Eric,

I use my planer for hours at a time (it is a Ridgid that has to blow up soon!) and I frequently plane 8 foot long boards. I've never needed an outfeed roller. If its really long I just help support the weight on the way in then half way through I catch the other end coming out to prevent snipe. I see no down side to the elevating table style, thats how all the BIG machines are set up.

P.S. In the review the Grizzly recieved poor marks but they didn't mention that Griz has another model for $1,200 that is a lot better unit.

Mike

I've owned three planers. One is a 24" Oliver 299, a beast. A Powermatic 100 and a Delta DC 380.

The Oliver is a very HD industrial planer, segmented infeed roller, wide speed range, will take anything you want to plane. 15 hp. expensive.

The Powermatic 100 was useless. You have to wrestle almost every board. I don't even want to talk about the knife grinder or dust collection.

The DC 380 is as dependable as the Oliver. This was the only one with a moving head. I don't have to constantly raise and lower the out feed table. I do have to reach around and tighten the two head locks. Excellent blades that you won't have to change often, unless working knotty stock, teak and other tough materials. The infeed and outfeed rollers fold down and you can roll the machine to a corner when not using it. The head moves effortlessly, most of the time you only move it one half turn on the wheel.

I considered some of the other planers you mentioned. They look like they are built by the same manufacturer with different paint. Nothing is more frustrating than a machine that doesn't work right when new, or doesn't stand the test of time. Although Delta is a couple hundred more than some other brands, they have never let me down. I've never had to say, I wish I had bought something else. I have not needed to contact customer service for anything.

Over the years I have been responsible for purchasing and maintaining the equipment for several shops. When it comes to basic woodworking equipment, the Delta/Rockwell industrial line has been flawless. I had to replace the bearings in the Oliver, but I can't remember any problems with at least 20 different Delta's.

Am I nuts, or does the Yorkcraft YC-15P 15" planer (http://www.wilkemach.com/Yorkcraft.tpl)  not fill the bill, and at $799 to boot? I don't have the PopWood issue in front of me, but I think this model was included and may have received a best value or some other recognition.

Of course, my sanity is irrelevant. But this is a 3HP / 220 Volt unit with a 6" max planing thickness and an included mobile base to boot. Is it just not in the same league? What am I missing?

Mitch

Eric,

I recently did the research after my bench top planer died.  I opted for the Yorkcraft 15" to eliminate the movable head.  Infeed and outfeed is rarely an issue.  When roller stands are needed I am usually milling a lot of boards and a few periodic adjustments is okay with me since on really long boards the roller adjsutments are not as critical once they are started so they are quick to adjust.  Parenthetically, the Yorcraft blades were within .002 from the factory.   I'm pleased with the purchase.

Doug  

If it helps, I have 2 of the Delta planers, one 15 in. and the 2 speed 13.5 inch.  The 15 inch is a bit heavier when cranking up  but I don't feel that it is all that heavy.  My 13.5 inch is my fine cut planer and the 15 incher is my hoggin' machine.  The 13.5 inch machine has a nice fine cut and the machine marks are quickly sanded or scrapped out.  The other machine I took a close look at was the DeWalt 13.5 inch.  I don't regret buying the 15 inch Delta.  I hope it helps. Bob.

Virtually all the planing I do is with pieces 12' or less (mostly less), and I have never had to use outboard roller stands. So I would say you don't have to worry about getting a machine with a movable table.

I'm sorry to say I am a real snob when it comes to brands -- all of my stuff is either Delta or Powermatic. Why? I can buy either brand locally, local service is terrific and easily accessible, but most of all, I think there is a higher probablility these machines will perform at a top level straight out of the box -- and stay that way for years and years. There are many who would say that's just my personal perception, and it may not fit reality -- all of which could well be true.

Further, I think the top of the line machines hold their value better than the cheaper, off brands.

I ran a Unisaw for 20 years, and was able to sell it faster than you can spit -- for more money than I paid for it.