Replies

1. 
   vacabby | Nov 19, 2002 03:53am | #1

   E,

   I believe the old saying that you get what you pay for still stands true.   I just bought a new Delta two speed planer.   All I can say is WOW !!!!!!!!!   On the slower finishing speed she doesn't leave me with much to sand.   I know the price is still around $400 but the replacement blades are relatively inexpensive and the machine is soooo simple to operate.    I had a single speed 12" unit before and it was okay.   Okay but I want better results now.   I suggest you wait a bit longer, save a couple extra sheckles and buy this machine.  You WILL be glad you did.   On the other hand if you love sanding as much as I don't get another planer that will give you plenty of sanding to do.

   Have a great day !

2. 
   forestgirl | Nov 19, 2002 03:59am | #2

   I'll second jb's advice -- the Delta 2-speed is very close in price to the Rigid, and getting 2 feed speeds is well worth it.   I had to settle for the Delta 1-speed due to $$ considerations, but when I get to working with trickier woods, I'm definitely laying out for the 2-speeds.  Have heard nothing but good things from current users. 

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

3. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 19, 2002 04:10am | #3

   Eric,

   I'm no Delta fan, but I think their 2 speed is hard to beat.  The Ryobi may be a good machine, but it's still unproved.  Furthermore, when it come to service/support, Ryobi's is non-existent.

   Jeff

4. 
   nicobie | Nov 19, 2002 04:26am | #4

   I've bought 3 tools from ryboi and every one has been junk.

   The ROS crapped out after 3 or 4 hours of work.

   The $175 scroll saw that my wife bought me (and am now stuck with) never was worth a poop. It vibrates way to much even tho I built a sand box for it to sit in. The allen head bolt on the upper blade that is supposed to hold the blade doesn't even have a hole for the wrench.

   I tried to call but...

   They don't seem to give a chit.

   I figure these 'tools' are made for people who won't take them out or the box.

   The proof is in the puddin'

1. 
   thiggy1 | Nov 19, 2002 06:53pm | #6

   I have an older Ryobi 12" planer which I have used for several years and been quite pleased.  The main advantage to some of the newer ones is that they seem to have a better handle on avioding snipe.  One problem which came up was finding replacement blades at a reasonable price, but I found out from Highland Hardware that Delta's 12 1/8" blade was an exact replacement at a much better price.

2. 
   twotowers | Nov 22, 2002 06:27am | #24

   Wow. I was suprised by your comments on Ryobi.

   I have their radial arm saw bought in 1981, 18 volt cordless drill, 10 inch planer- bought in 1982 (just bought the 2 speed Delta) hand drill, palm sander and the new variable speed belt sander and love each and every item. Nothing I have from them has ever been quirky or broke. To me it is a brand I especially like.

    I guess the send all the good stuff to Connecticut!

   JIm

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 22, 2002 06:41am | #25

   Jim,

   Seems like we sometimes have a run of bad luck with a certain brand name (not just of tools) which sours us on the whole product line.  While some just love their Delta machinery, I've never had any Delta I liked.  I have a number of Ryobi tools, mostly drills and cordless drivers, which I've bought reconditioned, and I just can't kill the things.  A few months ago I thought my rebuilt $20 drill motor was finally dying.  I pulled it apart, cleaned and lubed the thing and it runs good as new.  When it finally does give up the ghost, I'll probably mount it on a plaque!

   Jeff

2. 
   forestgirl | Nov 22, 2002 08:28am | #27

   I've used a couple of the older Ryobi tools, and get the impression based on that extremely limited experience that they were built better than the ones in the last 5+ years.  forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

5. 
   mrles | Nov 19, 2002 09:29am | #5

   I saw the 13 inch Rigid at HD tonight it was $269.00 on sale. I don't know anybody who owns one but that is a very attractive price. I own a 12' Delta like some of the other folks answering your post and I'm very pleased with it, I've had it several years and have had no trouble with it. I also have a Ryobi 16" open side drum sander. I haven't used it very much but so far it has been OK. I like Delta, I've had good luck with their tools and when I didn't they stood behind them. This means a lot to me.

   God Bless and Good Luck

   les

1. 
   b1gcountry | Nov 19, 2002 08:16pm | #11

   Where did you saw it for $269?? I have been oogling this for a few months, and it has been going for about $400 here, with stand and dust hood. Any help would be appreciated.

