I've been eyeing the Dewalt 735 planer for quite some time -- it seems to get fantastic reviews and is a quite a workhorse for many people it appears. I see it consistently comes in around $600 or so at most retailers.
A planer is the next significant addition I hope to make to my shop. I *may* be able to justify spending slightly more on this tool though and as always, I want to get the best quality tool possible with my budget.
Over the last year, I have had several walnut trees from my property milled into lumber...it is all stickered and drying in my garage and basement currently. Some of these planks are more than 12" wide...though I don't currently have any specific projects in mind that will require the boards to remain particularly wide. But...going back to the quality issue...I'd like to get the best quality planer I can in my budget.
But now I've been looking longingly at a few other larger planers...and I'm wondering if there is a favorite among woodworkers in the $700-1100 range or so?