Replies

1. 
   emerckx | Oct 20, 2004 03:46am | #1

   I got the Delta a few months ago when it went on sale (or whatever) at Lowe's for $229. I had run about a zillion bf of hardwood through an old Ryobi AP12 (which I couldn't kill). The Delta does an excellent job. I don't get any noticeable snipe and the slower feed rate does a great job of planing difficult wood like curly maple. My Ryobi ate curly maple, resulting in lots of sanding. I like the Delta and the price was right.

   Mike

2. 
   cookshome | Oct 20, 2004 03:49am | #2

   Doc,

   I bought the 580 a couple of months ago and I must say that I am impressed. I too am only a hobbyist, and it is overly efficient for that purpose. Also, if you search on this forum, you will find many good things about this machine. Good dust collection is a real plus that always comes up. Be aware that the DeWalt had some problems in the past that I believe they fixed, but there was something posted about looking for the correct year code on the box. Perhaps someone else can expand on this.

   Good Luck.

   -Dave

3. 
   forestgirl | Oct 20, 2004 06:22am | #3

   Doc, here's the info on getting the right DeWalt code, if you end up going that way:
   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=12323.25

   I own the one-speed Delta 12.5" planer and am very happy with it.  Their 2-speed planer would probably work great for you.  The new DeWalt has alot going for it (and I'd love to have one, LOL), but by the time you put the extension tables and Chip Collection doo-dah on it, you're up to about $600.  Unless you're going to process large quantities of figured wood, it probably is costly overkill.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

4. 
   nikkiwood | Oct 20, 2004 06:52am | #4

   I'm with Forest girl.

   I wore out a Delta 12 1/2", and replaced it with the newer Delta model. I wish I hadn't.

   The 12 1/2" is smaller, lighter, and therefore more easily portable. I can't see any difference at all in cutting quality (vs. the 22-580), and it is quite a lot cheaper.

   Theoretically, the two speed feature should mean better cuts, but I really can't see a difference. Some may like the repetitive thickness gauge, but I never use it.

5. 
   sailalex | Oct 20, 2004 03:20pm | #5

   I previously owned the Delta 12 1/2, purchased about 2 years ago then after a problem (11 months use) traded it in on the Dewalt 735 which was about $75 more. I bought one of the earlier 735's and after 3 months had a problem with the feed sprocket breaking (see previous threads on this subject), replaced it ( thanks Woodcraft), and got another, same thing. So far my third machine is performing well.

    There is just no comparison with the features between the two machines, DW 735 is hands down a better machine. (I am comparing the Delta of two years ago, maybe the current machine is totally different; if they are selling it at Lowes, I doubt it.) My strong suggestion would be to compare the two features in detail and I think you would come away paying the extra money for the DW. The sprocket problem was fixed according to a forum member (check thread) with machines that had a  2/04 or later date stamped on the packing carton.