Replies

1. 
   CAGIV | Oct 14, 2003 08:16am | #1

   The 13" 2 speed delta was a pleasure to use the few times I've used one.

   Not much experience with it though to give a real review.

1. 
   Lateapex911 | Oct 18, 2003 10:18pm | #7

   Well, thanks for the suggestions and advice guys. 

   I looked at the Rigid, but frankly, buying a large tool from HD had me a bit scared, and the rigid didn't seem to be a head and shoulders above the crowd choice.  I also gave consideration to Delta, as their reputation is solid, but frankly I think their current line has a lot of fluff. To put it nicely. Reputation is tainted in my eye. The Makita is nice, and light, and a good choice, but in the end I went with the Dewalt 735, and so far, so good.

   I like the rack design which requires no head clamp.  And the finish is superb, even on the 'high' speed. (less cuts per inch)  It appears that the blade change will be easy, but as they are two sided, I hope it will be awhile before I find out. With the folding infeed and outfeed table accesories it has about 3 feet of support, as it is quite deep itself.

   It is large, and heavy, but has well placed handles.  As I mentioned,  I'm not a big fan of big yellow in general, but I do cherry pick the line.

   The most notable thing about it's actual use is the chip ejection.. Wild! The thing is a virtual leaf blower. I can't imagine a vac that could keep up! working outside is fine, but I haven't figured out what to do inside yet.

   And finally, it seems pretty darn quiet to me, for a planer.

   Final analysis is that it was well thought out, produces great results, and is pricey, but I will hopefully own it for 10 or more years, so it will be well worth it.  I learned long ago that the money spent on tools is soon forgotten, but the annoyances of ill functioning tools lasts forever, a day at a time.Jake Gulick

   [email protected]

   CarriageHouse Design

   Black Rock, CT

2. 
   Shoeman | Oct 14, 2003 02:34pm | #2

   Probably has about as much brand appeal to you as DeWalt, but, did you look at the Ridgid planer at all?  I had read a few reviews that rated it quite high, and have used it on a few occasions with good results.   Oh yeah, one more thing, the Home Depot's around here are selling them for $329 now - used to by $379.  Think they are trying to get rid of the gray ones, as all the new Ridgid tools are orange.  Come to think of it - I think HD has a deal going now to, that if you buy a Ridgid tool by the end of the year you get lifetime warrenty on it.

   Just some more to think about. 

1. 
   rebuilder | Oct 14, 2003 03:32pm | #3

   I've got the Ridgid, bought it last year. I've run everything from cedar to oak through it. It cuts great. Easy blade changes, came with a stand and 2 sets of reversable knives. Keep the table waxed. My only complaint would be that the rollers gum up a bit, but that will depend on wood types used. It was $50 cheaper than the "yellow" one, which I was leary of dispite its reviews. Grizzly was my second choice, but didn't want to wait or pay for shipping.

3. 
   elurstej | Oct 14, 2003 04:33pm | #4

   I have the Delta 22-580 two speed planer.  What a great tool.  The blade changes are a breeze.  I have it hooked up to a 1100 cfm dust sucker and I have almost no residual sawdust or chips.  It is pricey, but a great tool.  I have no knowledge of the Dewalt, but it looks like a nice unit also.

4. 
   DougU | Oct 16, 2003 05:37am | #5

   Jake

   There is some discussions on FWW about the new Dewalt, might take a read over there to.

   I dont like dewalt that much but it does look like it has some promise for a portable planer.

   Doug

5. 
   EricGunnerson | Oct 18, 2003 07:43am | #6

   There's a survey of planers in the new Taunton tool guide.