Suggestions for an Entry Planar

[sofa_king_rad]

I'm just starting into woodworking as a serious hobby where I plan to build things to actually use in the house. I'm hearing more and more than a planer would be really good to have. So i'm looking for suggestions on a good "first" planar to pickup.

 

[copcarcollector]

DEWALT DW735X 13" Two-Speed Planer Package
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW735X...ie=UTF8&qid=1462913550&sr=8-1&keywords=dewalt+planer

Also available without the tables and extra blades, but why not get the complete set up in one package! I have heard mostly good things on this particular planer.

I guess it depends how much you want to spend too. There was a comparison article on 12" planers recently, I will dig out that magazine when I get home

Sofa King, where are you located? I have a barely used Makita planer for sale!

 

[sofa_king_rad]

Thanks, I'll take a look - I'm in northern CA

 

[copcarcollector]

Thanks, I'll take a look - I'm in northern CA

I am over the hill in N Nevada! If you want to take a quick trip!

 

[copcarcollector]

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/161098

Recent thread on the DeWalt

 

[Holmz]

It may be good to have, but that depends on what you are doing.
If you wood is dressed you only need a hand plane or sander.
If you are working with sheets, then a planer is not needed because they're planar already.

 

[rizzoa13]

How dare you suggest a hand plane, Holmz.  [tongue]

 

[Holmz]

How dare you suggest a hand plane, Holmz.  [tongue]

Ok I will then.
Mine look similar to there but with an adjusting wheel.

Jointer:http://www.fine-tools.com/rauh.html

General:http://www.fine-tools.com/doppelh.html

 

[Peter_C]

Thanks, I'll take a look - I'm in northern CA

Craigslist has a bunch.http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/5577901184.html

This one sounds well used, but is more industrial. Discount!http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/5576362193.html

Probably not used much, and not in a long time.http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/5569348502.html

Jet.http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/5572769525.html

Industrial! 3 Phase?http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/tls/5574139271.html

Definitely 3 phase. Converter, or motor change required for home use, but nice planer.http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/tls/5568519704.html

I am happy with my Powermatic equipment and would probably look for this type of planer.http://goldcountry.craigslist.org/tls/5566991265.html

 

[copcarcollector]

The April 2016 issue of Fine Woodworking magazine has a comparison of eleven benchtop planers. The Dewalt is the Best Overall, the Rigid (R4331 $369) is the Best Value. I have added a picture of the page with both of these units.

Also tested were the Craftsman 21758, Delta 2-255, Dewalt 734, General 30-060HC, Grizzly G0790, Makita 2012NB, Rikon 25-130H, Rikon 25-131 and Triton TPT125

There was also a 2 page spread in the Dec/Jan 2016 issue of Woodcraft magazine, discussing the Rikon 25-130H and General 30-060HC, both of which come with a segmented cutterhead.

If you would like photocopies of these pages, let me know...

[attachimg=1]

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1,000th post - yay!

 

[jeh]

I have used the Rigid and DeWalt 735 and prefer the Dewalt. I think it has a better build quality and in my experience it has never failed me. I recommend getting the in feed and out feed tables and the stand is quite nice, but you don't need any of those to get started.

The rigid is the equivalent of the Dewalt 734 and I would not recommend it either.

Another plus on the Dewalt 735 is that the Byrd SHELIX Helical Cutterhead is available for it.

 

[ear3]

I think I asked once before on a previous thread the differences between the Dewalt 734 and 735, and got mixed responses, but the overall consensus was that the 735 wasn't "that" much better than the 734.  But some of the comments here, and certainly the magazine review, suggests that it is?  I've been very happy with my 734 (I don't have room in my shop for a stationary machine or even to put a portable planer on a stand), but have thought about upgrading to the 735.

I know the magazine rates the Ridgid as the Best value, but after my experience with the Ridgid oscillating spindle sander (two burnt out motors and one impossibly out of square table, which I tested and eventually returned over the course of a week) -- which was rated both best value and I think  best overall in their comparison of benchtop OSSs -- I will not buy another Ridgid benchtop machine.

