Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 29, 2008 01:02am | #1

   I don't understand why Ridgid blades would be hard to find -- they should be in stock at Home Depot.  What's the scoop?  Which Delta is $429??  For that kind of money, I'd add a few sheckles and get the 3-knife, 2-speed DeWalt.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   woodctr | Jan 29, 2008 06:41pm | #6

   HD just doesn't sell any ridgid blades in Austin, Tx.  the 13" Two Speed Finishing Planer. 22-580 by Delta is $429.00.  I believe I will probably purchase the DW 734 rather than the 735, just because of the $180 difference.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 29, 2008 07:19pm | #7

   Yep, the 2-speed planers are pricey.  I have the Delta 12.5" planer, and buy my blades online because the price is so much better.  If you like the Ridgid planer, no reason you couldn't do the same, keeping an extra set on hand -- when you flip a set over, order a new pair for the next time.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   Edited 1/29/2008 11:19 am by forestgirl

2. 
   michaellc | Jan 29, 2008 11:33pm | #8

   One thing to keep in mind on the Dewalt 735 over the 734 is that it has an additional blower in it that will blow the chips in a bag or trash can.  You don't need a dc or shop vac at all.  I have the 734 and it is a very good machine but if i had it to do over I would spring for the extra money on the 735.  The blades on both are indexed so there is no adjusting of the knives.  You just plop them in and tighten them down.  Very easy.   So easy in fact I would much rather pay the extra for the knives for the ease of installing them.  I have found good life with the knives by the way.

   Good luck,

    

1. 
   woodctr | Jan 30, 2008 06:34pm | #9

   Great point to consider  -  thanks for the input,

2. 
   saschafer | Jan 29, 2008 02:15am | #2

   I have the Ridgid 2-blade model. I think the 3-blade model is better (the cutterhead on the 2-blade model tends to shift rather easily), but if I were to replace the machine I would go with the DeWalt 735. In general, the four-poster design seems to be inherently more rigid and stable than the two-poster.

   -Steve

    

3. 
   BruceS | Jan 29, 2008 02:42am | #3

   I have the De Walt 735 and would not trade it for any other "bench top" planer.  The preset depth stops get you within a couple of thousandts.  And the surfaces once hit with a swipe of 220 are ready for finish.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   drewcboggs | Jan 29, 2008 04:29am | #4

   You might think about whether the blades can be resharpened ?? I have a 25yr old Ryobi (two blades) which has blades that I resharpen my self. Also, recently read an article about the new Rigid planer which claims to be able to plane a board 1/8" thick !!! Though my manual says 1/2" is the minimum, I've been able to go to 1/4" Good luck..

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 29, 2008 06:01am | #5

   "I have a 25yr old Ryobi (two blades) which has blades that I resharpen my self."  Blades which probably are not "indexed" disposable blades.  Yes?  The blades for the new, indexed, benchtop planers don't do well when re-sharpened, it changes the angle of attack or some such thing.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)