Powermatic 180 planer

[Gregory Stahl]

Are the newer Powermatic model 180 planers (1989) just as good as the older green/white planers of the same model?

If you had a choice between two machines that both look like they have had very little use, one a 1979 model 180, and one a 1989 model 180 for the same price, what would you choose?

I am leaning toward getting the 1989 as it looks like the electrical on it is much newer. Is there any reason why I would rather have an older machine?

Thanks,
Greg Stahl

[Chris Rosenberger]

Greg,
I owned a 1967 PM 180 & currently own a 1995 PM180. Other than some cosmetic changes, they were identical. I got the newer planer because it had a segmented infeed roll & chip breaker. If one has a segmented infeed roll & chip breaker, I would go with that one. Otherwise flip a coin.