24" industrial planers

[Mark Gibney]

I see this different design in 24" industrial planer when I'm browsing Craigslist ads

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The first one has two screws to raise the table, with ways on both sides of the machine to guide the table. My 12" Powermatic 100 uses this method.
The second has four screws and does not have ways.

What differences, if any, do these different engineering approaches lead to in operation?
Any other reasons for the different designs?

thanks, Mark

[Mark Hennebury]

They also made several other types; Wedgebed and center column, both also had machined vertical guideways, my guess is the four screw posts were the cheapest to produce.

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[Bill Dufour]

The 18" wedgebed by rockwell is known for eating the variable speed feed gears, $700 plus labor. No idea if the same drive system is used on their bigger models. I think it is originally made by crescent then rockwell bought them out.
I would say twin screw is old school design that works. Ways can get gummy. four screw is a newer design, 1970's? that is cheaper to make is my take.
The newer designs seem to be more enclosed by sheet metal so dust collection should be better
Bill D

[Mark Gibney]

So both of you think that perhaps the four screw design is cheaper to produce?
I was wondering if it is there to provide a more stable support to the table. Maybe not.

[Mark Hennebury]

I would think that the most precise and also the most expensive to produce would be the wedgebed. My guess would be that four screw is the least precise and the cheapest to produce, but just my guess that's all.


So both of you think that perhaps the four screw design is cheaper to produce?
I was wondering if it is there to provide a more stable support to the table. Maybe not.

[Maurice Mcmurry]

This one is only 20" but it is a beast, (Just passing along additional eye candy).

Parks 20" planer in Clayton, MO | Item MW9687 for sale | Purple Wave (https://www.purplewave.com/auction/230510/item/MW9687/Parks-Machine_Tools-Woodworking_Equip.-Missouri)

[Mark Gibney]

Yes that is a WWI tank with the engine removed. Someone with a passion for old iron could get that humming and looking good.

[Bill Dufour]

Weight is around 1425 pounds. My 12" parks is about 300 pounds. I knew they made. a 16-18 inch version of mine. never knew about the 20.
Thanks
Bill D

[Maurice Mcmurry]

Weight is around 1425 pounds. My 12" parks is about 300 pounds. I knew they made. a 16-18 inch version of mine. never knew about the 20.
Thanks
Bill D

I hope I do not bid on it. I am supposed to be downsizing. Not succeeding. Sunday morning I was depressed about having 9 junky old boats and wife got on FreeCycle to try and give a few away. First thing we saw was "spare parts for Sunfish" I jumped in the van and went and got them (doh!).

[William Hodge]

Two different shops I worked in had Paoloni 24" planers, the same model. The machine work on all the metal parts was amazing. beign used to sand cast finish, the paoloni planers were a pleasure to work on.

The table is help up by a central post, with bronze bushings on the corners to keep it from rocking. The rollers, etc were made to be adjusted.

Here's a video of an older Paoloni planer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp30ZyOCE4E

[Mark Gibney]

Maurice, what are the "junky old boats" you own like? Do you use them or are they undergoing perpetual repairs? It's good to have a passion!