Replies

1. 
   HWG | Sep 26, 2007 06:14pm | #1

   SMSLAW, I've not used a portable, although I've heard they have improved considerably.  I have a 15 inch Enco, which is likely quite similar to the Grizz, and I love it.  I have had it 15+ years and it is a workhorse.  If you have the space and can swing the additional cost I would recommend the stationary 15 inch model.  I have several Grizzly tools and have been pleased with them.

   Woody

1. 
   smslaw | Sep 26, 2007 08:25pm | #2

   Thanks for the advice.  Space is an issue for sure, but I hate to get a tool and later wish I had gotten something else.

1. 
   citrouille | Sep 26, 2007 11:42pm | #3

   You are really comparing apples with oranges, go with the stationary and you will have a tool instead of something a little more than a toy.C.

2. 
   Vic Damone | Sep 27, 2007 05:48pm | #4

   I currently own a DeWalt and for my space issues it's working for me. The light weight cutter head design is what it is and I understand its limitations. I find the longevity, the cost, and the time spent on, blade replacement should be researched and considered.

   Personally, I would prefer a stationary machine and this would be my solution if I had the space. http://www.minimax-usa.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage_norm&product_id=78&category_id=34&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26

   Vic

3. 
   JMartinsky | Sep 28, 2007 04:32am | #5

   Dear SM,
   I have been a contractor the last fifteen years or so and in that time have branched out into built ins and custom interiors. For the last six or seven years a single Makita 12" Portable planer has been the tool of choice, both in the field and in the shop. That planer has done miles and I mean miles of maple, poplar, cherry, white & red oak, ipe, Brazilian cherry and Brazilian walnut. I have done nothing to it other than blow it out and change the blades. I prefer to mill from rough stock, and that little planer has done it all. Now I work commercially, so dollars are what count and if something doesn't work for me, it's gone. I have also had a friend's 15" Delta planer in my shop for the last year, so I am able to make a decent comparison.

   Noise: They are both ridiculous in the shop, but the Makita is quieter.
   Speed: No comparison, the 15" is far and away in both capacity and feed rate.
   Finish: I like the Makita better. I can consistently get a beautiful finish, no problem.
   Accuracy: Makita, absolutely. If the gauge says 15/16", the material will be a perfect 15/16". If I want to just barely remove any material, the Delta simply won't do it. Any light cuts leave roller marks, and the adjustments seem too large. Now, this could be due to my inexperience with this machine, perhaps a finer hand could dial the tool,in better, but that is my experience.

   Bottom Line: Only one planer? Tough choice. If you have the time, the Makita will more than serve your needs. It's only real drawback is speed. The finish is beautiful, and it is dead-on accurate. If you need to go wider than 12", then the choice is easy.

   Best,

   John

   Edited 9/28/2007 8:33 am ET by Jmartinsky

   Edited 9/28/2007 8:33 am ET by Jmartinsky

   
   

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   Edited 9/28/2007 8:34 am ET by Jmartinsky

1. 
   smslaw | Sep 28, 2007 03:06pm | #6

   Thanks for your insight, John.  Given my relatively small shop, I am leaning toward the smaller, portable planer.  Speed isn't really an issue, since I won't be planing much at any one time.

4. 
   frenchy | Sep 29, 2007 12:19am | #7

   smslaw,

     I used to own two 12 1/2 inch Delta portable planners.. if you decide to buy a portible please don't let it be a Delta, what a Piece of shif. 

     I replaced it with the bigger 20 inch Grizzly planner, I can't tell you how happy that has made me.. 50,000 board feet of hardwood has been thru it and it's cost me one fan belt that my local NAPA store had in stock for about $5.00 it took less than 5 minutes to replace..  that's it, six years planning more wood than most shops go thru in two decades. 

    However If you want to get your feet wet so to speak buy the little mikita portable.. I've heard great things about it as well.  You will however find that sooner or later you'll want a bigger one..

1. 
   dougmeyer | Oct 12, 2007 08:16pm | #8

   While I am not a PRO wood worker I have the Dewalt, I have run about 200BF of Cherry over the last year, as well as several hundred BF of clear Pine, Some Mohogany, (less then 50BF) and some oak and other misc types. I have had no issues with this tool at all. I assume the other is faster but the Dewalt will get the job done.

   Doug Meyer