Planer on a budget - recommendations

[Alex Carrera]

I've decided that I must have a planer. I have given up on trying to get thin and wide panels flat and parallel with hand planes. Unfortunately, I'm on a tight budget.

What are the best values in bench-top planers, or should I look used. If so, where should I look, and what should I look for?

BTW - I have a 6" long bed jointer if that makes any difference.

[frank shic]

check amazon.com for discounts, search craigslist.org, the ridgid planer has been working fine for me.

[Bill Wyko]

:) I bought a delta at lowes for around 200 bucks.

[Michael Short]

I have the rigid planer as well and it works great. It might not be the best choice for a high production shop but works wonderful in a small shop.

[Brian K McDermaid]

I'm cheep so i always look for used first....

http://craigslist.com is a good start. I picked up a nice used DW733 for $100 a few months back.

There are TONS of threads about lunch-box style planers.. They all seem to get good reviews (just make sure it has a locking cutter head).

~Brian

[David Weaver]

The dewalt, ridgid and Delta 22-560 and 22-580s all seem to have their fans on here.

I have the Delta 22-580, and it does a very nice job for what it is.

[Alex Carrera]

Thanks guys. I'm not looking for anything production quality, so everything you've mentioned is right up my alley. I missed a deal by five minutes on craigslist a week ago:mad:

[glenn bradley]

You've probably already figured out that $500 is a really good lunchbox planer and $200 is bargain basement. Knowing that you can target your budget. One thing I think you will find tons of posts on here is the frustration that comes from not going that extra little bit in cash up front. Its just a good idea to have a feel for what things cost before you decide how much you're willing to spend, eh?

Lotsa of folks like the Rigid and it gets great reviews. I run a DW734 (three knives, one speed) which used to run about $350. I'm not sure what it is now. It has been a sweet little planer. I read a lot of pain and suffering on the Deltas and C-mans but probably just as much that is good. The point is, saving $100 and paying in wasted material and frustration is a false economy.

[Rob Bodenschatz]

I did get a refurbished DW735 from Tyler Tools a few years ago for around $325. Looked and performed like new. As others mentioned, including used and refurbished in your search may open up some possibilities for you. You'll just need to be patient.

[Rob Bodenschatz]

The point is, saving $100 and paying in wasted material and frustration is a false economy.

That's a great quote. May I use it in my sig line?

[Steven Wilson]

Any of the Dewalts from a 733 on up would be a good used choice if it's in good condition. Look for one from someone who is upgrading or is a woodworker and getting out of the hobby. You'll probably want to avoid one used in the trades. Besides craigslist check the classified section of this and other woodworking boards.

[Andy Livingston]

I've had my Ridgid for about 3 years now. I've sent a good bit of wood thru it (from hard maple to cypress). Works well! Not the most heavy duty, but with just a little TLC it works great for me! One of these days I would like a more heavy duty unit...:)

[Richard Dragin]

I would look used first as well but planers don't come up very often on Cl and when they do it is usually a big old one (which can be even better).

[glenn bradley]

That's a great quote. May I use it in my sig line?

Fire away Rob. I gotta million of 'em; hot-cha-cha-cha. Oh man, did I just date myself or what?

[Gary Keedwell]

Fire away Rob. I gotta million of 'em; hot-cha-cha-cha. Oh man, did I just date myself or what?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/evsac/Video/Laie_67.gif Jimmy Durante......I haven't heard that in ages....


Gary

[Rob Bodenschatz]

Fire away Rob.

Done.

:D:D:D:D:D

[Rich Engelhardt]

Hello,
I bought my DeWalt 734 from Amazon back in June of this year. I paid $228.00 for it, plus $50.00 shipping for a total of $278.00
Since then I've looked all over at prices on the 734, and they are all well into the high $300 range.

I have no idea how Amazon does it, but it's well worth keeping your eye on them for super deals that pop up from time to time.

LOL! I just realized. > half the warranty is up on the 734,,,and it's still sitting in the living room unopened! I better unpack it and see if there's a planer in there or a bunch of bricks ;)

Edited to add:
One thing I should mention about a used 734. Make sure you check both sides of the blades. The blades are throw away and cost an arm and a leg compared to other brands.