Powermatic 209 Purchase Help

[Nolan Weiler]

Hello All,

I have not posted much in the past, but do read a lot on here. I have a question for the community. I am looking at a Powermatic 209 Planer in good condition for $1,200. I have been holding out for a helical planer to show up in my local classifieds, but nothing yet. I noticed I can get a Shelix cutterhead for this planer, for around $1,100. Would this planer be worth purchasing, and also purchasing and installing a shelix cutterhead for a total of $2300 or should I keep looking? I have seen mixed reviews for the 209. Thanks!!

[Rich Aldrich]

I bought a used Powermatic 209HH used for $2500 about 2 months ago. I like it so far. I do have to replace a few things due to wear but I expected that since it is used. I thought it would take a while to find anything used but I lucked out.

I was considering a Grizzly 1033 with the helical head. Right now Grizzly has a 10% sale so you can get that planer for $2650.

[Nolan Weiler]

Thanks Rich! Appreciate your response.

[William Hodge]

Keep looking.
Here's an Amazon review.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png



(https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFVS4FYTFS6IENGVQ3A3EBTBXTJQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_gw_btm?ie=UTF8)
1.0 out of 5 stars (https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RIQLSY5O2Z1DW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00020BNPE) Dust Collection Poor Design Leaves Chip Dents (https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RIQLSY5O2Z1DW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00020BNPE)
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2019Style: Planer (https://www.amazon.com/Powermatic-1791296-20-Inch-5-Horsepower-230-Volt/product-reviews/B00020BNPE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_fmt?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews&formatType=current_format)
This planer has a hood that requires the spray of chips to bounce off the top, then travel horizontally to a 4" port. The chips end up whirling around the cutterhead, denting the wood surface. This planer is connected to a dust collector with an 11" inlet, with 10", then 8", pipe to the planer.

I fixed this by getting rid of the rollers on the top (Who stacks wood on a planer? Get a cart!), and installing a larger hood at a 30 degree angle. The hood has a 6" diameter hole, a short hose, and 8" pipe to the ceiling. It works well now.

I should add that I have extensively used (2) powermatic 72 saws, a Powermatic 20" planer, (2) Powermatic 66 saws, (2) Powermatic 26 shapers, (1) Powermatic 27 shaper, and a Powermatic 2A tenoner. This planer is a dog. Before you buy one, get it hooked up to a dust collector, and run some lumber.

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