   Tom

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 20, 2002 10:43am | #13

   big country

      I was going to post to les also about the price. He posted $269 at HD. I think he confused the price with the Ryobi which they handle that retails for exactly $269. Was just there last nite and the Rigid is $399. If they put it on sale for $269, I'll buy several. Ha... The Rigid is an excellent machine, but for the same money, the Delta 22-580K has better dust collection. Both are 15 amp. Rigid pushes 9500 rpm and the Delta 10000. The Ridgid does carry a life-time gaurantee and does include the dust shield.

      BTW, if you go to http://www.toolcrib.com you will see Toolcrib of the North below for WW. That's where Amazon gets there orders shipped from. I don't like ordering on-line. I like to talk to someone. The Delta 2 speed 22-580K is on sale for $409. No sales tax outside ND and free shipping for over $25. They have included the $25 dust hood to sweeten the deal. Extra set of reversible knifes is $39. Delta says they can be sharpened. Don't count on it. After you use both sides, throw them away and put on another set. grin<>

   Good luck..

   sarge..jt

1. 
   b1gcountry | Nov 20, 2002 05:32pm | #14

   The Ridgis also includes a stand for your money, and everyone I have talked to up until now has said the "two speed" feature is useless, and use the normal speed all the time. What I'm hearing here is the opposite...does everyone here that made this comment use the machine and use the slower speed?

   Tom

   Edited 11/20/2002 1:07:04 PM ET by big country

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 21, 2002 07:28am | #15

   big country

      I love the handles on the Rigid. They crank smooth and quiet. My local price including sales tax is $428. I went by the box on the way home and they won't come off the price. The Delta is a great machine also. It is heavier. If I go thru Tool-Crib and get the extra set of knives that the Ridgid throws in, I end up about the same.

      I don't need the stand as I build heavy duty wooden stands to add to weight and less vibration. Most of the open bases are junk. The two speeds I think is over-rated. Most reiviews say there seems to be no difference. I will probaly go Delta as the machine has several little nice things the Ridgid doesn't. Still like those smooth cranks on that Ridgid and the life-time warranty, as no B/T is going to last forever. They are not industrial quality. Weren't designed to be. That's where that life-time would come in handy.

      Maybe there will be more in-put.. Good luck with the decision as it's a difficult one between the two. Almost as to which one you feel more comfortable with..

   sarge..jt

2. 
   b1gcountry | Nov 22, 2002 01:38am | #23

   It seems like all of the current machines pretty much got it right this time through. I have heard only minor complaints about the use of the Delta, DeWalt, Makita and Ridgid. The Delta gets nods for having two speeds, but is a little expensive, and the motor gets some complaints. The DeWalt is probably the cheapest, but also gets some complaints about the motor dying. The Makita seems to be the favorite of many, but isn't the most ergonomic, and is way expensive. The Ridgid operates smoothly, has a 1/2" larger capacity, and the big warranty, but isn't as cheap as some others, and it's dust collection isn't as efficient (but still passable).

   The stand I think is just something they throw in so they don't have to lower the price. Still, I'll take it, and probably use it for a while, as I don't have room for a bigger stand in my shop. I'm going with the Ridgid solely for the warranty...but the price on the DW is tempting.

   Tom

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 22, 2002 08:34am | #28

   big country

      Excellent home-work.. I agree. The DW is also has good reviews over-all and has been lowered to $350. There is a $50 rebate working with DW at the moment. Brings it down to $300 with the dust chute and extra knives included. If you're shopping price, this might be it at the moment.

      If you want the life-time warranty which is a plus, the Ridgid. Also comes with extra knives and the dust chute. I have spent the last week cranking on all of them. I like the side crank on the Ridgid the best. It is very smooth and does not squeak like the others. If I can hear squeak with a slight hearing loss, there's a squeak. Ha.. The Ridgid did not make a sound when I cranked it up and down for about 10 minutes.

      If you want a heavier machine with a lot of goodies, the Delta would be the toy. I love the indicator of when the blades are just above the stock. The hold down is also good, but so are the DW and Ridgid. Delta has probaly the best dust collection which I favor. I think the two speed deal is not going to make that much difference.IMO.

      What I conclude is, all of these machines will serve you well for non-industrials. I would even try the Ryobi if someone would give me one. I love my Ryobi 10" DP. I think it is the best B/T on the market. Bought the 4 x 36-6"disc and it's cranking like a champ. If they function well for $99, I don't give a hoot what anybody thinks about Ryobi. I have the DP, 3x21 belt sander and the belt-disc sander. They just keep getting the job done. If they go south in 3 or 4 more years, what have I lost. $99. Not really, as I feel they have already paid for themselves. Ha..Sorry, I guess I had to get my $99 worth in.

