Replies

1. 
   Wannabee | Dec 07, 2005 10:43pm | #1

   If you have a big orange box nearby you might want to consider the Ridgid. It dropped in price to $349 a few months back and I picked one up in October. I have used it and liked it but have nothing to compare it to as its my first. It has the height lock, repeat a cut selector and the blades are pretty easy to change. The open end wrench, and allen wrench (not needed for blade change) and a plastic hook/magnetic tool are all included and store in a convenient compartment on the side. The blades are reversible and keyed such that you do not have to worry about any alignment when changing the blades and since they are reversible you just loosen 7 nuts pull out the blade with the plastic/magnetic hook and flip it over. Also has a carrier built in under the outfeed table (and includes) for a spare set of blades. Finally if you buy it, register it and send in the UPC/copy of reciept within 90 days Ridgid is offering lifetime service on them.

   The only drawback that I know of is that the blades can only be bought from the big orange box or direct from Ridgid - and I have not priced them yet but I think I read somewhere that they are pretty reasonable in price.

   
   

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   Edited 12/7/2005 2:57 pm ET by Wannabee

2. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 08, 2005 04:33am | #2

   I have that Delta model, and I would urge you to at least consider the older 12 1/2" Delta -- which is the model I owned previously. The new one has bells and whistles which seemed promising, but I never use them, and IMHO the only thing they add to the machine is a higher price.

   Also, the 580 is really heavy -- something you need to consider if portability is a factor for you.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   jc21 | Dec 08, 2005 06:17pm | #3

   I looked at the DW735, Delta 22-580, Makita 2012NB and wound up with the Makita. I've had the Makita a couple of months now and have been well pleased so far. Minimal snipe, noticeably quieter than the DeWalt or Delta, and and more portable than either- it weighs about 30 lbs less (61 lbs vs 90+). Seems solidly constructed and not a lot of bells and whistles; just a no nonsense machine that gets the job done. The dust hood is optional (about $20 or so) and you'll need some 3" hose and a adapter to hook up to your DC. Grizzly sells some short lengths if you don't want to buy a 10' or 20' length of 3" hose. http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.aspx?itemnumber=H3681 As for blade changes- don't know yet but fwiw Makita claims "Fastest and easiest blade change system on the market; uses disposible double edge blades" ....... we shall see. The Makita has had generally positive reviews, some Delta owners have reported feed problems, and some DW owners have reported sprocket problems and knives that dull quickly. That and previous good service from a Makita 2040 staionary planer (still regret selling it) led me to choose the Makita ......... I'd buy it again.

    

1. 
   bearfretworks | Dec 08, 2005 07:07pm | #4

   Thanks to all for the replies.

   Ridgid - good points, I'll drop by the Orange Borg and take a look.  I have the 3650 tablesaw and am very happy with it.

   I knew the Delta machines were loud so interesting to hear the Makita is quieter.  Weight is not an issue to me, it will not be picked up and toted around much. 

   Any of you planed thin, down to 1/8" thickness, with your machines?

   Thanks!

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 08, 2005 08:13pm | #5

   "Any of you planed thin, down to 1/8" thickness, with your machines?"  Remember, even if the "minimum thickness" listed is more than 1/8", you can get around that by mounting the stock to a piece of MDO and running it through.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. 
   bearfretworks | Dec 08, 2005 08:25pm | #6

   Good point forestgirl, I've read that many a time.......  Guess my "newbie-ness" is showing!

4. 
   Thew | Dec 08, 2005 09:09pm | #7

   Another vote for the Makita. I have had it for four or five years, and it has been rock solid. Definately much quieter than the rest, which is nice. Blade changing is straightforward. The blades are double edged, but, by their design, are not sharpenable. As mentioned, the dust hood is optional, but really is a necessity. At the time I purchased mine, the had a "cutter head lock", which needed to be deactivated prior to depth adjustment and then reactived. A major pain, as far a I was concerned. I have not looked lately to see how they are operating, but I for one do not have the time or patience for that.

   Thew

1. 
   John_D | Dec 08, 2005 09:44pm | #8

   The Delta 580 also has a cutterhead lock.  It engages or disengages with about 520 degrees of rotation, pretty quick.  I get no noticeable snipe as a result, though...

2. 
   jc21 | Dec 09, 2005 03:18am | #9

   The newer Makita 2012NB uses an automated head clamp they call Interna-Lok™, nothing to activate or deactivate. It works well............ minimal snipe. Makita added cross bracing which I think helps; less flexing.

    

1. 
   bearfretworks | Dec 10, 2005 09:01am | #10

   ALL - Thanks for the input. Sounds like I won't get a bad deal with any of the mentioned planers!

   Happy Holidays.

    

5. 
   TimLoupe | Dec 10, 2005 05:45pm | #11

   Bear,

   I have owned two Deltas and one Ridgid and used many others and for the money the Ridgid is the best.

   Some points I like , its heavy ...does'nt move around , two sided blades , good warranty ...if you have a service center near by, fairly smooth cut, dust ports are included , blades are relativley cheap, etc. I blew up both of my deltas , but I have been known to run some board feet through them . 

