Planer choice Used Ryobi vs New 21759?

[cdub101]

I decided it's time to breakdown and get a bench top planer. I have a 1 car garage/shop. I am a weekend warrior (at best). Since I finished my part time masters degree I now have a lot more time to get back into the shop/garage.

The two planers I'm choosing between is a USED Ryobi AP1300 for $133 or a NEW Craftsman 21759 for $450 delivered.

Now I would assume that the 21759 is a better planer head to head, but I'm all about value.

Is the AP1300 close enough in performance and at $133 I should just take it and run. Or is the 21759 that much better (with the dust collection and 2 speeds and 3 knives and digital readout) at $450 bucks delivered enough value to warrant this planer.

I have never used a planer before and I don't know if all planers with a cutter head lock will thin a board all the same.

[drumpriest]

The digital readout is interesting. I have the dewalt 735, great planer in that 450$ price range. It well known for being good. Even given the cool digital readout, if I were buying again, I think I'd get the dewalt. I have a lot of friends who have used it, and it has treated them all very well.

I had an AP1300 before my dewalt, and it was good too. The 2 cutters is the only issue, the dewalt gives a better surface. And you have to clean the rollers of the AP1300 regularly. Otherwise it's a fine planer.

The 1301 is less good due to no cutter head lock.

[Knottscott]

Both should prove to be capable planers. The AP1300 appears to be the better bang for the buck in my view....you really can't lose at $133 if it works.

[dbhost]

If the Ryobi works, pick it up. I have the 1301 which is NOT an upgrade from the 1300. The main complaints I have with the 1301 are absent in the 1300, such as the 1300 has a cutter head lock and infeed / outfeed tables. The 1301 does not...

Aside from a little bit of snipe, which was dramatically helped with some infeed / outfeed support ramps I built... the 1301 IS a good planer for the bucks, but that snipe is ANNOYING...

If I could grab an AP1300 for $133.00, and it worked, I would hop on it, and sell my 1301...

[poolhound]

I agree with the other posters, check out the used one and if it works jump on it. You will probably want to invest in a new set of blades but dont install them until you have played with it a bit (unless the xisting blades are totally shot). If you are like me the first time you get a planer there is a tendecy to throw all sorts of things at it to see what it will do including reclaimed and previously finished or painted wood. It will certainly strip them but dull and/or nick youir blades in the process. Once you have a good set of blades in there, if you want to reclaim wood run your belt sander over the surface first to get rid of the finish.

[Uncle Cracker]

I also can attest to the good value and performance of the Ryobi AP1300. I have had very good luck with mine. I mounted it on a Rousseau rolling table with flip-up infeed and outfeed extensions, and it works great. As others have observed, the later AP1301 is not as good, but the AP1300 is a keeper. Two knives vs. three can be dealt with; if the infeed and outfeed are well-adjusted, the snipe is minimal at worst. The knives are also reversible, so you get two sets of edges on each pair. You can get an aftermarket digital readout, but it really is not necessary. It comes with a dust collection chute, but a used one may be without it. I'd not hesitate to grab it for $135 (and maybe you could even get it for a bit less of an offer?).

[pelligrini]

The Ryobi is almost 25% lighter. That might be a consideration if you plan on having to move it a bunch. I recently picked up a Dewalt 735 and it weighs about the same as the Craftsman.

I have got to make a cart for mine. I don't think I can lug it in and out of my little shop/shed very many more times before before I do some damage to myself.

I'd try out the Ryobi you could always resell it and recoupe your costs if you don't like it.

[cdub101]

Thank for the feedback.

I won the Ryobi on an Ebay Bid that was local pick-up only here in NJ. That always reduces the competition.

I did order the one from sears as well, and since it has free shipping I can always take it back if the Ryobi is as solid as people have said.

But for those that have upgraded from the AP1300, if it aint broke why fix it?

[Uncle Cracker]

But for those that have upgraded from the AP1300, if it aint broke why fix it?

Same reason people often trade in a car that ain't broke. They just wanted a newer, fancier, bigger or more tricked out one. Doesn't reflect poorly on their old car, and often winds up not being a very wise decision.

[Crash2510]

I have the ap1300 and it is a very good planer imho it does everything i ask of it with a clean finish and very little snipe. When properly set up i think it is as good as most other portable planers. I also have the dewalt 735 but it is very heavy to move around and therefore the ryobi is my go to planer. Granted the 735 is a little better planer, gives a little smoother finish, and a little less snipe, but the ryobi has served me well and will continue to be set up as my go to planer for rough and finish thicknessing.