Hi Forest Girl,
I know we’ve had this discussion before. But after reading through numerous posts here on the forum I’m beginnning to wonder whether I should consider purchasing a larger 15″ planer instead of the 12/13″ portable planers. I don’t want to have to replace a planer 1-2 yrs after I buy it. I’d rather pay a little extra and have one that lasts for yrs/decades.
What is the longevity of those portable planers? what do you use in your workshop? Do you own a 6″ or 8″ jointer?
wanda200 aka wendy
Replies
I'm not FG but I thought I'd chime in. I've had a Makita Portable planer for 15 + years. The only maintenance has ben blade changes. 1000's of BF of hardwoods, and it still, performs great! Art
I've read many positive posts about the Makita benchtop planer. However, experiences with machines made 15 years ago are not relevant to machines that are manufactured now. Is the model you purchased 15 years ago still offered? Even if the answer is yes, you'd still have to ask if the model is still manufactured in the factory your's was made in, and more importantly is it still manufactured using the same materials, technology and processes? I seriously doubt it. If not, then your experience is not relevant. These companies change over the years, and to get an accurate appraisal, you need to evaluate experiences with machines made now to get a clear picture of what you can expect. No offense intended, but I can not tell you how many times I've bought tools based on the history of a good brand name only to find out the company had been sold and the quality of their products is no longer the same.
Jeff
Good point. 15 Years ago Makita was all made in Japan now for Europe it is made in England. Toyota did the same thing with cars and the English built were rated very poor for the first few years. Now they are better but don't compare to the Japan built ones.
Philip
Yup, I'd have to agree, Most things aren't build the way they used to be. Seems Everything you buy these days is made in China. LOL If anything goes wrong with a washer it's probably better to just toss it aside and replace it with a new one. They're not build to last anymore. Probably the same for powertools as well.
Strange how the dewalt received an excellent review in one of the mags I read. I almost ended up purchasing the 13" portable DeWalt planer last summer but bought a router table instead. Isn't the company now owned by Black and Decker? I need to do more homework before I decide on which brand to buy.
Can anyone tell me what the difference is between General International and General? I believe the General tools are more expensive than the G/International
wanda
I believe the General tools are manufactured in Canada, while the GI tools are manufactured overseas. Most aficionados say that the General tools are superior in fit and finish to the GI tools.My goal is for my work to outlast me. Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
John D was dead on. General International (GI) is made overseas. General or General Canada are made in Quebec. They are a different line of products for the most part.
General Canada is top of the line stuff. But it's also top of the line money. General International tools are still great tools, but there is a quality drop from the General Canada line.
In Canada I think that GI offers the best value for the amateur and hobbyist, compared to what readily available (King, Craftex, Etc...). It's also readily available in most Canadian Cities. Even Rona carries a line of GI tools.
Anyway, I'm a General International and General Canada owner. New and used tools. I really can not say enough good things about the tools. The only real problems are that there instructions are not worth the paper they're printed on, and cost wise they are a little more expensive that 'budget' brands.
Anyway, that's a little off topic for the thread. I have the Dewalt Planer (the only non General tool), and really like it. The blade changes are a snap, and it does a great job with the wood. As an advantage the chip ejection system is awesome, you just need to rig something up to direct the chips...
Have fun.
Buster
Hi Buster,
How long have you had your Dewalt 13" planer? How often do you have to sharpen/replace the blades? How often do you use your planer? Glad to hear the blade changes are a snap. The men at the local tool shop said the controls were also easier/better on the Dewalt vs the Delta planer. What were your reasons for puschasing a portable planer rathe than a larger stationary planer?
Thanks for the info about the General/ General International tools. I wonder how the GI 14" bandsaw compares to the Delta 14" bandsaw... LOL
Wanda
You should be very happy with that jointer. I've been using mine steady for about a year now. That one really needs a blade change.
I've had the dewalt for about a year now. I nicked the blades within the first week (Wasn't paying attention), so I cracked open the top and shifted them sideways a bit to get rid of it. Then last week I swapped the blades.
I'm a weekend woodworker as well. So it's use tends to go in spurts. Lets say heavy use at least one weekend a month, plus a bit.
Cost and space were the reasons I went with this guy. I looked around and as you have found out stationary planers are $500 more, and of course 4X the weight. I built a stand for it, so that when the top is lowered it will slide under the extension wing to my table saw.
I think you do need the extension tables for this guy, or at least you'll have to construct something. Chip collection of sorts is a must as well, as the chip ejection systems works very well (It'll spray chips into every corner of your shop...). They have an accessory that snaps over a garbage can lid, but it's easy to rig up other things.
Did I mention I have a 14" GI band saw... I'm such a shill...
BTW, what part of Canada are you in? I'm out west in Calgary.
HI Buster,
So you're way out west. I'm all the way out east. LOL Newfoundland to be exact.
