What planer should I get?

[country girl]

Dad thought it would be a good idea to ask opinions on here in order to determine what the best planer might be for me.

I am looking at three different planers:  13" DeWalt 735, Delta 22-590 or 22-555,

I am not sure what the difference is between the delta models but i think it is that the 590 has 3 blades and is worth the extra $90 because it will be saved in sand paper.

i am leaning toward Delta because i heard it comes all assembled and very accurate. i heard the blades last longer and the machine is quieter. The blades are supposed to be easier to change and Delta has a patented lock system that prevents snips. Any opinions?

[Scrappile]

I have a Delta model 22-580 which is a little older, model.  I've had it for a number of years and it has served me well.  Mine only has 2 blades, which are very easy to change.   Mine is two speed.  The Delta 22-290 not 2 speed, but it does have 3 blades, which would be more important in my book.  I can't complain about my Delta.  I have used it quite a bit over the years and as long as I keep it as clean as possible it works fine.  I do wish the rollers were easier to clean.  To really clean them requires taking the machine apart. 

I believe the DeWalt is 3 blade also.  Least that use to be one of their big selling points.  It would be a tough choice.  I read lots of good report on the DeWalt. 

They all are noisy!  Have a good set of ear guards and good chip/dust collection.  For my use now, I would rather have a drum sander. 

[WayneMahler]

I understand the Dewalt got good reviews. I have a Ridgid and I am happy with it. Snipe is something you can minimize but on a small lunch box style planer you will always have some from my understanding. Three blades will give you a better finish taking lighter cuts. I still sand mine in case there are knife marks along the boards. Best of luck with your search and wished I could be of more help. These are just things I have learned over time and from others.

[dgman]

Santa brought me a new DeWalt 735 and I love it! It replaces my old DeWalt 733 which I wore out. The 735 is so easy to use and has some great features. It has three blades for cleaner cuts and two feed speeds. One for rough planing and one for finish planing. I have planed boards that I don't even have to finish sand! It has pre-set thickness settings all the way down to 1/8" thick. With my old planer, I didn't trust the pre-sets, but this planer has pre-sets that are right on the money. The wheel that adjust the depth is so easy to use. There is also a gauge that shows how much material it is going to remove. There is also a depth gauge in case you don't want to use the pre-set. As with any planer, dust collection is a must. It comes with a dust collection exhaust fitting to hook up to a four inch dust collection hose. My old planer would throw out wood chips from under the cutter head even with the dust collector connected. This planer exhausts everything to the exsaust port. As with any portable planer, there sometimes is a small amount of snipe. But it is easily removed with 220 grit sand paper. 

I had asked Santa to bring me the DeWalt 734, but I got the 735 instead, and I am glad I did, I love it. It is very loud, but no louder than my 733. Hearing protection is a must.

the 735 comes with everything needed to change the blades and looks very easy to do so. I havn't needed to do it yet.

i love this planer an would highly recommend it!

I do not know anything about the Deltas or any other planer other than the 733.

[GrampaJim]

Couple of years ago, I went cheap (my middle name) and bought the Wen.  Works fine for my use, which is not much at all.  I have not used it in at least 6 month.  They are loud and messy.  Plan on dust collection and ear protection as already mentioned.  I am at the point were I will probably sell it.  There are a lot of other tools I would rather have and would use more.  Just my opinion.

Edited February 25, 2018 by GrampaJim

[oldhudson]

Like, Paul I've had the Delta 22-580 for years, but unlike him I'm not very happy. On an ascending scale of 1-10 it would get a 6. It's a good size and has never broken down. On the other hand replacement blades are spendy. But the worst issue is I often get a 'scratch' that runs the whole length of a board. I've replaced blades and had it in a official Delta Service Center and they couldn't find the issue. I've read good things about the DeWalt and if it were my money today, that would be my selection.  I wouldn't purchase a planer unless I had a decent jointer.

[kmmcrafts]

I have a Refurbished ryobi 13" planer that I bought at a outlet mall in the tool store.. Only gave $100 for it.. this was about 8 years ago and I run the crap out of it.. It is a 2 blade one.. Was looking at upgrading a couple years ago and in my research and asking around.. Many suggested the Helical head ones.. I like the idea behind it.. and they claim they have more power because the knives are staggered instead of cutting across the whole board all at one shot..Though the ones I seen wasn't all that cheap.. I never did upgrade.. still using the old Ryobi.. But thinking about going much heavier duty than the small 13" ones when I do upgrade.. but who knows maybe this ryobi will be around for a lot longer..   

[amazingkevin]

8 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

I have a Refurbished ryobi 13" planer that I bought at a outlet mall in the tool store.. Only gave $100 for it.. this was about 8 years ago and I run the crap out of it.. It is a 2 blade one.. Was looking at upgrading a couple years ago and in my research and asking around.. Many suggested the Helical head ones.. I like the idea behind it.. and they claim they have more power because the knives are staggered instead of cutting across the whole board all at one shot..Though the ones I seen wasn't all that cheap.. I never did upgrade.. still using the old Ryobi.. But thinking about going much heavier duty than the small 13" ones when I do upgrade.. but who knows maybe this ryobi will be around for a lot longer..   

I'm happy with my ryobe13",Got for a $100 also

[Bfreeman]

I have a dewalt 734 and I’m very happy with it . 

Bill