Hi,
I need a little advice on planer moulders. I have a Belsaw 985, and just purchased a new Powermatic PM15 (got it for $1000 from a dealer liquidation so it was too good to pass up). I am a late night and weekend woodworker who is in the starting on the first of several built in cabinets for my wife. In addition, I am putting in Wainscoting in (room by room) our home.
I have used the Belsaw (planer and moulder, not drum sander) and have had decent results. I still have not taken the Powermatic out of the box. Here are my questions:
1. What benefit will I get from having the Powermatic’s 15″ planer capacity vs. the Belsaw’s 12″ planer capacity (both have 5HP motors)?
2. For jobs like Wainscoting and built-ins, will I notice a big difference if I switch from straight planer blades to a Byrd Shelix?
3. If you were in my position, would you keep the new Powermatic, sell the Belsaw, or keep both and dedicate the Belsaw for mouldings and the Powermatic for planing or sell the Powermatic and reinvest the profit into taking woodworking classes or another tool for the shop.
Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
JRM
Replies
what a deal
New for a grand, you got one heck of a deal. Nice position to be in. Asking what I'd do? Well I'd ask how much modling you planning on doing? I think multifunction tools are great in concept but for me I'm a lazy sucker so I tend to want a tool for a job, because generally the changeover and calibration are a pain. I have a 12" planer (benchtop makita) I've had for over 20 years and happened across an 18" Northfield and bought it. At first I thought about selling the first one, but decided to hang on to it because the beast cuts big stuff well but for fine work in figured that little makita was sweet. I also bought a second Band saw (1930's delta 14" for $200) because my big one I dedicated it to resawing with a big blade and wanted something to cut the small stuff and not have to do the change over. It's great not to have to change things over and re-dial it back in to get it right. I'd just keep the new as a planer and keep the belsaw for moldings if you have the space. I've been watching for an old W&H for a long time to come around (I like old American Iron). I make beadboard now with a router table but it's multiple passes with two profiles. I'd love a good molder. I'd like to make some HW flooring as well. Of course you could sell the PM buy a planer and have some money in your pocket for another tool! Heck of a position to be in. Good luck!
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