Now I’m buying a planer. - Woodworking Talk

16ga · 03-21-2008, 03:35 PM

I know you guys probably think all I do is buy cheep tools.

Given up on getting my planer running and have decided to buy a new one.
Been looking at these 2 and wondering what you guys think?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...305&lpage=none
http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-1-2-Planer/G0505
The grizzles a bit more then I want to pay but looks like a much better tool. Just not sure its worth an extra $70?

Thanks for any info or advice.

PS: I really should be done buying tools soon.

Joe C · 03-21-2008, 04:34 PM

The Delta is a good benchtop planer. Ridgid is also nice for the price and it comes with extra double edge knives.

http://www.craftandwoodworking.com

dbhost · 03-21-2008, 05:29 PM

16ga. I looked at that Delta, a friend of mine has one and has been using it for a couple of years. Here is my take on his planer...

It is typical of Delta's lower end stuff. Not bad, not terrific.
Lots of plastic pieces...
I like the infeed / outfeed setup of it, although it is a little short.

Having said that, his Delta snipes the lumber WAY more than my Ryobi. And my Ryobi has no infeed support at all!

I would link to it, but they use flash so go to...
http://www.ryobitools.com/products and click Power Tools, planers, and then the 13" surface planer blah blah blah...

I like my planer, lots of guys will fuss about it being a cheapie, and I don't really care. So far it works really well...

If you like the Delta, I'd say go for it...

As far as that particular grizzly goes. I don't hear much negative about Grizzly tools... And that planer seems to be pretty decent. Not sure it is worth the extra cash though...

knotscott · 03-21-2008, 07:21 PM

Neither of those portables has a cutterhead lock, so some snipe is gonna be a way of life. I like many Grizzly tools, but I'm not seeing any advantage whatsoever in paying more to have that one shipped to your house vs picking up the Delta locally. They appear to be comparably equipped machines.

dbhost · 03-22-2008, 01:39 AM

What is a cutterhead lock? Never heard of that...

MrRodeoCC · 03-22-2008, 01:50 AM

I have the Delta planer and yes it does snipe, the trick is to angle down on the feed in and lift on the exit to minimize the snipe, also I cut 1/8 turn at a time to reduce snipe, it also makes a finer cut because the blades aren't trying to take as much material off on each pass. The blades are disposable and reversible (take a blade off, reverse it and install, has guide pins for alignment which makes it super easy). Replacement blades are @$30.

knotscott · 03-22-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbhost

What is a cutterhead lock? Never heard of that...

It locks the cutterhead in place to prevent movement that can cause snipe. It's a feature that's usually listed if the machine has it. Some machines like the DW735 and maybe the newer Ridgid use 4-post threads, as opposed to two, that are supposed to eliminate the need for the lock, but the issue is still addressed. Machines like the DW733/734/735, Delta TP400 (22-560), 22-580, Makita 2012, Ridgid TP1300, Ryobi AP1300, Hitachi, and others have some form of locking device. Machines like the older Delta 22-540, TP300, TP305, Griz 0505, Ryobi 1301 do not have a locking mechanism and are more prone to snipe. There's usually about $100 difference in price, and that's a major reason why.

Gerry KIERNAN · 03-22-2008, 02:15 PM

Hi

I have the Delta Shopmate 12 1/2 inch planer. I have found it very satisfactory for hobbyist use, and I use it a lot. I do occasionally get some sniping, but I have found that if I support the board on roller stands at the input and output ends the sniping is minimal or non-existent. I also built a dust hood from 4 inch pvc piping, hooked up to a 11/2 hp dust collector through a cyclone bin, and it gets the bulk of the shavings quite well.
I was lucky, and got mine at a Home Depot outlet when they were clearing some out for $179 several years ago.
The planer is probably a little light for a serious woodworker, but as I said it is completely satisfactory for my needs as a hobbyist.

Gerry

rcp612 · 03-25-2008, 11:00 AM

I would say the best tool I ever bought was the Ridgid R4330 planer. http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/R4330-Th...r/EN/index.htm
Although others will say you need a cutterhead lock, I haven't found this design to be a problem. No snipe right out of the box!
Of course, I take light passes and never rush, but it works just as is. I did try heavier cuts and did get some slight snipe problems but, I just slowed myself down, ,took lighter cuts, and,,, no snipe.
IMHO I would highly recommend this planer.

16ga · 03-25-2008, 02:43 PM

Thanks guys.

I think I’ll go with the Delta then.

That ridgid looks nice but it’s a little more then I want to pay right now. Still have a few other things I need to buy aswell.

Gerry KIERNAN · 03-26-2008, 01:09 PM

rcp612 has a good point. Keep your cuts light and the planer will perform better than if you try to hog off big amounts with each pass.

Needless to say the planer will probably last a lot longer that way as well.

Gerry

16ga · 03-29-2008, 10:34 AM

Thanks again for all the advice guys.
I picked up the delta a few days ago and ran some cherry through it to test it out. Seems to be working just fine for me so far.
I’ve been making 1/16 passes and the snipe hasn’t been a real problem. Just have to pick up a dust hood for it yet.

Have a few projects I’ve been waiting for a planer before starting. May be able to get something done now.