I'm a newbie and need some advice on a planer!

[James Williams 007]

I found this planer in my town on graigslist for what seems to be a decent price but I'm young and don't have alot of experience with the older machines. After seeing Lou's shop tour I have been determined to add some old iron to my shop. I need a planer and I've looked at all the 20" clones out there and I like them but they just don't have the character of the old machines. I would love any input on this machine or planers in general. Thanks James:)

PowerMatic Planer model 180. 1 phase, 230 volt. Serial # 8380213. 18", 5 HP. A solid planer, good condition and ready to go

[Mike Heidrick]

Do you have a way to move this machine and power it? Is it single phase or three phase? Looks very heavy - may not work on a common mobile base. Do you have a shop to store it in? Have you seen one in person? Some questions to consider before considering its quality which if adjusted should be very very nice I would think. Crazy awesome looking to me.

[James Williams 007]

I Haven't seen it yet but the guy assures me it's in great condition. I will however give it a good inspection before I move it. I figured I would use a service of some type to move and once in my shop It wont need to be moved. I've dedicated a good bit of space for the planer and I already have the 30 amp outlet single phase which is what it needs.

[Bruce Page]

James, what is he asking for it? I saw one of these single phase planers sell locally for $2800 a few weeks ago.
These are very solid machines.

[James Williams 007]

He wants 2500 for it.

[Bruce Page]

He wants 2500 for it.

If you're in the market for one, it sounds like a good deal.

[James Williams 007]

Thanks I'll update when I know more. Now if I could just find a Moak bandsaw!:D

[Chris Rosenberger]

The 180 is an excellent planer. They are built like tanks. I have had one since 1994 & love it. That is also a good price.
Mine is a 1995 model.

[James Williams 007]

Is that a new motor I see?

[Chris Rosenberger]

No. At some point, Powermatic stopped painting the motors to match the planers.

[James Williams 007]

Wow that machine looks really clean and well cared for. I can't wait to add one to my shop! I see the mobile base do you move it often or is that just in case?

[Dennis Peacock]

Those are awesome planers James. If you're in the market and can get one for that price....it would well be worth you expense and time to get it.

[Chris Rosenberger]

When my shop was smaller I moved it alot. Now that the shop is larger I do not move it at all. I screwed some blocks to the floor to keep it from moving. I do like taller table height that the mobile base adds. The planer is raised about 8 1/2".

[James Williams 007]

I like the idea of raising the height especially with my 6'4" frame! Thanks to everyone for their input I'm getting that giddy feeling that comes with a new tool especially one that has that old smell of iron and grease and age. I'll post pics of the planer and my latest project soon!