Replies

1. 
   DougU | Aug 12, 2008 05:01am | #1

   If your looking to spend close to $400 then why don't you buy new? You can get the Steel City for close to $400, the Delta for close to that, I think the DeWalt is closer to $500(the better DeWalt) but the other DeWalt is way under $400.

   I look at these planers as some what disposable, I've gone through two Deltas already, used the hell out of  both of them.

   If you do buy used I'd make sure that it was slightly used and at least 1/2 price.

   Doug

2. 
   BrianDerr | Aug 12, 2008 08:22am | #2

   Saw the Delta 12 1/2" for well under $300 new, if you want cheap. The belt tension on that thing is ####, it srceams like a banshee but cuts like a dream. If I were you I think I'd get a new Dewalt. Personally, I don't want portability, so I opted for the 13" Jet closed cabinet induction motor planer at around $800-900, it's above anything else in that range, also does molding.

   Brian

3. 
   frenchy | Aug 12, 2008 05:00pm | #3

   JMadson

     Used bench top planer is usually a disposable item.

      I've had two (both Delta) and I gave them away as they started to need significant maintinace..  Both were given to worthy wood workers who like to repair things.. at best they got a few more hundred bd.ft. from them before they too gave up on them..

    I found far more value from the Grizzly 20 inch staionary  planer I bought nearly 9 years ago. But clearly understand the use of the small bench tops..

    Just don't waste your time and money on used..

4. 
   Scott | Aug 13, 2008 07:55pm | #4

   If you really want a used item, consider craigslist.org. At least you get a local sale and avoid hefty shipping costs that a planer would incur.

   I think Frenchy's thought's are worthy, but you never know... maybe you'll get lucky with an estate sale or some other reason that someone is selling a tool other than because it's worn out.

   Scott.

   Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”