plane good advice

[Mark Borowsky]

I'm in the market for my 1st planer. I have a small shop, it will get light duty work, paired with a 6" jointer. Any suggestions on what to get or how to approach the choice?
Thanks!
Mark

[Bill Huber]

The new Ridgid is a nice one (4330), I had the 1300 and it was good also. The new one is a 3 blade and does not have a head lock, they use 4 post to raise and lower the head.

I find the cut is as smooth as it gets, the only real problem I have with the 4330 is the DC is really bad for me because I just have a shop vac. The 1300 was much better at DC then the new one.

If you do a search on the Creek there have been some large threads on this subject.

I made a flip stand for mine it is stays under the bench until I need it.

There was a write up in FWW http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/fwnpdf/011195078.pdf

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/image/89705420
http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/image/89705417

[Mark Borowsky]

Thanks, and that's some beautiful work in your photo album! That's a great storage solution, too.

The Rigid is a little more than I was planning to spend, any thoughts on the smaller 12" planers such as the TP-305 or others in the $2-300 range?

[Bill Huber]

Thanks, and that's some beautiful work in your photo album! That's a great storage solution, too.

The Rigid is a little more than I was planning to spend, any thoughts on the smaller 12" planers such as the TP-305 or others in the $2-300 range?

I am not sure what area of the country you are in but here in Dallas I watch Craigslist and I have seen the Ridgid 1300 with the stand for $200 like new and just about any other brands you can come up with.

In fact there is a 3 month old Ridgid 1300 for $325 right now here in Dallas. So I would say start checking Craigslist and I bet you can find one.