      Let me know where you go. I ordered the Delta this morning. We'll compare notes as I am not really a Delta person. I guess time will tell. May not be what I want to hear, but it will tell me something. ha..ha.. $409 with dust chute shipped to the door. I couldn't resist trying all the hot-dog gadgets on it..grin<>

   Luck..

   sarge..jt

4. 
   GrouchieGrum | Dec 05, 2002 08:07pm | #31

   how goes your new delta sarge? Inquiring minds want to know....

   Also, anyone have any experiences with the sunhill planar... looks to be a good buy, although the rpm is rated as 8,000 which goes against most peoples recommendation of 10,000 rpm....

   also also, can some of you folks link some of the places you shop at? Always interested in who is giving the best deals....

   thanks in advance...

      +Grouchie

   Edited 12/5/2002 1:58:40 PM ET by Grouchie

5. 
   floman47 | Dec 05, 2002 10:06pm | #32

   See my post under "snipe"

6. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 06, 2002 05:58am | #35

   Grouchie

      The 22-850 Delta planer goes very well. I am impressed with the use so far. I got a little snipe at first till I played and adjusted. I always size my stock a little longer as I firmly believe that snipe is a faqct of life. These new locking cutter-heads almost negate it, but I don't think it can ever be totally eliminated on a protable. IMO. Everything is working as the engineers drew her up so far. It will get it's real test in about two weeks as I have about 600 linear ft. of heart pine wainscoating I tore out of an old house being demolished. It's definitely not hard-wood, but hard to get heart pine anymore. Used to be everyday wainscoating for older houses here in Ga.

      After much shopping, I bought the Sunhill and several followed suit. I love it. Look at it closely. Same cast as the Jet and several biggies at $325. Keep in mind this is the 6", not the 8". I have not pushed it hard, but face joints are glass smooth. I added weight under the cabinet and replaced the belt with one of those power-twist. Also had my BIL do a little machining on the pullies down at at the Delta A/Lines machine shop. Nary a virbration. Ran some ash and maple through, not a chatter. Earthquake might do it, hope I don't have the opportunity to find out. grin<>

   Hope the info helps....have a good one..

   sarge..jt 

7. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 21, 2002 09:41am | #16

      Can anyone that has or knows, answer this question about the Delta 22-580K. Is it belt driven or chain driven. Nothing on the Delta web-site to indicate. Never even crossed my mind. I went to HD web-site and found the Ridgid to be chain driven.. 

   Thanks if someone can provide this info.

   sarge..jt

8. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 21, 2002 06:43pm | #17

      Disregard. Just called Delta technical support. The cutter-head is belt driven and the rollers are driven by two chains as I thought.

   Ya'll have a good day...

   sarge..jt

2. 
   mrles | Nov 22, 2002 08:39am | #29

   I live in Baytown Texas, HD was where I saw it, after I posted that price to you I checked it the next day and yes it is the 13" planer and it's $269.00. I didn't see a stand nor did I look for a dust hood. However I'm looking at a Tool Factory Outlet ad right now they have a 12" Delta for $239.99 xtra blades and 12 1/2" Delta  with stand $318.99 free shipping. Ph. 1-800-922-saws. I can't say I've never wanted a larger planer than my 12" Delta but only once did I need one. Most of my stock I run through mine is less than 10" wide,I ran a 3 1/2" X 8" X 5'  piece of oak through without a lot of difficulty. I'm pleased with mine. If you don't have a planer now you will really enjoy owning one regardless what you buy.

   God Bless and Good Luck

   les

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 22, 2002 09:08am | #30

   Les

      About to go to bed when I saw your post. Yes, you may have seen the Ridgid local for that amount. I saw Lowe's clear 2 DW sliding T/S's that retail for $899 for $499. They had showed no history of sales. It is up to the store manager. If they haven't moved and item they will sell at cost to keep from tying up money in low turn over items. Turn that money back into a faster mover. HD and Lowes will do this at  particular stores  sometimes. I ask a tool dept. mgr from both and they confirmed that.

   Have a good evening sir..

   sarge..jt 

6. 
   joker | Nov 19, 2002 07:40pm | #7

   I had the Delta 1 speed 12'' before, it took a dump and Delta replaced it.I currently have the Ridged 13''. Both are decent machines, but if I had it to do over again, I would not buy a portable planer. Depending on your usage or future usage you may find that you need a bigger beefier planer.

   When I started out dimensioning my own lumber it was fine, but after a short while I found myself using it almost daily because as my hobby grew so did my usage. While my Ridged is still working ok I do not feel that it will last alot longer as my hobby is still growing. I have had it about 3 years. When it finally goes, I will not repair it or replace it with another portable planer.

