I know you get what you pay for. Home Depot has a Ryobi Planer for $269, anybody has any opion on it…..thx.
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Replies
CR80N1
I looked at it yesterday when I was there. I have a Ryobi 10" BT drill press which is IMO good. No one has used the planer yet, so there is no feed-back. I would let someone else do the testing. BTW, ToolCrib (ebay) has a DW that would cost $299 with the $50 mail-in rebate..
If you get the planer, let me know how it works. I don't want to be the guinea pig. he..he..
sarge..jt
I purchased the Ryobi AP 1300 planer a couple of weeks ago. Since then I have only planed about 50 bf of softwoods. The planer performed what I expected it to do; it produced an exact thickness across the length of the boards. There was some minor snipe 2 inches from the trailing edge of the boards, but these were easily removed when I sanded the project.
You must align the infeed and outfeed tables to the center table. This is easily done with the adjustment screws on the base. However, the infeed and outfeed tables are stamped from sheet metal and are not perfectly flat. I believe this is what is causing the snipe. This is a very minor problem considering the cost of the planer. I am hoping to fine tune the tables, so I can eliminate the snipe, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.
Edited 10/23/2002 11:06:33 AM ET by Peter
Peter,
I've spent time surfing the web looking for info on the AP 1300, but to no avail. Perhaps you'd be so kind as to write a review for all those who are interested in this new model.
Suggestions:
Weight, set-up, construction, specs., snipe after tune-up, etc.
Thanks, Jeff
That's exactly what I paid for my Delta 12.5" at HD (used price matching to get a little extra off). Given a choice, I'd rather have a Delta.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
FG,
But how do you know the Ryobi isn't a better machine - after all, they invented the portable planer and quick change knives.
Jeff
OK, I'll admit it, I look at Ryobi tools with a jaded eye. I've not researched the planer specifically, but the other tools I've perused seem to be lightweight imitations of better tools by other companies. Can't help but wonder if their older tools aren't better than their new ones. The frame shop I got my used tablesaw from had an ancient Ryobi planer (10"?) that was still crankin' along. Their current marketing seems to be aimed at the lowest end of the Big Box market.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie: I think Ryobi tools started to get ( Cheap ) when they tied up with sears and started making power tools for them, could be why Emerson Electric -Ridgid- and Sears parted ways..
ToolDoc
Forest Girl,
Can't complain on the Ryobi tools I have: planer and drill motors. Have to say that the cordless drill I got from them is a great tool.
Yes, they do shoot for lower prices/value, but I don't think lowest end of the big box market is an appropriate description. I can think of many tools of lower quality than Ryobi, some selling at higher prices. Furthermore, none of the low-end manufacturers have made any design/engineering impact similar to what Ryobi has done with the BT3000 or the portable planer.
From what I've gotten from my friends who work for Emmerson, the parting of ways between them and Sears had to do with Emmerson making tools for Rigid/Home Depot. Sears gave them a choice and they chose Ridgid. Now Sears is suing Emmerson over Emmerson's use of Sears' equipment to produce Ridge tools.
Jeff
Jamie
Some of the Ryobi tools are good. I returned a Delta BT drill press and got the Ryobi. The Delta has excessive run-out. The chuck wouldn't stay on in hard wood with deep cuts. The Ryobi is still humming and accurate. I did build a heavy-duty stand to reduce vibration.
I have the Ryobi 3 x 21 belt sander. It has been run excessively and haven't changed brushes. It is streamlined and very easy to use upside down. I also have a Bosch and in the long run the Ryobi might not hold up as long, but it has as good a feel in my hands as the Bosch.
I have the BT3000 and feel I have the potential to do more than any contractor saw in the $600 range. New it cost $399. As you know I purchased it as a throw away. It is driven by 2 short belts ( 8 inches ) directly under the arbor. The standard rivving knife moves up and down and tilts like the blade. I can cross-cut 18 inches with the sliding table and with extentions can comfortably cut 4 x 8 panels by myself. I think Norm from Fujino will agree. It's a lot of bang for the buck. It also uses two wrenches to take the blade off as opposed to inserting a block of wood.
As I don't us a belt-disc stander much, I just bought a Ryobi 6 x 48 -5 " disc. I looked at the Delta. 31 pounds. The Ryobi is 51 lbs. I built a cabinet that increases to over 90 lbs. and there is no vibration. The sander is all cast iron. I looked at several other comparable brands and the Ryobi got the nod. Will it hold up forever. I will let you know in the future as I wouldn't even consider it for production work.
