Replies

1. 
   Dustmight | Dec 06, 2004 03:11pm | #1

   DeWalt, Delta and Ridgid appear to dominate the portable planer market.  I don't own the DW, but from what I understand, most of the problems with the drive gears applied to earlier versions...it's not uncommon for any early run machines to encounter some quirks.  I've read postings saying the issue has been addressed, and that you should check the mfging date. 

   Due to the shear numbers of these planers that are sold, it's highly likely that you'll read more negative postings.  That doesn't mean they have higher defect rates, just higher volumes of sales.  It's doubtful that Ryobi, Makita, and Craftsman come close to the number of units sold that the other three have. 

   Any of the three big names stand an excellent chance of serving you well.  I typically recommend looking at all of them, and finding the best deal.  Since last summer the Delta 22-580 has seen a couple of excellent sale prices....Amazon has a promotion until 12/31 that should bring it to $295 delivered w/free dust chute after discounts and rebates. 

   An alternative that gets high praise from it's smaller following is the Makita planer.  It's apparantly extremely well built, and noticeably quieter than other portables. 

   Whichever one you choose, be sure to get one with a cutterhead lock...one of the most beneficial of all the features available IMO.  Also note that planers are chip spitting monsters....some DC is likely in your future!

1. 
   Sancho | Dec 06, 2004 06:09pm | #2

   go to woodworking.org then click on infeed/outfeed that will take you to the forum. There was a discussion there recently about the dewalt and the service associated with it. I would advise you to check it out. BTW they also have a tool review there also 

   "I mean, what kind of a twit makes a big deal out of having someone on ignore?

   And, OTOH, there is no doubt that some of the idjits here are, in fact, the most ignored"

2. 
   frankshic | Dec 08, 2004 02:57am | #3

   just bought the ridgid planer for $349 plus 10% discount at the borg the other month. works great! easy to change blades, fairly quiet, dust collector attachment is INCLUDED (unlike makita!) and a nice stand as well.

   good luck!

3. 
   user-450633 | Dec 11, 2004 05:01pm | #4

   With tweaking the Ryobi benchtop is also good for light planing with superb finish. A lttle tricky on indexing blade in holder. Also if out of parallel to bed column adjust is required which is not speced in book. Call them and ask them how to do it. A little snipe even after tweaking but only .002-3 or so.

    

   See reviews online by searching at Google and at FWW

4. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 23, 2004 08:29am | #5

   Rivergrace-  Critical in your purchase of a small portable planer is a locking cutterhead.  Do Not purchase a model without this feature.  It's the difference between evenly planed boards of equal thickness across the width of the board, and a little bit of snipe on the ends, to 4-6 inches of snipe, and waves you can ride.  I have an industrial 24 inch planer, but a friend has a portable grizzly, and absolutely loves it.  I've seen his boards go through, and it does a nice job for an inexpensive tool.

   JC