pstationary planer/molder vs. lunch-box type?

[Tyler Davis]

this came up on CL the other day:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/tls/539442197.html

I'm in the market for my 1st planer. Need to know the fundamental differences between this planer/molder vs. the lunch-box type Delta, Dewalt, Ridgid, etc. I'm not sure if I would use the molder function, but is that Jet a heavier duty machine? Anyone recognize that model and care to venture a guess for a used tool price?

thanks

Tyler

[Dennis Miller]

This is an older Jet JPM-13
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=60022

I have the newer "white" version of the machine. Mine has a 1 1/2 hp induction motor and I think all JPM-13s have a 1 1/2 hp motor. Moulding knives up to 2" wide can be installed without removing the planing knives. Larger moulding sets require that you remove the planing knives. The planer shown in your post has the optional dust collection port that I had to pay something like $60 to get. It does not however have infeed and outfeed supports that I highly recommend to reduce snipe. Relative to a lunch box the Jet will be quieter but I don't have anything to compare the quality of the cut. Others seem to be really happy with current generation lunch boxes. The Jet has two feed speeds (10 and 20 fpm) but you have to open a housing and reverse a greasy gear to change the speed...exactly what you want to be doing while working with expensive wood...not! You'll hate the roller system on the Jet since they have no swivels.

In the end...I like my Jet JPM-13.

Dennis