Steel City 40200 Planer

[Prashun Patel]

I have the opportunity to pick this up for $300 in pretty much new condition. Any opinions on whether this is a good buy?

[Rick Fisher]

Here is a decent review of some smaller planers.

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/industry-news-print.asp?sectionID=0&articleID=572583


"Although the Steel City 40200 did not blow our doors off, it does have some desirable features, such as a three-knife cutterhead, two-speed feed rate, and among the most durable top bars for return passing. Its portability is aided by the fact that it's the second lightest. Although it performed adequately, we felt there are better tools for the price."

[Prashun Patel]

Thanks for the link. That's why I was wondering for $300 if it makes sense.

[Charles Trout]

That's $120 less than retail. For retail you get brand new blades and a warranty.

If you need to buy and install new blades, that's another $50 plus your time...and no warranty.

For me that planer would have to be in pretty new condition for that price.