Replies

1. 
   gulfstar | Oct 23, 2022 04:26pm | #1

   I own a Craftex 20 inch planer , it’s the Canadian version of the Grizzly and Shop Fox also sold as King Industrial and other local brands. I recently went to an equipment supplier that had a 20 inch Powermatic on the floor and found it to be identical to my Craftex. Here is the link to the 15 inch Grizzly, other than the control box, I can’t see that it is different than the Powermatic. I can’t speak for the Laguna but the model I see advertised is 300 pounds shy of the Gryzzly, Craftex or Powermatic clones. https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-15-3-hp-extreme-series-planer-w-helical-cutterhead/g1021x2

1. 
   john_c2 | Oct 24, 2022 04:11am | #3

   For a machine with that much power and capacity, 300 pounds is a big deal. I'd certainly be leaning toward the extra mass.

2. 
   damon_penn | Oct 23, 2022 06:37pm | #2

   I have the Powermatic 20" and have been using it for about 8 years with no problems. It's powerful and super steady with no vibration. I've found the Powermatic team to be very responsive, answering my questions by phone or email the same day. Not the same experience with Laguna. I've emailed them three times over the past few years and never got a reply.

3. 
   sf1988 | Oct 29, 2022 02:06am | #4

   I am also researching for a new planer. I recommend you look at the Grizzly 1521x2 15” Extreme Series planer. It has great reviews, draws a lot less amps than Powermatic (12 for Grizzly to 28 for PM) and it’s less money. 28 Amps will require a 30 amp service, something to consider if you don’t have that.

1. 
   gulfstar | Oct 29, 2022 07:22am | #5

   The comparable 15 inch Powermatic draws 15 amps , are you are refering to the 20 inch at 23 amps or one of their heavier model?

2. 
   john_c2 | Oct 29, 2022 08:30am | #6

   Is the 12 amps 220, and 28 amps 110?

1. 
   ajg1942 | Oct 30, 2022 10:58pm | #8

   He is comparing apples to oranges..

   15HH (manual page 6)
   motor is rated TEFC,3HP,1Ph,230V,60Hz,15A
   minimum circuit 30 amps
   Full Width Cutting Depth 1/8"

   PX20: (manual page 11 & 17)
   motor is rated 5HP,1Ph,220V,60Hz, 23A
   minimum circuit 30 amps
   Full Width Cutting Depth 1/16" best results over 9", 1/4" under 9"

   Grizzly (manual page 6 & 7)
   motor is rated TEFC, 3 HP, 1Ph,230V, 12A
   minimum circuit 20 amps
   Full Width Cutting Depth 3/32"

   The grizzly max cutting depth is on 3/32" vs 15HH is 1/8".. So I'm not surprised that the amp load of the 15HH is higher..

   but is the cost savings of a smaller circuit (20 amp) > added time costs of doing multiple passes when needing to remove 1/8"

4. 
   user-7274013 | Oct 30, 2022 09:29pm | #7

   I have powermatic, Laguna and Grizzly tools, I don’t have their planers but all 3 companies make good tools. My only issue is with Laguna customer service ( did I say customer service they don’t have customer service) there tools are fine until you have a issue that you will have a big issue. Powermatic and Grizzly seem to have good customer service. I don’t have any of these companies planers but I do have there tools.

   Good luck with your decision.

   Frank E

5. 
   jareed | Oct 31, 2022 03:44pm | #9

   I had a deposit down on the 15HH prior to Covid, I went with Powermatic because they use the Shelix head, I don't believe Laguna does and Grizzly has there own. Powermatic wasn't delivering in fact I waited for a year and deadlines kept moving back, after a year and a half+, I canceled my order and they (Rockler) promptly refunded my money. At that time the 15HH was on a $3400 Special, It's now at $4400 (correct if i'm wrong). A tatical err? I would go Powermatic.

6. 
   sf1988 | Nov 01, 2022 06:35pm | #10

   Just returned from traveling for work. Well then ajg, sense you assume to know all, you ass-umed wrong. It isn’t comparing apples to oranges. The topic was comparing apples to oranges. The topic not only asked to compare different brands but also different sizes ah ha, apples and oranges. But, thanks for jumping in and clarifying my comment for me. You done good old timer, thanks. I made an assumption based on your ID ajg1948.

1. 
   gulfstar | Nov 01, 2022 06:49pm | #11

   What model draws 28 amps ?

1. 
   sf1988 | Nov 01, 2022 08:36pm | #12

   Sorry, I was misinformed. That was what I found for the PM 15 HH off of the Wood Werks web page where I researched prices. But then I compared that to the PM web site and saw it was only 15 amps. Doing better research from multiple sites is always better. But still, I would have to learn how or hire an electrician to install a 30 amp circuit.