   A bigger machine will allow you to grow and hopefully give someone years of service, from my experience with 2 different brands of portable planers I do not feel they will last when put to heavier use, but I cannot honestly speak for the new models. Just my humble opinion.

1. 
   fredsmart48 | Dec 06, 2002 05:22am | #34

   hmm - life time warranty use it until it fails send it in get replaced and then sell it.  More then likely they will just send you a new one. If not it is still be worth a few dollars as rebuilt.

1. 
   TomMGTC | Dec 06, 2002 09:47pm | #36

   It looks to me like ridgid's marketing department has done a hell of a job promoting their "lifetime" warranty. Take a minute to read it at this site;

   http://www.ridgid.com/warranty.html

   They state that the warranty is for the lifetime of the tool. It does not cover wear and tear or normal use problems unless there is a defect in material or workmanship. They also leave that decision to be made by ridgid. Doesn't look like much of a warranty to me. If you wear it out you sure won't be getting a new one.

   Comments??

7. 
   Azeddie | Nov 19, 2002 07:47pm | #8

   I had the RYOBI 12-1/2" planer for about 8yrs when the drive gear for the rollers finally went , I called them up and replaced it, that lasted about 6 months now its busted again and rollers dont turn freely anyway...so I bought the Delta 12-1/2" with stand and extra blades  , dust hood all for $300...It does a better job than the RYOBI did mainly because of the head lock (for anti-sniping) that the RYOBI didnt have

   overall the RYOBI lasted a good time of use .

   BTW a replacement set of blades for my RYOBI was $55.00 a set 

   makinsawdust
1. 
   bill_1010 | Nov 19, 2002 08:09pm | #9

   iu have the delta two speed, love it.  39 (20 bucks a side) dollars for a reversible blade set is what i pay at the big boxes.

1. 
   Azeddie | Nov 19, 2002 08:12pm | #10

   my price was for the OLD Ryobi... which is junk now...makinsawdust

8. 
   IanDG | Nov 20, 2002 07:09am | #12

   I had the Ryobi 12" for about 8 years and did an enormous amount of work with it with no problems at all. It was finally stolen from my truck just before I retired so it may still be working hard.
   One feature it had that few others seem to have was anti-kickback fingers which proved invaluable when planing down parquet blocks (ie. short lengths).
   Like others here, my opinion of Ryobi tools was that they were junk but the demonstration that convinced me to try the planer was an old Red Gum railroad tie planed down to 3/8" thick! (You could make nails from Red Gum and drive them into Oak!)

9. 
   KraigY | Nov 21, 2002 07:59pm | #18

   Hey Eric-

   Don't overlook the DeWalt.  Mine works like a champ and it came with an extra set of knives and dust hood.  The last of which  is VERY important.  Also the machine simply does not snipe boards and, when a light pass is taken, is quite gentle on the figured woods.  Just a thought-

   Doc

1. 
   billyg83440 | Nov 21, 2002 08:21pm | #19

   Definately agree on the Dewalt planer.

   Last Christmas season Sears had a big promotion selling a dewalt planer w/ a $50 rebate and a free set of knives and a dust hood.

   I nudged my wife to get it for me. Don't remember the final price, but it was the cheapest I'd ever seen it priced. Maybe they'll do a similar promotion this year.

   As a disclaimer, the Dewalt is the ONLY portable planer I've ever used, and I bought it after finding several tool reviews that listed it as either the best or at the top of the heap. Never regreted it, or found any problems with it. Love my 12" Dewalt Miter saw too (main reason I leaned towards the D planer, build a good tool, and people stick w/ the brand).

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 21, 2002 09:53pm | #20

   If anybody is looking for a new surface planer, check out E-Bay.  They're listing a whole snag of the single speed Deltas right now at pretty good prices.  (Many are "Buy Now")  Some are new and some are rebuilt.

   Jeff 

1. 
   forestgirl | Nov 21, 2002 11:38pm | #21

   Caveats on eBay idea:

   Do a "completed" search on the item and price compare with local sources and other on-line sources

   Be sure to factor in shipping cost

   Verify that the factory warantee will apply

   Read the seller's feedback -- a large number next to the name doesn't mean squat.

   If the savings are only $10 or $15, consider buying locally.  Some of the money you spend stays in your community via taxes, and you're supporting the local availability of a tool dealer, be it a big box store or pop-n-mom outfit.

