Finding threads on planer comparisons?

[Archie Hendrick]

Hello,

I'm hoping to buy a planer in the next month or so and have been searching the forums for threads in which planers were compared. I've seen good threads in the past, but unfortunately I'm having trouble finding them again - not too swift on using search terms I guess.

Has anyone saved (or archived?) any threads re: the pros and cons of various planers (e.g. delta, ridgid, DW 734 & 535 etc) and be willing to point me to them. Sure would appreciate it.

Alternatively, if anyone wants to chime in here with opinions, I'd be grateful for that as well.

SMC is a great site and I've learned a lot from you folks.

Thanks for any assistance.

Archie

[Bob Haskett]

I am also searching for a planer at the moment. There are several threads, I have found the best thing to do is gather about 3-4 machines that fit your criteria and search specifically for those, you will get better results that way.


I have narrowed my choices to the DW734 (735 is 600 everywhere I look and I do not want to spend that on a lunchbox planer)
DELTA 22-580 although they seem a little hard to find now
Ridgid R4330 - My only beef here is single speed but it seems that some believe this is not important...I have never owned a planer so I do not know how important it is
Steel City 40200H - Some say the HSS inserts make the Helical Head not as much as an upgrade as it could be, so hesitating to spend 599 on it when I can get the ridged for 330
I will probably get the Ridgid. Lifetime warranties give me warm fuzzies. And I am just a hobbyist. I know I like the hobby, but I dont even know if I have the experience to fully utilize anything better than this machine. I know from what I have seen on this forum, the normal "first project" absolutely demolishes anything I have ever done.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I'm also looking to buy a planer. Anyone out there have the Ridgid? Almost the same boat, want the nice DeWalt, but not willing to shell out the bucks. I've been waiting for that clearance everyone else got!!!

[Bob Haskett]

Here are a couple of threads that have Ridgid R4330 owners chiming in:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=70418

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=70278

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=95777

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?referrerid=5960&t=97029

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=122467

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?referrerid=5960&t=94950

[Archie Hendrick]

I will probably get the Ridgid. Lifetime warranties give me warm fuzzies. And I am just a hobbyist. I know I like the hobby, but I dont even know if I have the experience to fully utilize anything better than this machine. I know from what I have seen on this forum, the normal "first project" absolutely demolishes anything I have ever done.

Thanks, Bob. I'll search for the specific machines. The 735 runs $600 up here, too. Nearest HD is 2+ hours away so I haven't been able to look at the Ridgid yet. I, too, am blown away by some of the beautiful work I see on this site. I'm also a hobbyist woodworker (well, a wannabe anyway) but have done my share of carpentry. When it comes to a light touch though, I'm what my wife calls "antidexterous."

Archie

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Wow you are fast. I remember a couple of those threads.

[Paul Incognito]

I have the DeWalt 735 and couldn't be happier with it. I bought it so long ago, I don't remember what it cost. I've used the Ridgid and the price difference is justified, in my opinion.
PI

[Cary Falk]

I have the Delta 22-580. It is a great planer but I believe it has been discontinued. I want to upgrade to a stationary one so too bad your weren't closer.

[Steve Mellott]

The current issue of Wood magazine has a review of planers.

Steve

[Myk Rian]

The Dewalt DW735 is the standard for lunchbox planers. Add a Byrd shelix head to it, and you have a super machine.

[Scott Vigder]

The current issue of Wood magazine has a review of planers.

Steve

It ranks the DeWalt 735 head and shoulders above the others. I've had mine 3+ years, and the review is spot on.