I just wish the Dewalt 13" planer wasn't so expensive. I might be able to get it cheaper at Home Depot or Kent. I'll have to check their prices this weekend. I took a close look at my small basement workshop last night and I don't think I could possibley fit a heavy 15" planer. Unless got rid of my tool bench... and I'm not about to do that. That would free up 7 1/2 feet. Portable is the only way to go for me.
Hey, tell me more about that contraption that fits over the garbage can. I think I might of seen one of those in the LeeValley magazine.
Wanda
Wanda, watch the Amazon website and wait for a tools discount for spending $xx amount of money. They have them almost daily. You will be able to get an additional $50 or more dollars discount off the price, and free shipping. Just be sure to check the free shipping option when you order, they don't default to give you that and it's a big money saver. You can add these additional discounts even if they have a sale price on the item. I save a LOT of money on tools this way....
Jeff
That's what I did when I picked up my Delta 13". I was undecided between the Dewalt and the Delta, but when I found that I could get the Delta for $300 delivered (amazon), that sealed it for me.
I assume that you probably don't have the same selection of tool stores out there... Home Depot and Rona recently had the planer on for $599 Cdn., but you'd have to purchase the tables separately.
As for the garbage can collector it's an actual Dewalt accessory. If you got to their web site you can see it there. Essentially it's a tube, one end attaches to the chip exhaust, and the other end has a bag that slides over the garbage can.
WAnda, you might want to look around for a place that sells refurbished models. One of the guys at WWA bought his on the internet at KingTool. He suggested also checking tylertool.com . Don't know what might be available in your area. The one at Tyler is $327 with limited time free shipping.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hi Forestgirl,
Unfortunately Tylertool.com only ship within the United States. I didn't get time over the weekend to check out the prices at Home Depot or Kent. I'll do that tomorrow.
I'm still undecided. But I'm edging towards the Dewalt if it wasn't for the price tag. they don't even include the extensions. You have to buy those seperate. So add on another $50.00 plus.
Now I'll check out that other site Kingtools.com But I bet that's another American online site.
Wanda
I was suggestion, though possibly not very clearly, that you look around in Canada for a company that sells refurbished DeWalt. Tyler and the other were examples of the money you might save.
The thing with the extensions has always bugged me a little too, but realistically you could build a stand with adjustable extensions if you needed to save that $50. Total difference in $$ might not be that much though, I guess.
Another idea: If you're rarely planing anything thicker than 4-5" just make an auxillary bed with MDF or MDO, long enough to provide the extension support you need. I use one on my Delta. Something 12-13" wide, 3/4" thick, with a cross-piece on the bottom to keep it from going through the planer along with the stock.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I should be famous for how I get by with inexpensive tools. Since moving 5 years ago, thus acquiring a large shop, I have upgraded a lot of tools mostly to Delta products made somewhere in the Orient. I have not been displeased with any one of them including their 12.5" thickness planer 22-560. I used a cheaper model for years changing only the blades which was a snap. The old one sniped badly. The new one will occasionaly, but not often and very little. A final shallow pass usually gives a fine finish. It was a bargain at $300US with a stand. I bought a dust collector port also. Frankly, unless you are making production runs of furniture, this tool should be all you need. I may upgrade to a more expensive 2-speed Delta in the future. It should give a better surface than I now get. It was not in stock when I bought my 22-560. It would not have had a stand either.Bandsaws were mentioned. I went from a Jet 12-inch to Delta 14-inch, again of Oriental origin. It is the best Delta tool in my shop. If the older Deltas are superior, I cannot imagine in what respect that is true. I doubt that they had a tension release lever either.My heaviest tool is my 8-inch jointer which has wheels under it, and am I glad! Your choice of a 6-incher was probably a good one. I got by for 10 years with a 6-inch benchtop jointer sold last week. I sort of miss it. It gave a smoother surface than my 8-incher.Hope this is helpful.Cadiddlehopper
Edited 4/3/2006 8:18 am ET by cadiddlehopper
If you can afford to buy a stationary planer, by all means do. There isn't any doubt that if I had had the $$ when I bought a planer, I would have gotten a stationary rather than the Delta 12.5" that I have. Same with the jointer -- I have a Jet 6" jointer, but given the funds, a Grizzly 8" with a long bed would be my preference. The Jet cost me $365 IIRC, scratch-n-dent special; can't get close to an 8" for that price.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hi Jamie,
Do you actually have the room in your tool shop for an 8" jointer? Wish I did. But you can do a lot of things with a 6" jointer. I went in to my local tool store today and ordered the General International 6" 80-100 LM Jointer. It was $100 more than the Delta 37-195. But since space is at a premium I decided to go with the GI jointer. Plus it comes with a large 55 1/4" jointer bed. I like the solid casting and front mounted wheels rather than the lever and the center post assembly on the Delta.