My point, IMO you shouldn't pass judgement till you have used a tool day after day and compared to others in a similar category. Yes, there are some not good Ryobi tools. But there are some great Ryobi tools for non-production at great prices. Same hold true with all the brands. You just have to look for the winners and look past the losers.
Enjoy the WW show..
sarge..jt
Well, sounds like I need to take off the "jade shades" when looking at Ryobi stuff, LOL. Happy users speak volumes. I've always thought the BT3000 was pretty cool, even if it does get knocked a lot in various forums.
The planer that's the subject of this thread must be new, no? Not finding any op-eds on it.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Jamie
Yeah, I think the planer just came out. It looks compatible to your Delta. That remains to be seen. As I stated in post 2, I don't want to be the one at $269 to find out. The sander Doc mentioned is solid. It has a 1/2 HP as opposed to Delta, Grizzly, etc. It weighs far more than any of the competitors in the 4 x 36 category. I get absolutely no vibration as is, but I put it on a 40 lb bench with casters. I like to roll my sanders outside when the weather is nice. Let you know in the future.
Yep, Ryobi gets knocked a lot. IMO, mostly by those that have never used any of their tools. The ones that have and like a particular tool keep quiet as to save embarassment. Ha. Also, Ryobi rarely gets reviewed by any mags so you don't get much info. No, it's not industrial quality an meant to be run 8 hrs. a day. But it's very good for the money for the ocassional user.
I have occasional use for the sander and drill press. Both are very good and much better than people give credit for. We all feel better having something to knock. Remember when that was Grizzly.. We folks that can't afford the Felders, PM 66's and Unisaws quietly bought the Grizzly's and Grizzly kept an open mind and up-graded. Don't hear that many knocks on it anymore. More praise and that praise keeps getting louder each day.
I wish more that have had good experiences with Ryobi would speak up. I don't embarrass easily. I used to play golf with a 6 handi-cap and a set of junk clubs. I had friends that bought $1000 clubs with all the latest high-tech stuff and their game was still in the high 80's or 90's. Think that had to do with the clubs?
I challenge anyone that knocks it to try it first. (Excluding professionals that require heavy-duty day after day) Then if you knock it, you'll have solid ground to do it on!! I value eachs opinion and I value the few Ryobi tools I have that have gotten the job done efficeintly with a little patience, understanding and skill exerted by the operator.. I have designed and built over 200 pieces over 30 years. Am I a professional, nope. Am I and amateur, nope. Am I and artist, nope. Just a WW with a few skills I've picked up and a few good tools and a few are Ryobi!!!
At ease Sarge..
sarge..jt
Sarge,
I think you're right on with your evaluation of Ryobicraftsman and their opposition. A couple of points you missed though are 1.) those that get one of these tools because they can't afford their preference. Once they do get their preference they trash the Ryobicraftsman while ignoring the price difference. 2.) A lot of people start out with Ryobicraftsman because they are generally less expensive. Once they have made a decision to stick with a particular type of tool(regardless of make) and decide to upgrade, they tend to forget that they learned on the tools they started with. While learning they made a lot of mistakes with those tools that weren't the fault of the tool. An experienced user with a top of the line tool is going to be much happier about the tools performance then someone who doesn't know how to use the tool, starts out with top of the line and trashes the ryobicraftsman but really can't use either worth a darn.
All in all, too many are forgetting their roots and where they came from as though they are born with their skills. I believe it could be called arrogance. Why be honest about myself when I can justify something by trashing a tool maker.
Don
Don
Good points indeed. There are probaly a few more that we didn't cover. I have a feelin' there are a few of these tools were talking about hiding out there that won't get mentioned. I have a Craftsman 1/2 drill that I've had for about 25 years that is still cranking down sheet metal screws when I re-build decks and stairs, etc. Never changed brushed in that one yet. Have a set on hand, but it just keeps turning.
Yep, we're all probaly a little more efficient than we were when we started. Hope so, anyway. The roots are important as they are the basic foundation of what is going to let us climb upward. Maybe it's not a bad idea to dance with the one that brung you..ha.... At least give them a chance to show that they can still dance. Might turn out we were the one's that were clumsy and steppin' on toes instead of them.
Have a good evening..
sarge..jt
Jamie
Correction: 4 x 48 belt 6" disc**Looked at so many sanders in the past two weeks, I'm having dreams about them. Ha..
sarge..jt
Sarge: I have that same belt/disc sander and your right for the money you cant go wrong it does everything I want it to do,, I really only use the belt sander part cause I have a Disc sander also,,
ToolDoc
DOC
Yep, it's a good one for the money. Thanks for speaking up on your experience with the sander. I have designed and built over 200 pieces and not the same one twice. I have never had anyone look at my work and say, " that's terrible, you must have used a few Ryobi tools on that piece "..Ha..ha..
