Replies

1. 
   caldwellbob | Aug 07, 2004 05:08am | #1

   A couple issues ago, either FHB or Fine Woodworking did the survey of the new power planers and the new DeWalt model came out on top. I've never used it, I have the older model, but it works really well for me. A buddy of mine has that 2-speed Delta and claims he really likes it, too. I know he uses it very infrequently, though. He is a tool buying fool, but they lay around a lot after he gets them. Unless, of course, I borrow them for extended periods of time.

2. 
   FastEddie1 | Aug 07, 2004 05:17am | #2

   I started with the original Ryobi 10" planer about 15 yrs ago ... it was a good tool, probably the only thing decent Ryobi has put out.  Bought a Rigid about 9 yrs ago, had to return it to HD after less than a year cuz it wasn't doing to good, and the local authorized repair shop said they couldn't help.  Got a new Rigid in a swap with thestore, it sorked well for about 5 yrs until a buddy borrowed it to plane about 1000 bf of poplar all in one day ... he stripped the rubber off one roller, and hasn't replace the tool yet.  So I bought a cheap Delta, the single speed model.  It works very well, and is reasonably light.  I like it.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

3. 
   RichColumbus | Aug 07, 2004 05:57am | #3

   I can only tell you that my DW has taken everything I throw at it ... and then puts up with being thrown. 

1. 
   m2akita | Aug 07, 2004 06:06am | #4

   You can throw that Dewalt planer??  Time to sign you up for a strong man contest!!  Or do you load it into a catapault first :)!!  That thing is heavy!!!

   m2akita

1. 
   RichColumbus | Aug 07, 2004 06:32am | #5

   You haven't seen my guys... imagine gorillas with hammers!

4. 
   mikeys | Aug 07, 2004 08:59am | #6

   My company has an older single speed Dewalt. Good tool. I've used it a few times. No snipe, very little tear out. It doesn't feed great anymore, you frequently have to help the wood through. I think it just needs new rollers. Cleaning didn't help.

   I've noticed some abrasive planers that are comparable in size. If I were you I'd at least give them a look. The guy at my tool store did say they're really for finishing only, not planing for thickness.

   Smile. It could be worse. You could be me working for you.

5. 
   bill_1010 | Aug 07, 2004 06:48pm | #7

   ive got a two speed delta thickness planer.  NO qualms about it, id buy another if i buy a portable.  BTW they really arent portable, they are heavy.

6. 
   PaineB | Aug 07, 2004 09:52pm | #8

   The DeWalt is heavy but has several excellent features:

   The big depth control knob lets you change cutting depth more easily than all the other models. (Yes, I have tried all the other models. No, I wasn't working for a magazine while I did it).

   It has two cutters that are a good compromise between easy replacability and beefy lifetimes.

   The chamfer notch in the middle make saddles faster than you can find the horse.

   Downsides:

   Use this tool up in the air for awhile and you will curse the inventors.

   I am Left Handed. This tool was built for a Right Handed person. Unlike Bosch the stuff only goes one way as it is ejected.

   Its got this little thingie in the back so that you can set the tool down before it stops but a moment with a saw or a hefty rubber band puts an end to that annoyance.

7. 
   PaineB | Aug 07, 2004 09:57pm | #9

   Whoops. I just realized that I was talking about what you call a door planer. My Bad.