I'm looking to buy a planer and looking for advise from this experienced group.  I think that a 13" planer with either Helical or spiral (I don't really know if helical is worth the price difference)  cutters would fit my needs well.  I see a Grizzly 13" with spiral cutters for under $800 but good reviews for DeWalt but much more expensive. I'm not tied to any brand and would consider any brand at this point.  Lots of reviews out there with different opinions.  I would appreciate your experience, advice and recommendations.  you can call me or email me at 508-435-4131 or mauriceplourde@verizon.net

Thank You,

Maurice

Adding to what jim posted.

The dewalt 13 inch is a fantastic planer and a workhorse, I used one for at least a decade. I'm dubious of the cost effectiveness of buying a aftermarket helical head and swapping it out. I ended up buying a bigger helical planer and kept my old dewalt as is

talk to the manufacturer, there are some variations in how they use terms like helical, and spiral. mostly having to do with the knives being at an angle which gives you a shearing cut. 

in absolute best surfaces straight knives have a slight win. when dealing with figured, or uncooperative grained wood the helical are a big win, helical heads also tend to be quieter.

most of that has to do with motor type, smaller machines have universal motors where  bigger machines have induction type motors.

universal motors tend to be louder, and are better suited for smaller loads and shorter duty cycles, smaller loads and cost less.  induction are suitable for larger loads, quieter, better for longer duty cycles nad cost more.  

besides the extra width a bigger machine will have a lot more adjustablilty, and more mass which reduces vibration. Its hard to go wrong with a bigger machine, but the cost and space issues are a consideration. 

Since a planer with a helical head runs quieter, my sense tells me it is cutting easier, using less power. with a spiral placement of the carbide bits, only one bit is in direct cutting contact with the wood.

I disagree with steel knives giving a smoother cut. Your knives have to be perfictly sharp, all the time, and your feed rate has to perfectly match the rotational speed of the cutter head, or else on close inspection you'll get a scalloped surface. If you have perfectly sharpened your cutter knives, and perfectly replaced them on the head, they will only remain that way for one or two passes, then the edge will start to dull. A knick from whatever leaves a ridge the lenght of the board, and it's back to sharpening again for a smooth finish. Any figure in the wood will tear out with any knife, sharp or not.

I use both my joiner and planner to size my stock to the closest 1/32". I also include a pass on the wide belt sander with 120 grit belt for first pass sanding. Depending on what the stock is going to be used for, you can finish sand with 150 to 220/320 grit sand paper. Your never going to get away from finish sanding and buffing of the finished product.

I have a great book on sharpening at home, and will advise detail when back from vacation.

Jim A

Based on all the great advice, I went to the Woodcraft Walpole website to check out the Powermatic 15” helical head planer except that the estimated shipping date is January 22nd 2022. So much for just in time supply chain management.

I guess I have some legitimate procrastination time!