Which wood working planer would you buy?

Question

I want to buy my hubby a wood working planer for Christmas? I am not into wood working and I don’t know which brand is the best to buy. I would normally just go to the store and the guys there would help me select the best one, but I went into sears to buy a craftsman, but I am very upset with this company, they changed the format of the batteries for all his rechargeable drills, saws and flashlights. So I am looking for another brand. I was looking at woodworkers supply catalog and there are lots of brands in there that I am not familiar with such as woodtek, Jet, Powermatic, and steel city, have any of you had experience with these company’s? They are very expensive, if I am going to spend 2 grand on a present for him I am wanting it to last a while. Thanks for answering my question.

Answer 1

Certainly some valid suggestions; though 2 K for a tool should be considered a bit much; unless it's used often, and specifically.

Obvious to me is that most answers describe a fixed/table/ floor mounted planer, NOT a hand tool.

I personally do not shop Brands; although I will not waste money on off brands. No matter the "bargain"

Most important is certainly the size of the material the tool will handle; features? ahhhh maybe to a degree. You won't strictly need some offered. (an example is KITS in cordless tools that offer a radio or Flashlight. I'll never HEAR a radio; nor will I CUT or DRILL in the dark) The reputation of a tool truly only exists through use and experience, and as one answer states Consumer Reports far outweighs any personal opinions or store clerk advise.

Warantees; will be similar. More important to ME is WHO will HONOR any warantee; and where is the nearest parts and service location; if I need them.

I have "Craftsman" tools that I use every day, and they are likely older than you are (no offense) and they serve a need, when I need them. That said; I have many BRANDS, and use them specifically.

Certainly one thing to also consider is; so much that goes into a tool is outsourced in its manufacture.

Shop features/ reliabilty/ service history/ USE and purpose..Not just Brand name or price point.

For 2 K I'd want a Bolt to the floor Planer; that would accomodate no less than 15 inches wide/ 3 inch thick stock; with a vacuum attachment; all the adjustment features; Kill switch; Easy disassembly of the casing for cleaning; Easy blades replacement; readily available parts and service; and a hope that it would last me a lifetime; Perhaps even allow me money enough left over to hire someone to do shop cleaning.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Best Wood Planer

Answer 5

Pick up a copy of Fine Woodworking magazine and look for an add for the "Belsaw" planer. I think it's the best value. Sadly, the once proud and mighty Delta line has been bought up by the heinous Black and Decker Co. Black and Decker also own Dewalt, so you're buying a machine from the same company, really. Delta machinery has been well-regarded and well-respected for many years. I'm not sure how well the quality will hold up now that they've been bought out by Black and Decker. I have a couple of Delta machines and they are okay. Over the years, I've worked with most all of the Delta line of woodworking machinery, they are, in general good. The older ones are much better than anything from the last 15 years or so. Delta machines are not as great as they used to be and we can expect them to get worse now that they've been bought out by Black and Decker.

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Answer 6

you do not need to pay 2 grand for a planer. that is absurd. the rigid brand from home depot has gotten some good reviews and costs around $500. i have a 15" craftsman planer, i'm not thrilled with it. the dewalt planer is very limited on features for the cost. get on epinions.com, consumersreport.com or go to google and type in "reviews for wood planers" this is how i do my research on tools.

Answer 7

Jet makes a good Planer, so does Delta and Dewalt. Craftsman tools used to be good but are not any more stay away from Harbor freight that is all pure Junk

Answer 8

If you insist on spending this much on a wood planer then go to Home Depot or Lowes, they both carry the best brands.

Answer 9

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Hope you will enjoy it :)

Answer 10

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