Replies

1. 
   mudman | Feb 21, 2005 08:03pm | #1

   I have the Ridgid and have "over used" it. I can't imagine a hobbiest using it harder than I have. It still runs as god as when I bought it. It has started making some noise in the gearbgox, so who knows? I'm on my third set of knives (double sided).

   Mike

   please excuse my spelling.
1. 
   Toolfreak | Feb 22, 2005 04:55am | #7

   I think I read someplace that some of the RIDGID planers had gearbox problems.  You might want to look into it before your warranty expires.

   - Toolfreak

    

1. 
   mudman | Feb 22, 2005 08:13am | #8

   Interesting, I hadn't heard that. Thanks for mentioning it. I routinely run it for an hour or more at a time flattening panels. I know that little universal motor wasn't meant for that. It is kind of fuzzy now but, One day I was running a pile of wood through and I heard a clashing sound. I figured it was something in the gear box but it still ran so I carried on. Now I think that it is noisier than before but I could be imagineing it. I really don't think I could call Ridgid up and ask them to replace anything based on that story. I bought it when they were having that lifetime waranty program so when it does tank I'll deal with it then.

   Thanks,

   Mikeplease excuse my spelling.

2. 
   JohnT8 | Feb 21, 2005 08:05pm | #2

   I guess I need to check out Taunton's tool review, cuz I was looking at Makita 2012, 12" planer (about $358) and the Delta 22-580, 13" planer ($349 new, 319 reconditioned).  Both had good customer feeback on Amazon.

   But since my router table purchase got held up, it will probably be another month or two (or so) before I get around to planers.

   Oh well, at the very least my ramblings have bumped your post back to the top of the thread list.

    

    

   jt8

   The reason so many people never get anywhere in life is because when opportunity knocks, they are out in the backyard looking for four-leaf clovers.    -- Walter Percy Chrysler

3. 
   forestgirl | Feb 21, 2005 08:33pm | #3

   Given a choice between the two, I'd buy the Rigid.  In addition to positive reports on the forums from users, I have a cabinetmaker friend who uses one.  He's been very pleased with it.  Solid performer, super-easy blade changes.  It's a tank though, heavier I think than most of the other bench-top planers.

   What's the price on it these days?

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   JohnT8 | Feb 21, 2005 10:08pm | #5

   Is this the one he's looking at?

   RIDGID  13 In. Thickness Planer  Model TP1300LS

   View Image

   If so, HD has it on their website for $349.

   forestgirl, I thought you were one of the Makita planer fans?

    jt8

   The reason so many people never get anywhere in life is because when opportunity knocks, they are out in the backyard looking for four-leaf clovers.    -- Walter Percy Chrysler

1. 
   forestgirl | Feb 22, 2005 09:59am | #9

   Hi John.  I own a Delta 12.5" planer.  Had originally (3 years ago?) planned to buy the Rigid, but the Delta came up at a great price and the Rigid was so close to the other Delta (13" 2-speed) that I was leaning in that direction if forced to spend that amount of money.  That's why I asked about the price on the Rigid -- was curious if it's still in the same neighborhood as the Delta 13".

   The Makita seems to have a solid and happy groups of users, especially contractors and other on-site workers.  My guess is it would probably outlast my Delta under really heavy use, but I love the Delta.  If I'm a "fan" of any particular planer, it would be the big new DeWalt.  Not that I've used one, mind you, but would love to find it under the Christmas tree next year, LOL!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   JohnT8 | Feb 22, 2005 06:42pm | #10

   Bench Dog purchase is delaying the planer purchase, but when I get to it I will have to decide.

   I suspect the Makita is heavier-duty (even though 20lbs lighter), but its only 12", whereas the Delta is 13".  You just never know what you can do with an extra inch  ;)

    jt8

   The reason so many people never get anywhere in life is because when opportunity knocks, they are out in the backyard looking for four-leaf clovers.    -- Walter Percy Chrysler

4. 
   dude | Feb 21, 2005 09:26pm | #4

   Have the ridgid 2 years . It works fine in our shop ,mostly used on hardwood.

   warranty better tha most . Friends don't let their friends buy  ryobi

5. 
   Lightman | Feb 22, 2005 02:57am | #6

   Freak,

    I have owned a Ridgid for nearly 3 years.  Works great with fresh blades. I feel they get dull a little too quick. I'm on my 5th set (that's 10 edges). Heart yellow pine really worked them over. They do fine with cypress and popular. Do ok with oak and hickory. They are easy changeout though. Snipe is very rare. Wish they would come out w/carbide and/or a jig to just touch them up. They are indexed so you cannot sharpen them much. Saw a jig someone made in a magazine to sharpen them, thought about trying that, just hasn't been at the top of the list.

    For a couple more hundred you latch on to a 15in planer from Griz or one of the other toolmakers. Also might want to look at that new 2 speed DeWalt.  Good luck.

   Jimmy

   as always I wish you enough.