Shop planer needed

Jeff2413

Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2011
Messages
72
Can anyone nudge me in a direction of a new planer?  I'm building a new shop and I'm pretty sure I want something better than the lunchbox thing I've used in the past.  My budget is around $2K.  I don't need anything super wide but I'm thinking 3 hp.  Prefer helical head but may have to wait on that for a bit ($).  I build a fair amount of reclaimed barn furniture and want something I can plane down 2x material without spending hours taking off 1/32" each pass.  I looked at the Steel City 15"' and also the Jet 16" and haven't come any closer to making a decision.  I've looked at huge units, for a steal,  on IRS but everything is 3 phase and my shop isn't wired for that.  Any suggestions I would be grateful.  I'm all ears.
 
I use a Powermatic planer and jointer with the helical heads and get amazing smooth cuts. These are 2 separate units using 2 single phase 120volt circuits each to run 3hp motors. Very quiet. The carbide cutters have 4 sides that can be rotated if dull or damaged. They do require major dust removal.... Big cyclone unit.
 
Check out Grizzly, I have their older 15" and it has done everything I needed.  Thinking about upgrading to the helical head for a smoother finish.  Bill
 
Spend the extra money and buy a hammer. It might cost twice as much but it is a far more superior product with far better customer service. I haven't bought one yet but my rep from the company calls me once a month to tell me about deals going on and if he can assist me in anyway. My mentor owns some of their machinery and has outstanding service and a machine that runs better than any of the Taiwan made American machinery. Another colleague of mine bought a brand new 8" helical head powermatic and it took him 2 months to get it the outfeed table wouldn't raise above the blades and powermatic took another 4 months to decide to get him a replacement. its an investment not a purchase.
 
Grizzly makes some really good products and some real stinkers.  The planers are good.  I have a friend with a Grizzly helical head and he is delighted with it.  Ran it in a daily used hobbyist shop for 3 years now and no complaints.  For your budget, I would go with that.

If you win the lottery, definitely look at the Hammers!
 
Pm160 is a great planer that can be had used for cheap normally.

99% were belt drive, easy motor swaps, but 99% of the time buying a VFD to run the 3phase motor from 240v single phase would be cheaper.

 
I have a Powermatic PM100 bought new in 1980, three horse, single phase for sale in your price range.
 
I'd recommend a Powermatic. Rock solid and well supported. The most significant item is getting one with a Byrd Shelix cutter head, which consists of a series of small square cutters that can be rotated 4 times as the lose their sharpness. I have 20HH model and am nothing but happy with it.

If you are looking for a portable planer the Dewalt DW735 is outstanding. I use it for smaller stock and am pleased with its capabilities. Locally these regularly pop up on Craigslist. There are extensions and that are available from DeWalt and a third party makes a helical head. I'd use the factory knives until they wear out and then switch to the helical head.

As for combo machines I'd avoid them unless they are European models.
 
rst said:
I have a Powermatic PM100 bought new in 1980, three horse, single phase for sale in your price range.

I have the same Powermatic Model 100 he is offering and it's a great workhorse.  Recently I had the Shelix head installed and connected the machine to my Oneida V-3000 Cyclone.  It has the 3HP single phase motor and cuts hardwoods all day long.

Jack
 
I have an older blue color Jet made in Taiwan 20" four post planer. I bought it to put a Byrd head in. Recently put in the new head with bearings. I'm under $1400 in it and very happy
 
WarnerConstCo. said:
I prefer straight knives in a planer, especially one that has a grinder and jointing stone set up.

I have the cutter head for the Powermatic 100 with sharp blades and a spare set for sale real cheap.  I do like the finish with the straight blades but the extra noise and no onboard sharpening led me to the Shelic Spiral.
 
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