Which of these planers should I buy?

[dewi1219]

Because of the ebay livesearch promotion that Mark Smith posted here, I'm considering a planer. The three readily-available in my price range are:
Dewalt DW734 refurb ($234 shipped after rebate)
Grizzly G0505 ($212 shipped after rebate)
Delta TP305 refurb ($167 shipped after rebate)

I am leaning towards the Grizzly based on the reviews (and Grizzly's overall reputation), but I wanted some more opinions from the experts here. The cheapskate in me is drawn toward the Delta, but I don't think it includes a dust chute for some strange reason. Add the chute and the price won't be much less than the Grizzly I think.

[dbhost]

Hmmm. The Delta refurbished really doesn't look like that great of a deal, especially at the price of the other two...

I'd probably go with the grizz just for the layout. I think you would be able to work with taller stock with that.

However LOTS of folks have that DW planer, and love it...

Tough choice...

[LarryG]

That model Delta doesn't have a cutterhead lock. This thread should tell you all you need to know to eliminate it from consideration.

[LCHIEN]

I'd pick the Dewalt 734

Both the Delta unit and the grizzly are bottom of the line tools from manufacturers who tend to make tools that go al the way to the bottom.
The DW is a middle unit from a tool manufacturer who makes only higher end tools, no bargain basement stuff.
In this case, the DW price you see is a pretty good price. Normally I think that was a 400-500 unit whereas the grizz and the Dela were always sub $300 units.

its always gotten good marks. The killer for the Dlta and Grizz - no cutterhead locks as mentioned. I think you'll also find the DW unit much more substantial.

[dewi1219]

OK, the Delta's out. But I read a couple of bad reviews on the Dewalt stating that the cutterhead was aluminum and subject to stripping(?) Anyone know something about this?

[Knottscott]

I don't think the Grizzly has a cutterhead lock either. I'd go with the DeWalt over either of the Delta or Griz in a heartbeat.

I haven't read or heard of the issues with the DW734 you mentioned. That doesn't mean they don't exist, but it's not likely that they're pervasive or widespread. Two defective machines don't mean they're all bad either....I'm 100% certain that the DW734 is a more substantial machine with better features than the other two you mentioned. It'd be worth finding out if those comments were written from a credible source.

[Uncle Hook]

I have the Dewalt 734 and I am very happy with it. I have not had problems with cutter head. At the same time I don't know anything about the Delta or the Grizzley. I would consider the cost of replacement blades. I think the Dewalt blades run around $40.00 - 50.00 a set and they are not designed to be reversable.

[poolhound]

I have a ridgid and am very happy with it but if I had to choose from this bunch I would go with the DW.

BTW any planer without a dust chute is like a beer glass without a bottom - guaranteed to make a lot of mess on the floor.

A planer makes more chips than most other shop tools and at an amazing rate. A good DC is a much needed companion.

[sweensdv]

Another vote for the DeWalt.

[Alex Franke]

I have the ridgid, too, and I love it.

The dewalt was my second choice, though, so of the ones you mentioned, I'd go with that one.

[Uncle Cracker]

Remember that bad reviews are often written by people who either had not learned how to use their equipment, or simply got a bad one (out of how many thousand?). Even the best machine is gonna get a bad review here and there. You want to factor in how many good reviews vs. how many bad.

Out of the three you have narrowed to, avoid the Delta, as you do not want a planer without a cutter head lock. The DW has by far the most units in service vs. the Grizz, and I think is the more highly regarded. I do not have either, so I can't tell you for sure, but I think were I making a purchase today, I'd go with the DW among your choices...

[jackellis]

There's a Grizzly 5 HP 20" planer available locally for the obscene price of $250. I'm thinking about buying it to replace a Ryobi AP1300.

It's not a steal if it's not any good. Appears to be the GO454, which I suppose I could fit with spiral cutters at some point. Does anyone have this particular planer and if so, any opinions?

[Uncle Cracker]

There's a Grizzly 5 HP 20" planer available locally for the obscene price of $250. I'm thinking about buying it to replace a Ryobi AP1300.

It's not a steal if it's not any good. Appears to be the GO454, which I suppose I could fit with spiral cutters at some point. Does anyone have this particular planer and if so, any opinions?

That is a ridiculously great price, but take care that the power requirements are something you can live with, and beware the very high dust output on wider pieces.

[jabe]

I just bought a RIDGET R4330 planer, it's similar to the DW734. 3 reversible/disposable knives, no head lock, single speed. I had a DW733 that died, I took it apart to salvage parts, and notice it was very similar to the new RIDGET except it had 2 blades and head lock. I got bigger snipes with the DW733 even with the head locked. Why I went with the ridget was the cost of the planer & replacement knives. Just surfaced 80 bdft. of Koa with no problems, had a slight snipe but small enough to sand it out. I would consider the cost of replacement knives as they cannot be sharpen.

[cabinetman]

Of the three, I'd go with the DeWalt. I've used that one and for its size produces good results. It's the only one with 3 knives.
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