I always try to read BT tool discussions before commiting to a purchase. This has been very helpful. Sometimes, I find out about a new performance feature, operational characteristic, or other surprise while actually using the tool. I mean things that were possibly not mentioned in the tool discussions or that may be just new to me personally.
One example is that I followed planer discussions for about three years before finally upgrading my ten year old and reliable Delta planer to the new DeWalt three-knife planer. With the Makita being a close second, I chose the DeWalt for several reasons.
After three months of it sitting on my workbench, I finally used it yesterday. I should say that when I bought it, I sent in the coupon for the free ($50 value) chip deflector system, which is basically a hose, aground wire, and an adapter for a standard trash can. The minimal snipe and excellent finish, even at low speed was not the real surprise. The surprise was that about 98% of the chips actually went directly into the trash can. There was no cloud of dust in the air. The 2% that did not make it into the can were lightly scattered under the planer. I never expected this system to work that good!
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Thats good to know about the dust collector. I have one of those planers and I think its great, but my chip just fall to the floor. Talk about a snow storm! Its funny, you plane about 10 1x4s and there's a good 2"'s everywhere.
which dewalt planer? the older or newer one. I m trying to decide myself.
This is the new 13" planer. If you don't have the dust attachment, it shoots the chips out about 40 ft. I think you can get the attachment for about $30. It is about a 4" hose with a fabric adapter that fits most trash cans.
three months? you need to just send it to me and I'll loan it back when you need it occassionally
I'm setting up my shop to build my new kitchen cabinets. I bought the planer when they were offering a 10% discount. So I got the $500 planer for $450 plus the dust kit in the mail. It took three weeks to get here.
Now Lowe's is selling the planer for about $550. HD is still selling it for $499. I suppose you could go to Lowe's and ask for their competitive discount and still get it for $450 since they will take 10% off the HD price if they are selling for the same amount in your area.
I'd get some ear protectors too!
they've been having some problems with the gearing so you should be able to buy one refurbished at amazon pretty cheap
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Admittidly (?) I dont use my planer as often as i'd like to but the only problem i've encountered has been slippery rollers not pulling the work through sometimes.