Have a good evening, yu de man..
sarge..jt
Sarge; I have no problem speaking up here on tool matters, I call em like I see them.<G> Im like most of the posters here-- Wish I had all Delta Power tools,but I buy what is going to serve me well for the price..
take Care Buddy.. ToolDoc
ToolDoc,
I could make arrangements for you to acquire all/any of my Delta machinery.
Jeff
Sarge,
I have an idea for beefing-up my Ryobi AP12 a bit, and (I hope) getting rid of the snipe. I have two shiny new extension tables for a Jet cabinet saw still packed in the box. What if I were to remove the planer from its base, and mount it on these tables?
No more infeed/outfeed adjustments, and no movement in the base. Realize I'd have to drill and tap a few holes, but that's no big deal.
Jeff
Jeff
I did not look to closely at the planer. I was buying the sander and occupied with it. If I'm by HD this week-end, I will take a closer look. I assume you already studied the make-up and see it can be done.
I probaly don't have one tool that has not had holes drilled or something added. I made them meet a few of my expectations without having to up-grade to high dollar machinery. Most don't even look like original. Ha..ha...
Drill away.. Let me and others know what happens. It sounds good to me. Are the extentions aluminum or cast iron? Just think it through first to be sure your theory is sound. I assume the warranty is out. Dennis brought up a point the other day in a post about crowns on Unisaws. He wouldn't drill in fear of voiding the warranty. I don't think you have that situation, so go get um.
BTW, leave DOC alone with the Delta. He buys anything they got to try to get his picture taken with the Delta-ettes or whatever they're called..he..he..
Good luck and post results..
sarge..jt
Sarge,
The extensions are cast iron, and the planer is long out of warranty. I'll let you know how/if it works out.
I'm still stinging over that Delta Sharpening Center. Took months to get a refund on that piece of garbage. Sent reps all the negative feedback from here and Amazon reviews, and they still insisted it was a good machine.
My 12" compound miter saw is no jewel either. Cuts accurately, but table surface is not milled flat. Drill press vibrates and rattles - can't drill a small hole accurately when the bit is spinning elliptically. Now that it has a few hours on it, the Midi Lathe is starting to show little signs of problems, such as the tail stock not holding its settings. Fortunately the thing begins rattling when the stock begins to loosen so one has a good warning before launch.
At this point, I wouldn't buy anything with their name on it for the price of scrap.
BTW, do you think one of those refrigerated stands would work under the planer, or would the vibrations damage the precious contents?
Jeff
Jeff
I would like to know the results. I won't to go back and read what you said was the culprit in the above thread. I hope to take a close look today at HD, but I have a feelin' they won't let me run anything through. he..he..
Do not put the frig under it. Repeat do not! It would be much better suited for a micro-wave. You could cook eggs and they will come out scrambled with no effort on your part to stir. Ha..ha.. BTW, you might mount a seat on top and push it off on one of those info-mercials (or whatever thye're called) as some time of weight reducer that shakes the fat off. This could open up a whole new career for you. he..he..
I better get to the shop b-4 I get silly here. Grin...
Good luck and keep informed on the results, pos or neg.
sarge..jt
I bought an AP 10 about 15 years ago when Royobi invented the small light planer. I've run many hundreds of board feet of hard and softwoods through it over the years and used up 3 sets of knives. It's performed reliably and well through the years. It does have some snipe that wouldn't be there (perhaps) with a newer planer with cutterhead locks, but all planers seem to snipe to some degree. (Even some of the Knots contributers do, I see). No complaints about this tool - it's served me well. As for the next one, let's wait and see what's around when this one wears out.
My wife bought a Royobi Mantis mini-tiller knockoff that was an absolute piece of %$&*% from the get go. It's composting in an obscure corner of the barn.
Royobi isn't bridge city tools. However, neither is delta - but the tenon jig is another story for another day.
Z
Just caught your post as taking a break from shop. Thanks for a positive word. If that doesn't make sense, read all the post.
The plunge is the pits. I just got back from HD and they have a new 18" scroll that looks good. Teflon table. I also saw the BT whatever it is now as they have just changed it. The original is better made. They dropped the price of the new one $100. The 4 x 36 belt-disc is good and so is the 10" BT drill press.
Your right, look before you leap. As with any of the tool companies, Some Is-Some Ain't..
Have a good evening..
sarge..jt
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