Seeking advice on Planer

[Eagan]

Good afternoon, everyone

I'm in the market for a planer - on a limited budget. Got a question that is probably impossible to answer but if you have an opinion

I'm watching this on Ebay; you know as much about it as I do. My other option seems to be a New delta 305 from Lowes - 214 with a $25 buck off coupon. Would you pick one over another and why?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=370164556354

Also in the price range is Craftsman's 12.5 inch planer (219 on sale with Craftman club) or the Wilton planer (249 currenly with no discounts). I think I prefer the first two options, tho.

I'm listening if you have any thoughts.

[Uncle Cracker]

These days, there are a lot of good planers on the used market, because people bought 'em thinking they had to have them, and ended up not using them much, if at all. So, if you go used, don't get one that is in anything but great condition. Also (new or used) don't get one that does not have a cutter head lock, even if it is cheaper (because it should be). Otherwise, the field is wide open, and you can save some good bucks. That said, there is still a lot to be said for a new unit with a warranty. That's peace of mind... Just don't scrimp on a bottom-of-the-heap model.

[dewi1219]

I just went through the same thing. You can see my thread at the link below. The Delta seems to be pretty poorly reviewed, so in the $200 price range it seems like the Ryobi AP1301 is your best bet. It can be had for $169 refurbed - see link for details.

FWIW, I ended up going with a Ridgid TP1300LS refurb which includes a stand for $299 shipped. It gets very good reviews and has a cutterhead lock which the Ryobi does not. Many people still get great results with the Ryobi however.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=43535

[dbhost]

I own the Ryobi AP1301, and it works well for what it is... My complaint with it is the same one everyone has. Snipe. Most small planers exhibit snipe in one form or another. The AP1301 is not immune to it in the slightest. Using Ryobi's leader / chaser board method that they suggest goes a LONG way to eliminate snipe, but is a PITA...

[Eagan]

Too Slow again

Sigh... CPO Ryobi doesn't have any AP1301's listed.

[dbhost]

Home Depot carries them. Not sure why the web site says online only. The HD closest to my house had 6 of them yesterday...

[dewi1219]

http://www.cporyobi.com/products/zra...ryobi%20ap1301

You may have to call to order - that is what I had to do with the TP1300LS.

[poolhound]

Patience and a watchful eye on CL can get you a deal. I just noticed this in Indianapolis. A Tp1300 is pretty good, I have one and it works great. Its worth giving him a call it may still be available especially at that price $260 is too much. I paid $150 used for mine. He may be up for some negotiation.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/1026624213.html

[Uncle Cracker]

I own the Ryobi AP1301, and it works well for what it is... My complaint with it is the same one everyone has. Snipe. Most small planers exhibit snipe in one form or another. The AP1301 is not immune to it in the slightest. Using Ryobi's leader / chaser board method that they suggest goes a LONG way to eliminate snipe, but is a PITA...

I have an AP1301, and have had nothing but good things to say about it. It helps that I mounted it on a Rousseau stand with long infeed and outfeed tables. I suspect that would greatly help just about any planer, though...

[Eagan]

And in conclusion...

Thanks, everyone. You guys are the best! Asking here was the smartest thing I've done all evening.

I've looked at (for) the reconditioned planers on both CPO Ryobi and CPO Ridgid; none listed at either place. Too bad and I'm glad - had it been available, I'd have glommed (that is a technical term) onto that Ridgid machine in a heartbeat.

After listening/reading your advice, I'm thinking that my solution might be to with the operator, not with the machine. Perhaps more (or fewer) passes through the jointer and some better quality control are my solution. I've also discovered that I still have a Safe-T-Planer in a box downstairs, hardly used. Maybe it's time to be a woodworker instead of a tool buyer.

Can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy lurking (heck, I am still a forum newbie - will that ever change?) on this site, watching for bargains, stealing jokes, listening and learning woodworking. Thanks for all the advice! I'll now return you to the program regularly scheduled for this timeslot.

[dewi1219]

The CPO Ridgid site showed no TP1300LS's in stock when I ordered mine. But I called on a Friday and ordered it, and it was in my garage on the following Monday. I think that they receive shipments often but in small quantities which makes it difficult to keep their site inventory up to date. If you really don't want to order one you can ignore this post But if you do, I highly suggest that you call. I bet they'll take care of you quickly.