- Insert supply. Helical heads use small carbide inserts. Keep spare inserts on hand.
Shop planer heads at The Tool Nut, an authorized dealer since 1994, with free shipping on most orders and rewards points on every purchase.
Planer Heads FAQ
Why upgrade to a SHELIX helical cutterhead?
Helical heads take smaller bites with many inserts set at an angle. That means less tear-out on figured wood and quieter planing. Dull inserts are rotated or replaced one at a time instead of resetting long knives.
Does each Festool head take its own blade?
Yes. Smooth, rustic coarse, rustic fine, and undulating heads each use a matching replacement blade. Find them in Festool planer blades and match the head type in the title.