Hobby planer

[SDB777]

Been thinking....not the best thing sometimes.

Looking for a planer for the shop.  Is there something I should look for to determine which one to bring home?


Scott (got a few extra bucks) B

[HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader]

 Hard to beat an old Belsaw Planer. Easy to buy-make what few parts it may need, and, under $500.00. Look around and might find one for $100.00. Does 12" wide X 6" high, and will run all day. It's what I use.

 Motor just took a dump, so, I gotta get it rewound 

[Stevem]

Woodmaster and RBI are both legacy planers out of the old bell saw.  More than $500 though.  Along the same vein,  Bell Saw made a planer marketed by  Craftsman.  Still can get most parts through the web.

I've got a knock off DC380 that I paid $300 for but it's short on power, 1 1/2HP.  It groans when I make a deep cut on 8" oak and I can't get it to stay tuned in. 

I've read good things about the new Delta table top but that's just hear say.

 

[SDB777]

Thanks for the info guys.

Always helps to hear what others are using, and if they are having problems with 'em!





Scott (hobby or pro...doesn't mean I'll go easy) B

[HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader]

 If you are doing much of that Pecan-Hickory, table tops will need "Skim" cuts, or they will let out the magic smoke.

[bandmiller2]

I have an old 12" cast iron planer made by Parks with the Craftsman name on it. I modified it to mount on a tractor three point hitch, plenty of power now and very portable. Frank C.

[Stevem]

That should be enough power to knurl planer blades.

Sears used to relabel a lot of industrial equipment.  I just found out that sears was selling the old circle BellSaws under a sears banner and of course the planer/moulders too.

[bandmiller2]

Truth of the matter planers are a pain in the arse, like a trophy wife they always want something. Its tricky setting the knives and it seems the feed rollers are always worn out or not adjusted right. I hope the newer segmented cutter heads are easier. I have an old Grizley planer knife sharpener, a friend gave me, even that is tricky to use. If something isn't fussy I will just grab my Metabo hand electric planer, it has reversible carbide knives and seems to always be sharp. If I had much planning to do I would find an old iron monster build it its own shed and belt a tractor up when I needed planning. Frank C.