Yates 18" or Powermatic 18".

[James Jericho]

I am finalizing my decision on a planer. I have narrowed it down to a Yates or Powermatic 18". I would like to hear back from any owners.

[David Kumm]

Which Yates and PM 180? Dave

[James Jericho]

I is a j180 and a powermatic 180.

[Loren Woirhaye]

I would consider the style and type of feedworks. From pictures it looks like the Yates has a simple chain and sprocket drive with plenty of room to get in there for maintenance. I've never examined either machine up close. You might ask on Owwm.

[David Kumm]

Yes, check with owwm.org as the Yates J line planer design was bought by Rockwell Delta. There were some quirks to the internals but I don't know any details. the Delta version had a separate feed motor but not sure the Yates did. Smaller footprint for a wedgebed design. PM 180 is more common. Condition of either is a big factor in the decision. Dave

EDIT. You don't want the quiet head on the PM and there were a few years in the 80s when owned by Houdaialle (sp ) that the casting were made overseas. It will be noted on the machine and those are less desireable on the used market.