The Tool guys at the shop tell me that they each own a Delta portable planer. 13" Delta. Not sure what model #. I was so tempted to purchase the Dewalt 13" planer. Now if they throwin the stand maybe I'll consider buying it. Doesn't even come with extension tables. I'd have to pay $50.00 extra plus tax for those. LOL It's not cheap. Not sure I have the space for the big 400lb 15" King planer which costs $1229Canadian. The Dewalt 13" is $500 less. But in the long run I might be better off saving up till I can afford the King. It comes with nice solid cast iron extensions. Problem is how MOBILE is a machine that weighs 400lbs? I"m only a weekend woodworker. The Salesman says the delta 12 1/2 " planer he has is pretty decent. I've read some very good reviews on the Delta 12 1/2 "planer. The Dewalt was also given a favorable review.
I must check out the 2006 TOOL Review and see what they say about those machines.
Next big tool will be a planer. So I have some research to do.
Wanda (aka wendy)
400 lbs is no big deal to buy or build a mobile base for.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I'm not FG - but isn't this a free world? Kidding.
I had a 12 1/2" DeWalt - loved it. Gave it to my son so I could buy the new DeWalt 13". Shortly after the purchase the Mgr. of our local tool store (primarily Delta and other big names)) stopped by my shop. He was awed by the DeWalt planer and said he wished they offered it. They now do.
In 10 years with the 2 DWs the only trouble I've had is "burned belts" on the old one when I missed a thick spot when setting thicknesss of cut. I've never had that problem with the new unit. It slogs on through and doesn't burn belts. I'm totally satisfied.
Jerry
Hi I'm not fg eather but I've had a DeWalt 735, 13 inch for about a year now and have put a lot of oak through it. At this point all I can say is buy one if your in the market for a portable one. I did a lot of research on portables and found for me it was the best. Can't say anything bad about it.
Good Luck and Be Blessed
dtlc44
Wendy,
I've owned both the Delta 2 speed, and now have the Dewalt 13" and a Grizzly 20" planer. The Delta and the DeWalt both leave a better surface than the Grizzly, but 3hp is sure nice for getting things close to final dimensioning on the DeWalt.
Delta - I ran several 1000 bd' of white oak and other assorted hardwood through the Delta. A pulley died, which was replaced for $15 and the planer was as good as new. Of course, it was right in the middle of a job, so I bought the Dewalt to keep things going until the pulley arrived. The Delta is lighter than the DeWalt, so is easier to move around. Blade changing is easy. The blades get nicked before they get dull, so I only change one blade at a time to get more life out of them. The thickness indicator is more accurate than the DeWalt.
DeWalt - This is the LOUDEST toll I have ever owned. I think some of the noise is the power chip blower, which will send chips into orbit. It weighs enough to be barely portable. It is really LOUD. It leaves a smoother surface than the Delta, but both are smoother than any big iron I have ever used. Did I mention how LOUD it is?
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~claypen
Hello Claymaker,
What is the model # on your 2 speed Delta planer?
Wanda
22-580Clay Foster
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~claypen
Hi Claymaker,
I should have purchased the Delta 22-580 13" planer last summer when it was on sale for an unbelievable price... My local tool store had it on sale for only $350.00 Canadian.
When I went in last week they told me that model isn't made anymore. They only have the Dewalt 13" and the Delta 12 1/2" planer available. However, Houseoftools.com has the delta 13" 22-580 but it costs $549.99... only a little less than the Dewalt. And I'd buy the Dewalt for $50.00 more.
I checked out Amazon.com..... but I don't think they ship powertools to Canada. And amazon.ca doesn't sell tools on their website. So I am out of luck.
If I want a 13" portable planer I will have to pay $599.99 plus taxes. ($690.00 Canadian) I could kick myself for not purchasing that planer last summer. Never know though maybe they'll have a sale on Dewalt planers this summer. Who knows. just have to wait and see if the price drops.
The price on 15" planers is almost double the price of any portable planer. So I doubt I'll be buying one of those. I think for my needs a portable would be fine. Now to wait for a big sale.
Wanda
There's a confrontation with destiny awaiting you. Somewhere, there is a planer with your name on it.Clay Foster
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~claypen
Wanda
You answer will really depend on how much wood you are going to work..
An occasional planning job will never wear either out..
If you buy massive amounts of wood the desk tops won't hold up and will be expensive to replace the blades.
If you never build anything wider than 12 inches either will work. If you are like me and build stuff 20 inches wide then you really need a 20 inch wide planner and my goal is to someday have a 60 wide planner <G>
The level of finish in each is really a matter of tuneing up and what you are willing to accept.
I almost never want the wood fresh off the planner. Instead if I finish it I may use sandpaper or a scrapper. The finish on the desk tops seems to be a little nicer untill you get sevral coats of deep varnish on it and look at it in a good lite. then you see these tiny little cups formed. the bigger machines all have cupping issues as well but they are bigger and braoder and just a tiny bit harder to spot.
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