Shop planer needed

[Jeff2413]

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.

 

[Zacharytanner]

Woodmaster

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I just picked a buss 4L.

Not really close to your needs though. 

Nothing planes like a buss.

 

[Birdhunter]

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.

 

[Billedis]

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

 

[Tayler_mann]

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.

 

[waho6o9]

http://www.olivermachinery.net/index.php?node=machines&type_id=3

http://wood.baileighindustrial.com/woodworking/planers

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/24-planer

http://www.grizzly.com/search/?s=category%3aPlaners

You're wise to look at all your options good luck now.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

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!

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

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.

 

[rst]

I have a Powermatic PM100 bought new in 1980, three horse, single phase for sale in your price range.

 

[jeh]

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.

 

[jacko9]

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

 

[slodat]

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.]

I prefer straight knives in a planer, especially one that has a grinder and jointing stone set up. 

 

[jacko9]

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.