I’m seeking to upgrade from my lunchbox planer (Delta tp400ls). I found a 2hp Woodmaster 712 planer locally. Looking at the photos it appears to be in solid condition; e.g. a bit of surface rust. Per the seller, it’s in fully working condition with the paperwork (instruction manual). He’s the second owner, purchased from a local wood shop. Here’s the catch, it’s currently set-up for molding work. He does have the drums from the planer and sander option however I’ll need to pickup the left and right taper shafts (~ $180) as he didn’t receive them when he bought it. I’ll need to rent a U-Haul trailer to pick-up (60 miles away) but other than that pretty straightforward. Ultimately I’d like to add a helical cutter but as is I believe this is a step up in quality and sound from my current planer.
He’s asking $550 and is willing to toss in some nice kiln dried walnut lumber to make-up for the cost of the taper shafts. Given the cost of U-Haul rental, the missing parts, etc. does this sound reasonable? Thoughts? Advice?
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New price is $3,000 and he's willing to give you so lumber to make up for the parts you will need to purchase. I'd rather get this one than a lunch box planer. Seems reasonable to me.
Thanks Joeleonetti. I just came across another option, a Delta 50-785. It's a 15" wide top motor mount style with a 3 hp motor. Price is similar but fully operational (no missing parts) and a few hours closer. Thinking that may be a a better option. Checking to see if a helical head is available but still likely be another $1,000 investment.
I've gotten a few comments regarding upgrading from 12" to 12". More and more thinking it's not a good investment. Upgrading my current Delta tp400ls with a helical head may be my best option for now and the least expensive, $400. If it can reduce the noise is enough for me. I was under the impression that the larger belt motors were significantly quieter than direct drive, regardless of the blade/head type. Noise is primary in my decision maker at this point - trying to keep the peace at home.
Be careful when retrofitting helical heads. A few years ago I upgraded by Delta (340 maybe? The older style 12" bench top one) with a Shelix. Worked great BUT it was limited to a 1/32" cut. This can happen.
I read or heard that it's because the design allows for the motor's regaining speed between strikes with a 2 blade cutterhead, but the spiral head puts cutters in constant contact with the stock, slowing it down and effectively reducing power.
I have a 718 model and it works well. This sounds like a really good deal to me if all is working well. The helical head is well worth the money and cuts great. The C2 cutter head is for production moldings taking 2 cutter heads instead of one. This will double the number of cuts taken per revolution allowing you to increase the feed speed to produce more product in less time, or you can keep the speed down and improve the quality with more cuts per revolution.
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