I have used the Rigid and DeWalt 735 and prefer the Dewalt. I think it has a better build quality and in my experience it has never failed me. I recommend getting the in feed and out feed tables and the stand is quite nice, but you don't need any of those to get started.

The rigid is the equivalent of the Dewalt 734 and I would not recommend it either.

Another plus on the Dewalt 735 is that the Byrd SHELIX Helical Cutterhead is available for it.

 

[bobfog]

Would the OP not be better off going for an entry level all-in-one planer thicknesser? If he wants to make flat stock for furniture from rough sawn timber, just having the thickness planer and not the jointer is only going to do half the job.

 

[Cheese]

I think I asked once before on a previous thread the differences between the Dewalt 734 and 735, and got mixed responses, but the overall consensus was that the 735 wasn't "that" much better than the 734.  But some of the comments here, and certainly the magazine review, suggests that it is? 

Edward,
I owned the Dewalt 733 which is basically an earlier version of the 734. I've owned the 735 for the last 10-12 years. There is no comparison between the 733/734 and the 735. Two completely different tools. Think moped vs motorcycle. The 733 was kind of toy-like, being made from fabricated sheet metal and the manual carriage lock was always an issue. The 735 is very well built and a solid performer.

However, when I owned the 733, I'd move it from job to job if I needed it because it wasn't that much trouble. I've yet to move the 735 from out of the basement. It may be only 12# heavier, but it is just too bulky/heavy/clumsy for one person to move, especially up and down stairs.

 

[ear3]

He has the TS55. 

Would the OP not be better off going for an entry level all-in-one planer thicknesser? If he wants to make flat stock for furniture from rough sawn timber, just having the thickness planer and not the jointer is only going to do half the job.

 

[Holmz]

Would the OP not be better off going for an entry level all-in-one planer thicknesser? If he wants to make flat stock for furniture from rough sawn timber, just having the thickness planer and not the jointer is only going to do half the job.

What 1/2 job?
Adding complexity and cost before the first job seems risky.

I'm just starting into woodworking as a serious hobby where I plan ...

Or get the wood thicknessed somewhere else at first.
After a project or two you may have a better idea of what you really need.

 

[bobfog]

Would the OP not be better off going for an entry level all-in-one planer thicknesser? If he wants to make flat stock for furniture from rough sawn timber, just having the thickness planer and not the jointer is only going to do half the job.

What 1/2 job?
Adding complexity and cost before the first job seems risky.

I'm just starting into woodworking as a serious hobby where I plan ...

Or get the wood thicknessed somewhere else at first.
After a project or two you may have a better idea of what you really need.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean.

I was referring to the fact that if the stock he's using is in anyway twisted or warped the thickness planer will just follow the path set by the stock. You need both a thicknesser and a jointer if you want finished stock that is straight and flat.

 

[Holmz]

[member=60286]bobfog[/member] What I mean is that this is the first project. So far he has a TS55 and some other gear.
Academically there is some worth in comparing the various planers, and jointers.
However, it may be easier for home to bring the wood somewhere and say I want it square and X by Y dimensions.
After a project, or maybe three, then he may have a better idea of whether he needs a joiner, planer, hand plane or what-have-you.

 

[bobfog]

[member=60286]bobfog[/member] What I mean is that this is the first project. So far he has a TS55 and some other gear.
Academically there is some worth in comparing the various planers, and jointers.
However, it may be easier for home to bring the wood somewhere and say I want it square and X by Y dimensions.
After a project, or maybe three, then he may have a better idea of whether he needs a joiner, planer, hand plane or what-have-you.

Yeah, I agree.

My point, however, was just taking the OP's request at face value; that if he does want to buy a machine, he will need a jointer and thicknesser to do the job properly. Buying just a thicknesser will only do half the job.

 

[Holmz]

[member=60286]bobfog[/member] we are in agreement.
And as he does want to buy the machine, then knowing the right ones to get is worthwhile knowledge.

(I look like Popeye after using the joiner plane.)