Planer decision

[Kent E. Matthew]

My current project is being held up by the lack of a planer. Here is what is available in my area now.

Belsaw:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c56/Goose5/throw%20away/Belsaw.jpg

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/tls/1915760958.html

Rockwell:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c56/Goose5/throw%20away/Rockwell.jpg

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/tls/1968053344.html

Or a Dewalt 733. I am considering this because of limited space. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[ed vitanovec]

I would go the the Rockwell.

[Van Huskey]

I second the Rockwell if it checks out.

[Kent E. Matthew]

I have never owned or even used a planer. What should I look for? What would be a deal breaker?

[Nick Lazz]

You know, it might not be a bad idea to go with the Dewalt 733 just to start you out. If you have limited space it will help, except they are heavy to lug around. You could build a mobile cabinet and roll it out when you needed it.

This would give you more time to decide what you really want out of a planer. When I went through this, I started with the Dewalt with the idea I would get a 15" stand alone planer down the road. I ended up going with a combo jointer /planer and still have my Dewalt. So I guess what I'm saying is, the Dewalt will get your project done, and you may decide later that a stand alone planer isn't what you really want. If space is at a premium, you may decide to go for a combo machine yourself.

Either way, the Dewalt is a pretty good little machine. Just may need blades which I think are around $40.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

Nick

[jim hagens]

WWW.GRIZZLY.COM (http://www.GRIZZLY.COM)

[Don Jarvie]

Rockwell.

I have the Belsaw and it's great but the Rockwell is a better machine and for 105 bucks more its a no brainer.

You will probably need new knives and tune it up but the planer will last a lifetime.