Seems there’s a lot of discussion about 12′” and 12.5″ portable planers. I’ve got a Ryobi AP12 and I hate it. It’s too noisy, underpowered, and – when you consider what’s actually there – expensive. (Mine was over $400) I’ve looked at Delta, Jet, DeWalt, and Ridge but can’t see where they differ from the Ryobi except for recent developments such as locking heads. Needless to say, I have not been impressed.
Looking back, I can’t help but think my purchase of this planer was not unlike that of many of the machines and tools I bought when I was starting out: Craftsman contractors saw, Craftsman portable tools, Craftsman hand tools, Craftsman everything…. These, and others like them, are the tools and machines many of us grew up with not knowing that they really weren’t very good, or at least not designed for the work we would someday be doing.
I think getting rid of my Ryobi and buying another brand of bench top would be a mistake – sort of like moving from Black & Decker to Craftsman. The portable planers have their place, and do a fairly good job at what they were intended to do: surface plane moderate quantities of lumber on an occasional basis.
To expect more from these little machines is asking too much. The next machine will have to be one that was designed to plane a lot of lumber on a regular basis: a stationary cast iron machine no smaller than 15″. Granted, these units cost more, but they’re designed to do the work many of us are trying to squeeze out of the little ones.
Jeff
Replies
Granted, these units cost more, but they're designed to do the work many of us are trying to squeeze out of the little ones.
How much "more" can you stand. I've had a Grizzly 15" heavy-duty planer for about 15 years, and it still runs like a top and can plane anything I stick in it. Current price is about twice the standard lunchbox planer, or about $800. For that, you get light industrial quality and a real 2 HP induction motor. Comparable machines are available at about the same price from a number of importers.
Jeff- My first and present planer is the Bridgewood 15". Nice machine, no complaints, I've had it over three years. It goes for around $850-875 w/out shipping. It has a 3hp single phase motor, two feed rates. Unless you need a wider one, I don't think you can beat it. It weighs 450 lbs. alot of cast iron and steel. It's the same machine as the Jet w/out the enclosed stand. Check out http://www.bridgewood.com
http://www.oliverusedmachinery.com/welcome.html
In a way, it's all relative. I'm not a real fan of Delta, but I can take my 12 inch planer to the jobsite.
Don
Don,
What the $@% is the matter with you man?!?!? I followed your link to the Oliver site, drooled all over my keyboard, and shorted the thing out. Good thing these computers are low voltage; I might have been electrocuted! What fantastic machines, but what fantastic prices. Too big for my little wallet.
BTW, you never did tell us what kind of table saw you bought.
Jeff
Jeff,
HAHAHA--Hey, there were some planers there for less then 2k. When it comes to machines, there is almost always a bigger and badder boy(girl) on the block.
I bought a Canadian made General. Paid 1599 us for it, but that includes delivery to my home. Haven't had it delivered yet as I put a bid in today on some property for a new shop today. Also looking at the general international 25 inch drum sander, 12 inch disc and 6 x 48 belt sander, 3 hp shaper and a few other machines. I really took a capital gains beating last week and I'm trying to keep uncle sam from getting as much as possible. Anyway, all these Generals and General Internationals are at least 25% less the I can get them here in the states for. Some are much more. After seeing the General TS, I didn't have any interest in the Delta or PM anymore. A lot of little things, but what sold me the most was the lack of any play or backlash in any of the adjustments. The Delta and PM were sloppy in comparison. To be honest though, I was comparing floor models and who knows what they have been through.
Don
Don,
Great saw; very good price. Hope you enjoy it, and let us know how it works out for you. As far as the General International, I have the impression that they're sort of lower-end Taiwanese and one can get more for the money elsewhere. (I was afraid you had bought a reconditioned Oliver, and I'd lose another keyboard. BTW, you still owe me $35 for the last one!)
I don't put too much stock in any play one finds on a floor model. Seems the first thing everyone does when looking at a new saw is give the fence a hefty push to see whether or not it locks tightly. Doesn't take too many of those to wreak havoc with the best machine.
Jeff
PS. I've never had to pay capital gains tax, so if you're looking for sympathy I suggest you check the dictionary.
Edited 10/1/2002 5:14:15 PM ET by Jeff K
Jeff,
Will do on the saw. I should know in the next day or two if I'm going to have it next week, or in 3 or 4 weeks. Patience isn't one of stronger points, and this is difficult.
About the General International. I spoke to them in Montreal, and I got quite the opposite opinion then you have. General owns the manufacturing facility and everything is built to the same quality control standards as here. To the point where they quit making a lot of machines here to be made there. This is unlike many of the other imports where they said many of the saws with different names come from the same manufacturers andor factories and quality is monitored by trust, not hands on involvement.
Don
Don,
I'd check just a bit more on their international line. I hate to be cynical, but one really wouldn't expect General's reps. to say anything but good about their products. I think they get paid to do those things.
What about my keyboard?
Jeff
Jeff,
I do have an old keyboard that I gave my grandaughter. While holding her in my lap while on the computer she just wanted to bang away on the keys so I gave her an old one. Fair warning though, I don't care how much drooling you did, you lost that battle! Send the address, and it's on its way!
;*) Don
I surrender.
Jeff
I think your reply might have been meant for me. I am looking now at an Oliver 232, having been told that it is more approachable in terms of size (for close work) than the 270. Any thoughts or comments from those who have used both would be great. 14" should be plenty. One fellow said that he thought the 232 would take a 16" blade for the occassional thick cut. BYW, apparently becuase the Olivers are direct motor drive, the cutting depth is less for the same size blade than the belt driven saws.
I had the Delta 12 1/2" portable, and like you was not satisfied. I bought the WoodTek 20" a bit over a year ago, and it is super. No complaints. Quite accurate, has worked flawlessly. Just changed out the knives (waited too long), and was much afraid of a long, non-productive day as I fiddled them. Went in fine, just right the first time by setting them off of the cutterhead with the supplied jig. Cuts beautifully. About $1200 or so, and well spent. I won't wear it out. I wanted a bit more capacity than the 15", but if I had to do it over again, I might buy an older used one from a reliable dealer. A helical head with inserts would be super, that gets into a different price range.
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