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

   Edited 11/21/2002 3:40:24 PM ET by forest_girl

2. 
   KraigY | Nov 21, 2002 11:51pm | #22

   I too scored the deal at Sears toward the end of last year.  In addition to the $50 that DeWalt was giving back, Sears was giving an extra 10% off and no interest for 90 days if you opened an account with them and used it that day.  Did just that and paid it off with the first statement.  If I remember correctly it ended up costing me around $290.

   Doc

3. 
   hmthomas | Nov 22, 2002 06:57am | #26

   Here's another vote for the Dewalt. I've run thousands of feet through mine and its been great. I use a great local sharpening service for resharpening and that's about all I've ever done to it.

   I'm not Dewalt's biggest fan but I do like the planner.

   Hugh

4. 
   datachanel | Dec 06, 2002 01:57am | #33

   Just to throw in a couple other names for portable planers, I've been using an old porter cable 12" recently that's been doing quite nicely.  I've also had really good luck with some extremely curly maple on a makita 12"

10. 
    Mainemarc | Dec 07, 2002 07:45am | #37

    Every one is asking about this planer, but no one can find a private or comerical review. Is it just me, or did anyone else notice that the Pro-Tec planer reviewed in the latest issue of Fine Woodworking Magaine is a dead ringer for the new Ryobi model? It was the cutter head lock lever that first struck me, but then I went to Home Depot and started attending to the way the side panels were molded on the Ryobi planer and wouldn't you know but the Pro-Tec model reviewed in that issue appeared to me to be the same. The cutter head unit itself appears to me to be identical. What with Ryobi seemingly willing to cast its fortunes under any one else's brand but it's own (witness Sears Craftsman's newest 9" bandsaw and tell me that isn't a Ryobi in disguise), I can't help but wonder if the Pro-Tec isn't the Ryobi flying under different colors. With everyone casting about for a (semi) unbiased review of Ryobi's newest thickness planer, the Pro-tec's respectible performance (behind the Ridgid, Dewalt and Delta 2-speed) in the Fine Woodworking's latest round-up might just answer their questions about the new Ryobi model. Did anyone else notice this similarity?

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 07, 2002 09:13am | #38

   marcmaine

      Yep, believe you are correct. Looks exactly like it. I do know the Ryobi is made over there as opposed to Mauldin S.C. Now, the question might be, is the Pro-Tec engineered by Ryobi or Pro-tec? Could go both ways.

      I know the Ryobi rep for Atlanta area. Will try to track him down by phone next week and have him clarify. I guess the question is: Is it Ryobi....Or is it Pro-Tec... Or maybe it's a Memorex and weve both been fooled. ha...ha...

   sarge..jt

11. 
    LarryPile | Dec 07, 2002 09:25pm | #39

    Hi Eric,

    I've owned the Rigid for 2.5 years...put it through the paces...have had it repaired, under warranty once...no cost to me, good service, etc.  But I've always perceived it to be somehow inferior to the other portables.

    Recently, when planing a decent quantity of hard-rock maple, it just wasn't performing all that well...so, hearing about the DeWalt deal...$50 buck rebate, sales, etc....I plunked my money down.

    I'm very disappointed....I should have had the Rigid resharpened and cleaned the feed rollers...it's a much better planer than the DeWalt.

    Anyone want to buy the DeWalt?  It's a month old, has been used very little...I'm in Dallas and not willing to ship the heavy thing....  Make me an offer.

    Ultimately, I also think that for my heavy-duty need, the big multi-horsepower planers are the way to go...I want good and fast...and got good and cheap....My time's worth something...next one I buy will be the big stationary planer...

    lp

1. 
   billyg83440 | Dec 20, 2002 12:40am | #40

   I personally have the dewalt planer. Have been very happy with it. I wondered if I should have spent $300+ on it up until the first time I used it, then I wondered how I'd worked w/o a planer for so long.

   Just some info for anyone who is going to purchase one of these. My brother just bought one from Tool Crib, http://www.amazon.com/dewalt. Best deal I've ever seen on their planer. $349.99 -$50 rebate -$20 if you enter code# TCJN-DNQLXW-5TZHJD. Free shipping + you get an extra set of knives and a dust hood. Ends up costing $279.99. I paid about $30 more for mine last year.

   Just thought I'd pass it on if anyone wanted to save some $$$'s.

   P.S. I've never used any other portable planer, so what do I know.

   P.P.S. The $20 thing is only good till the end of December

1. 
   snomaker | Dec 20, 2002 07:16am | #41

   Thanks.  I bought the DeWalt at Amazon for 299.99 after the rebate.  Can't use the promo code as it can only be used once.

   Anyway, I chose it for the color.  The yellow will really brighten up my basement shop!

   Happy Holidays,

   Rich