Planer

[woodrat]

Just another request for opinions.

I'm looking to eventually get away from having to
buy all my wood from Lowe's etc. I already have
a used jointer that I was able to get set up and
running good, but now I need a planer. So, my
questions are:

What do y'all recommend?
What is most cost effective?
What do you use?
Brands with easiest knife change and setting?
What are your experiences with various brands, if any?
Included accessories?



Thanks for all your help.

Archie.

[TracyP]

I have the Ridgid R4330 from the borg. I love it, although I have nothing to compare it to as this is my first planer. It is a three knife planer and the material come out slick with almost no sanding. Dust collection is good also.

[Douglas Robinson]

Mine.

[mkepke]

Archie - I think you are asking the wrong people the wrong questions. Since *you* are not buying the tool for *us*, it'd be better to find out what your needs are, rather than tell you why we bought what we bought and hope those reasons apply to you !

Answer these questions and we can help:

1) how much wood do you expect to plane per-day/per month over the next several years ?
2) do you have access to 240V power or are you prepared to pay to put it in ?
3) what's your $ budget ?
4) do you have any space constraints ? Especially do you have floorspace you can dedicate to this tool ?

You've already mentioned that ease of knife-change is a concern for you and that's helpful to know.

-Mark

[mkepke]

I think Doug just proved my point.

-Mark

[ebarr]

Someday you are going to sell that planer Doug. We have faith.

[tonyps]

Hi all,

I have been using the Delta 22-580 for a while now, and it really is a good work horse for my small needs. I have used it for soft and hard lumber.
The blades are not expensive and are easy to replace. As long as you remember to lock it down after adjustments, snipe is minimal, if any at all.
My only complaint is I wish the adjustment scale were up on top.
My $.07 worth...

Tony ...

[Glennbear]

Several members have the Dewalt DW 735 and are pleased with it. Based upon their usage and several good reviews I have read I purchased one but have not yet placed it in service. I recently made a post about some savings available on this machine:
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/f...35-deal-15125/

[WoodWrangler]

Dewalt 735 is my vote (again, this is a popular topic)

Can't imagine much better for that price range.

[cpw]

Archie,

I'm in the same boat. After all my research, looking at posts here and on other boards, if I was going to go out and buy today, for MY purposes (small shop, occasional intense use) I would get either the Delta 22-580 or the Rigid 4330. You might find a used Delta on eBay or Craig's List, but the Rigid is too new for there to be too many people getting rid of them yet. If I could get a real deal I might also consider the Dewalt DW735 - but I don't like the idea of having to pay extra for extension tables and it has a reputation for the knives dulling quicker.

My 2 cents.

[Bas]

Since you're just starting out, a "lunchbox" planer (~13" capacity) is probably your best bet. If you ever get serious about planing large quantities or wide boards, you can consider upgrading to a larger machine.

There are lots of good options in the lunchbox category. The DeWalt 735 is the most expensive, but gets rave reviews on finish quality. However, it does not come with infeed/ outfeed tables standard like most models. Slightly cheaper and still giving very good results are the Ridgid 4330, Ridgid TP1300 (older 2-knife model), Delta 22-580, Makita 2012NB, DeWalt 734 and Craftsman 21759. They're all very similar. Even the Ryobi did fine in the last test by FWW if I recall correctly. Changing the knives is pretty simple on all of them, I have the Ridgid TP1300, which is supposed to be somewhat 'fussy', and it takes less than 15 minutes. 10 if you remember not to put them in upside down

I think the machine Doug is offering would be an excellent choice, especially with all the accessories included. You're not likely to find a better deal.

[gator]

A good used unit of any brand in the 'lunchbox' style might suit your purposes. Check out craigslist-raleigh under tools and plug 'planer' in the search box.

George

[Douglas Robinson]

Bas: "I think the machine Doug is offering would be an excellent choice, especially with all the accessories included. You're not likely to find a better deal."

I knew there was a reason I liked you.

Doug

[CaptnA]

I wanted/needed a planer. The reviews on the DeWalt735 were all good. There are other options not the least of which was the DeWalt 734 at a hundred and change less. I bought the DeWalt 735. It did NOT come with infeed outfeed plates. They are available for about $60. The machine was on sale at Big BLue - I bought the 735 and a Delta adjustable table to mount it on for less than the sticker price. With the cart/table I have I can't really USE the infeed outfeed tables so no loss not having something I can't use and am glad I didn't have to pay for.
I just happened to have a gift card or two left over from Christmas.... influenced the store but not the machine.
BUT- find the machine that will meet your needs.
This one will exceed mine ~
Good luck with your purchase!!

[woodrat]

Originally Posted by mkepke

Archie - I think you are asking the wrong people the wrong questions. Since *you* are not buying the tool for *us*, it'd be better to find out what your needs are, rather than tell you why we bought what we bought and hope those reasons apply to you !

Answer these questions and we can help:

1) how much wood do you expect to plane per-day/per month over the next several years ?
2) do you have access to 240V power or are you prepared to pay to put it in ?
3) what's your $ budget ?
4) do you have any space constraints ? Especially do you have floorspace you can dedicate to this tool ?

You've already mentioned that ease of knife-change is a concern for you and that's helpful to know.

-Mark

Mark,

I figured that starting with the guys who already have a planer in use
would be good. It is also good to know what they like/dislike about what
they currently have, and why.

But, to answer your questions, 1) I don't expect to do a lot of BF a month
=very light use.

2) I do have access to 220vac.

3) Very small budget. I'm on a fixed income. SSDI to be exact.

4) Yes, I do have space constraints. My shop is very small, so, it would
have to be put on a stand with casters. Only my tablesaw, drillpress, RAS have
dedicated floor space.

Does that help you in answering my original post?

Thanks for the response.

Archie