More Planer Questions

[woodrat]

Ok, here we go again. Hope I'm not boring you good folks with
my lack of knowledge of these pieces of equipment.

I realize that there many different brands, and each has it's
'good, bad, and ugly'. I just need all the information I can get
in order to make the smartest, most economical, investment in
a piece of equipment that will last me a long time. New or used.
Maybe I'm over analysing this, but I need to get the most bang
for my dollars.

If you have used a 12-1/2" and also used a 13" planer, have
you seen a decidedly advantage of one over the other? I
know there is the obvious 1/2" difference, but does it really
make a justifiable difference?

Is there enough of a difference in 3 knives(blades) over 2 knives
that would make the purchase of one over the other a better
choice?

Does 2 speeds have an advantage over one speed? I have read
reviews that seem to say that there is a negligible difference.
Is that your experience?

In reference to the Fine Woodworking article of planer reviews,
there is mention that the Ryobi AP1301 was a BEST VALUE. Any
experience with one of those, anyone? It is a 13", 2 blade planer.

The same article stated that the Craftsman 21759 and the DeWalt
DW735 were the BEST OVERALL. Both are 13", 3 blade units. I know
there are plenty of DW735's in use, but do any of you have the 21759?
Comments?

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

Woodrat aka Archie

[woodrat]

Boy, Oh Boy, this is the quietest I've ever seen
this group.

[gator]

Remember, these are my opinions and like armpits, everybody has a couple:

Originally Posted by woodrat

If you have used a 12-1/2" and also used a 13" planer, have
you seen a decidedly advantage of one over the other? I
know there is the obvious 1/2" difference, but does it really
make a justifiable difference?
To me you don't really see a difference until you reach 20". I haven't found anything that I needed an extra ½" for, and I don't believe that 15" gives you much more.
Is there enough of a difference in 3 knives(blades) over 2 knives
that would make the purchase of one over the other a better
choice?
At the same feed speed, you get more cuts per inch with a three knife head than with a two knife head. this gives you a little better surface to start your sanding on.

Does 2 speeds have an advantage over one speed? I have read
reviews that seem to say that there is a negligible difference.
Is that your experience?
Same result as above, more cuts per inch on the slower speed.

In reference to the Fine Woodworking article of planer reviews,
there is mention that the Ryobi AP1301 was a BEST VALUE. Any
experience with one of those, anyone? It is a 13", 2 blade planer.

The same article stated that the Craftsman 21759 and the DeWalt
DW735 were the BEST OVERALL. Both are 13", 3 blade units. I know
there are plenty of DW735's in use, but do any of you have the 21759?
Comments?
I have an older DeWalt 733 and if it were still available I would not hesitate to recommend it. If you could find a used one in good condition for the right price, I would still recommend it.

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

Woodrat aka Archie

Remember, other opinions will vary.

George

[woodrat]

Thanks George.

I've heard other people say the same thing about the DW733.
I guess it's replacement is the DW744. Reviews on it are good.
It now has 3 blades, also.

Thanks again George.

[Alan in Little Washington]

Originally Posted by woodrat

Ok, here we go again. Hope I'm not boring you good folks with
my lack of knowledge of these pieces of equipment.

I realize that there many different brands, and each has it's
'good, bad, and ugly'. I just need all the information I can get
in order to make the smartest, most economical, investment in
a piece of equipment that will last me a long time. New or used.
Maybe I'm over analysing this, but I need to get the most bang
for my dollars.

If you have used a 12-1/2" and also used a 13" planer, have
you seen a decidedly advantage of one over the other?

No, unless the 13" is an old, heavy, stationary, Delta. The "lunch box" planers are all similar. The Dewalt comes out as best on most forums and reviews.

I know there is the obvious 1/2" difference, but does it really
make a justifiable difference?

That half inch is the last and most insignificant of the items you would use to compare "lunch box" planers. All other things being equal (are they ever?) I would go with the 13".

Is there enough of a difference in 3 knives(blades) over 2 knives
that would make the purchase of one over the other a better
choice?

What you need to look at is cuts per inch. At a given rpm and feed speed, more knives equal more cuts per inch, equals smoother finish. Since most of the cutter heads on these machines are the same diameter, it depends on cutterhead rpm and feed speed, there may be no difference other than blade wear. You will need to do the math. Obviously there is a cost difference when you buy replacements. I don't know if there are any lunch box planers without indexed knives (alignment holes in the blades pins in the cutter head) but I would avoid one without them. Same goes for double edge blades.

Does 2 speeds have an advantage over one speed?

I have read
reviews that seem to say that there is a negligible difference.
Is that your experience?

Again, it depends on the cutter rpm and feed speed. Cutter heads on these planers run at a fairly high rpm compared to a stationary planer (that and because they use universal vice induction motors is why they are so noisy.) If you are preparing a lot of stock, want to get it done in a reasonable time, and also don't want to do a lot of sanding, dual speeds can be beneficial- high feed speed to take off stock quickly and slow speed for the final smoothing pass. Big stationary planers have more powerful motors and can hog off a lot more material in one pass, even most of those have two speeds. Depending on how much material you need to take off, with a lunch box planer you will likely be making multiple passes.

In reference to the Fine Woodworking article of planer reviews,
there is mention that the Ryobi AP1301 was a BEST VALUE. Any
experience with one of those, anyone? It is a 13", 2 blade planer.

No and I don't know.

The same article stated that the Craftsman 21759 and the DeWalt
DW735 were the BEST OVERALL. Both are 13", 3 blade units. I know
there are plenty of DW735's in use, but do any of you have the 21759?
Comments?

I had neither. Before my stationary 20" and 15" planers I had a 12 1/2" Delta.

Given the reputation of Sears in recent years, I would go with the Dewalt, even though it is more expensive. I think there are a lot more out there so the reviews are more numerous.

A final note: Though I know a few cabinet pros who use a lunch box planer, they are not intended for high volume work. While some are built fairly well they won't last like bigger (15" - 20") stationary planers (except the old 13 stationary units like the Delta RC-33)

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

Woodrat aka Archie

[woodrat]

Alan,

Thanks for that input. It is greatly appreciated and most helpful.


Archie