[Steve Neul]

There is certainly nothing wrong with Powermatic. They do make a 20" planer however if you are looking for used it would probably be easier to find a 24" model. Unless you purchase a planer with a helical head it is going to be loud regardless of the brand. If you do purchase a machine that runs on three phase, a phase converter will work fine. I have two machines that use three phase and I'm miles from three phase service. You could use a VFD or a rotary phase converter. I wouldn't use a static phase converter. As far as who makes the best planer, I think it's Northfield. They are hard to find used and pricy. I believe they are the last US company that makes woodworking machinery in heavy cast iron like the antique machinery.