Replies

1. 
   Fred_ | Jan 02, 1999 02:00am | #1

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   What are you planning on planing? If you intend to run anything in all but the smallest quanity, don't get a portable planer. They simply don't have the mass or muscle to run medium to large quantities of hardwood.

1. 
   Tom_Bowers | Jan 02, 1999 04:46am | #2

   *Fred, I have a small workshop in my basement from which I do all sorts of projects around the house. I want to start making small furniture items from hardwood and need a planer. This will not be a large volume operation and 90% of my work will involve reducing 3/4" stock down to say 1/2".

2. 
   Guest_ | Jan 02, 1999 09:48am | #3

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   Side topic is what about that portable Delta Joiner that goes for $260. I know a great shop joiner would be better, but I mostly work from a truck.

3. 
   Tom_Bowers | Jan 03, 1999 12:11am | #4

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   J.D., I already have a Jet 6" jointer but thought that a planer would give me better, more precise results.

4. 
   Guest_ | Jan 03, 1999 09:47pm | #5

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   Guys, I've never figured out why people want to
   pay for and maintain a jointer when a good,
   home-built extension for your rip fence will work
   as good as and probably better than. And, that
   extra long fence comes in handy when cutting
   plywood, whether rip or cross. My 8' fence
   extension adds exactly 6" to the width, so
   conpensating for the ruler reading is easier. (And
   how many 6" jointers have an 8' bed?)

5. 
   Tom_Bowers | Jan 03, 1999 09:49pm | #6

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   I am in the market for a portable planer. Both DeWalt and Delta make models that handle up to 12" wide stock.
   The DeWalt costs $447 and the Delta costs $337. Any opinions as to which is the better machine? Are there any other brands that I should consider?