   Tim 

6. 
   KesslerCraftsman | Dec 10, 2005 05:50pm | #12

   Hey Bear,

   I'll give the second recommendation for the Rigid.  I bought the Rigid first, then switched to the DeWalt and then switched back to my old Rigid.

   Both are comparable in terms of blade changes....neither is terrifically easy..but doable. 

   The Rigid is more solid, the height adjusting screws on the Rigid don't jam up with sawdust, etc (my DeWalt won't raise as high as I need it to and, as such, is currently inoperable due to the latter issue) and the Rigid just seems beefier.

   Good luck!

   lp

7. 
   artd10 | Dec 11, 2005 03:32am | #13

   I've had the Makita for 14 plus years and several thousand BF of hardwoods. Replacing the blades (very easy) is all the mintenance I've done. The dust hood is a must. I found that a yogurt container with the bottom cut out makes a good adapter from the 3 in. output to a 2 1/2 in shop vac hose.  Art

8. 
   generalkael | Dec 12, 2005 03:49am | #14

   I've used a number of the machines in the past, both benchtop and fixed models, and for the benchtops I prefer, and use, the 22-580 from Delta. It has some great "bells and whistles" which I like to use. Make sure to check out Forestgirls post up above about planing thin stock.

   Scott
   Slacker Extraordinaire
   Specializing in nothing but knowledge in everything.
9. 
   ohcomeon | Dec 15, 2005 12:01am | #15

   I got a 22-580 new for $300 (local guy, found a classified on SawmillCreek) and it has been great.  Very smooth finish on the slower feed rate.  Pretty good dust collection.  Virtually no snipe unless I cause it by lifting the board as it is finishing  up.  I have no experience w/ the others, but the Delta has been great for me so far.

1. 
   bearfretworks | Dec 15, 2005 08:49pm | #16

   After all the research, a barely used Dewalt 735 "appeared" at a moving sale for $125.  Checked it out, still had packing grease on it in spots, and former owner said he'd used it to plane 2 boards.  Gee, was that a no-brainer or what?

   Thank you for all your input.

   Happy holidays folks!

1. 
   Buster2000 | Dec 19, 2005 10:01pm | #17

   I enjoy mine...

   A tip:  If you don't have a dust collection system work something out for chip collection now.  The 735 has the most powerful chip ejection system known to man!  The first time I used it it blew the chips out of the garage and down the driveway to the road...  a good 30'!

   It was a great deal.  Enjoy it.

   Buster

2. 
   forestgirl | Dec 28, 2005 06:48pm | #20

   Jeez Louise, Mr. BearFret, are you living right or what?!  Wow!  OK, just so you don't have a meltdown if something happens, remember that the early (2003) specimens of this planer had some bearing/sprocket issues.  Upgrade doesn't seem too difficult.  Here's ToolGuy's post about it.

   Now, off to get a paper, browse those yard-sale ads, ROFL!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. 
   bearfretworks | Dec 28, 2005 09:19pm | #21

   This will make you fall back to the floor................... 

   A friend of a different neighbor wandered over last week while I had the garage door up making chips with the "new to me" planer.  We struck up a conversation, he mentioned he'd been looking for a good used planer like the one I had for some time.   I asked how much he'd be willing to pay for one - he said $325.  I told him if he had the cash he could have mine.  He left, came back, handed me some bills, and carted off the planer. 

   Now to decide whether to buy another or get myself a lathe............

   P.S.  Loving that Dewalt 788 scrollsaw we discussed a few months ago.

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 28, 2005 09:42pm | #22

   Whoa, wait a minute....you sold the DeWalt??  Why in heaven's name?  That's a $500 planer!  Did you suddenly decide you actually didn't need one?  Oh, I'm worried about you, Mr. BearFret.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" .... :>) 

2. 
   bearfretworks | Dec 29, 2005 06:51am | #23

   ......... did I forget to mention he wanted it to serve as a back-up for his cabinet shop that I now have access to after hours for giving him a good deal????  That seemed like a good idea to me......... still get to use it the infrequent times I need a planer.....don't have to have it competing for space in my 1/2 garage "shop"....... now have access to all sorts of cool jointers, drum sanders, bandsaws, etc........  Hummm, still looking like a good deal..........

   Edited 12/28/2005 10:53 pm ET by bearfretworks

3. 
   forestgirl | Dec 29, 2005 09:29am | #24

   No, you didn't mention any of those things.  Whew!  Thought you'd gone around the bend there for a moment.  Have fun!  Don't forget to come home at night, 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" .... :>) 

10. 
    billyt | Dec 20, 2005 01:15am | #18

    I have had a Makita 2012 since they first came out and cannot say anything negative about it. If the newer models are as good than you can't go wrong with it. The blade change is easy and I find the double sided blades last a good long while. I keep an old set around to use if I suspect the wood is a bit dirty and even duller blades don't slow it down. Never had a problem with the drive belt or motor; its a well built machine. I made my own dust collection hood out of a length of 4" dia. galvanized duct..it ain't pretty but it gets the job done. Much easier than sweeping the floor !!

11. 
    kesac | Dec 23, 2005 05:41am | #19

    I have a Rigid.  I have no complaints.  For what you are wanting to do, any of those are good.  Most of the manufacturers seem to have whipped the snipe issue in the last few years.