Got the Jointer, Now Looking at Planers

[jackellis]

I picked up a brand new, partially assembled but unused Delta JT-360 jointer over the weekend for $150 from soneone who had to sell in a hurry. Now I'm looking at planers.

Lots of folks have had good things to say about Dewalt, Delta, Ridgid and Ryobi. I can get the AP1300 locally for $190. DW 733/734/735s are available for decent prices at Amazon, as are Delta 22-580s.

However, someone within easy driving distance has a Delta 22-560 available on eBay. Questions are, a)how does it compare to the others, b) is the 1/2 inch width difference something to be overly concerned about, c) does it have a cutterhead lock, is it worth the $217 I'd have to pay (including CA sales tax) for the AP 1300?

[zootroy]

I have read good reviews for the Ridgid.
I know someone who has had bad experiences with the Dewalt.
I own the AP1300 and wouldn't hesitate to buy one again. It has a cutter head lock. Good deal for $190 IMO. Tack on a HD 10%, 20%, or HF 20% and it's a no brainer.

[drumpriest]

From everyone that I've spoken with, the dewalt is king of 13" and under planers. (735). It all depends upon the balance of money and usage. If you are going to be an occasional user (as I am), then I think something like that AP1300 would do you just fine. The Ridgid also gets good reviews, and would most likely be a bit tougher in the long haul. I bought the AP1300 because I don't do a TON of planing, if I did, I'd have sprung for the dewalt.

[LinuxRandal]

Do a search for the Delta 22-560R ! There was a comparison about a year back when Redmond Machinery had it for around $110, reconditioned. I seem to remember it rated better then the Ridgid, and more cost effective then the Dewalt.

[scottjbs]

the Ridgid

I have the AP1300, but for a bit more money you can go with the Ridgid and get a Lifetime Warranty on the tool. This program DOES work, as I have a the table saw, jointer, drill driver, drill, drill press, and bandsaw all registered with the Lifetime Warranty. You can also pick up a reconditioned Ryobi from Cummins tools, as they sell them, as well as Ridgid.

[Knottscott]

The Delta 22-560 does have a cutterhead lock and is a solid machine, as are the Ridgid, 22-580, and DeWalts. The 735 can be pricey. It's really loud, but does have the advantage of a chip ejector which is nearly essential if you don't have a DC. Pick a color and the deal you like.

[gerti]

I seem to remember some folks here mentioning that since they acquired a drum sander they barely use a planer anymore. Something to consider.

[SHADOWFOX]

Is this really true that a drum sander can pretty much replace a planer in the shop.. Should I be saving for a drum sander then instead of a planer?

[drumpriest]

Shadowfox, a drum sander takes only a small amount off at a time. Ideally you would have both, but planers are much cheaper than drum sanders in general. (portable planers 13" or less)

For instance, say you have a 3/4" board, and you want to make it 1/2". You can do that in 2-3 passes through the planer, or about 24 passes through a drum sander. The drum sander will flaten it, the planer will not.

Of course, you could resaw the board on your bandsaw slightly oversize, and then drum sand it to 1/2" taking about maybe 8 passes or so.

Now, need to flatten up a 20" wide glue-up??? How do you do that?? On your 32" jointer? No, you use a performax 22-44 drum sander, because it is reasonable in price for the job it does. Have veneers to make? You arn't going to send a 1/8" resaw through a planer, it goes through the drum sander.

I was saving for a DS, and was going to get a planer later, then found a great deal on my planer, so I got one. Still saving for the DS, but I'm lucky enough to be able to rent time inexpensively on a timesaver.

[Tom Hintz]

I have reviews of a few planers at the link below, scroll down to Jointers & Planers.
I have been using the DeWalt 735 in my shop for about a year now, including milling all of the woodwork for a three-room remodel that entailed LOTS of oak and maple. In addition, the 735 has been used for nearly all of the other shop work and so far, I have not had a problem with it.
Currently we are reviewing the Ridgid 13" planer (that review will be on my site today or tomorrow) and it looks very good as well.
We have to keep in mind that some peoploe will have trouble with every machine that comes out. I also have seen the posts regarding trouble with the DeWalt, and all the otherr brands for that matter. However, I hear from many more happy users than those with troubles and happy users are far less likely to post on forums though I wish they would. That's just the way it is.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/index.html

[r1968]

Reported issues with DW735

Hi Tom
Other forums have reported some quality issues with the DW735 and also that the blade gets work out very quickly. Did you experience this?

--raj