Need Opinions on WoodRiver 13" planer

[John Stankus]

My father-in-law is looking at getting a planer, and he asked me if I had heard anything about the WoodRiver planer. I told him I had not but would ask the fount of knowledge that is the creek to see if anyone has some experience/knowledge with this planer.

Thanks

John

[Jim Matthews]

They're okay.

Give him his Birthday and Christmas present early,
if he must have a plane this large, the Veritas #5 is a beauty.

Avoid the new Stanley sweetheart planes, they're atrocious.
(May I suggest that this be moved to the Neanderthal Haven?)

[Mike Cozad]

I think he is asking about the 13" lunchbox planer...

[John Stankus]

I think he is asking about the 13" lunchbox planer...

Yes he is interested in the powered lunchbox planer.

John

[Jim Matthews]

My bad.

I had no idea.
I wonder who makes it for them?

[Mike Cherry]

Yes he is interested in the powered lunchbox planer.

John

I don't see how the answer Jim gave changes lol.
I'm just kidding, I will stay tuned to see if anyone has anything useful to add about the planer as I am also interested.

[Ray Newman]

From what I read on the Woodcraft web page, their planer has carbon steel -- not carbide -- inserts. Also it is a one speed planer.

Questions: is this a common/readily available size insert or a special Wood River-only size and what do they cost?

I was at the local Woodcraft a few weeks ago and there was one on display. Did not seem like a very stout machine from what I saw. Wonder how long it has been on the market or is this a new machine built to a certain price point?

Before I purchased a 15" Sunhill planer many years ago, I had a factory-reconditioned DeWalt #735. That machine served me very well and is still working for its current owner. Two speeds and blades are easy to change. The DeWalt 735 has a good reputation behind it.

If the DeWalt 735 is "out of budget specs", the Woodcraft web page shows the DeWalt 734 and it does not cost much more than the Wood River machine. From what I understand the DeWalt 734 -- like the DeWalt 735 -- is a solid work horse.

Have a hunch that if needed it just might be easier to obtain any replacement parts for a DeWalt than a Wood River.