I’m looking for a good surface planer for my home shop (hobby). I’ve looked at a few reviews which outline Delta, Dewalt, Grizzly and Rigid. Presently the Rigid machine has my interest because it’s under $400.00, is easy to set up / use, and the knives are easy to change. Another pro is that if I don’t like it, I only have to drive 1.5 miles to return it!
Can anyone offer advice before I make the purchase? I’ve seen a couple of Rigid reviews and these folks seem very satisfied.
I have a Jet Table saw and I’m very pleased with it. I have an almost new Delta 6″ Jointer and I’m not very pleased with it.
Replies
Rich, I have a friend who has the Rigid planer and works almost exclusively in white oak. He loves it. He's an experienced WWer who worked in a cabinet shop for a few years, so I trust his judgment. I would have gotten one myself if I hadn't found a Delta 12.5" for quite a bit less. I love my Delta.
BTW, if you're considering the Grizzly benchtop planer, I urge you to cross it off your list. From what I've heard, it is a champion at "snipe."
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" .... :>)
Edited 11/21/2004 11:57 pm ET by forestgirl
Rich,
I've had the rigid for about 2 years. It was my first planer and I love it. I've planed red oak, maple, bubinga on it with no trouble.
ASK
Rich I have the Ridgid planer and think it is great. If I am carefull I get almost no snipe. It leaves a very nice finish and I finessed burled woods through it with no tearout.
Mike
I've got to agree with the other posts. I have had it about a year and love it. The knives ARE easy to change. I'm not sure what the current offering is but I got mine with the dust collection hood, and a spare set of knives, (which are double sided BTW) and a free stand. I'm still on my 1st side of the 1st set. I've had to offset them once to eliminate ridges from a couple of small nicks, (that's how I know that changing the knives is real easy). I haven't really noticed any snipe as long as I remember to engage the cutter head lock.
For the money I don't think you can beat it. I've been very pleased with mine.
good luck!!
I have had a Ridgid Surface Planer for 3 years. It works great and is a good value for the dollars.
Have you considered the 2-speed Delta? It is on great sales right now. $30 rebate plus $25 off at Amazon get's it to your door for $295. It has had very good reviews.
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