Starting to look at Planers - suggestions welcome

[new2woodwrk]

Now that the wife is fully into scrolling, it's much easier for me to look at and speed up the purchase of the last 2 machines for the shop.

The next one on the list is a Planer.

So far, I'm liking the Dewalt DW734 - 13", 3 blades - I can pick up a refurbished unit under $350 which is perfect for my price range.

I've looked at the Wen 6550 12.5" but the reviews are a bit on the low side due to the plastic gears and 2 blades. It's priced fairly well though around $240

The PC is under $300 also, but again it's 2 blades with mixed reviews.

Thoughts, suggestions and comments are always welcome

Thanks as always in advance

[Sycamore67]

The DeWalt planers have a very good reputation.  I had a 733 and now a 735 and they have worked well. 

[spotsdad]

I have the Dewalt 734 and have no complaints

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Dewalt 735 2 speed all the way. 4 column travel and 2 speed. Never look back. http://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/routers-planers-and-joiners/planers-and-joiners/13-three-knife-two-speed-thickness-planer/dw735

[new2woodwrk]

Thanks all - the 735 is out of my price range which is why I'm looking at the 734 refurbished

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

5 hours ago, new2woodwrk said:

Thanks all - the 735 is out of my price range which is why I'm looking at the 734 refurbished

buy once and do not have to buy again. just saying

[dgman]

I had asked Santa for a DeWalt 734 to replace my worn out 733, but he brought my the 735 instead, and am I glade he did! Yes, it is a bit more expensive, but it is well worth it!

[new2woodwrk]

2 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

buy once and do not have to buy again. just saying

Nope I get ya - just don't see the need for the extra "umph" or the extra expense - I'll only be using it for pallet wood anyway

[oldhudson]

I purchased a Delta (22-580) 'lunch box' planer about 13-14 years ago. The De Walt brand planer seems to get the best reviews these days. I have a love hate relationship with the blade changing feature. And I've had an issue with a scratch that new blades and a trip to an Authorized Delta Repair Facility couldn't resolve. I'm mostly a hobby woodworker but mine get some heavy use. I built all my kitchen cabinets from rough cut cherry, for example. I think if I were shopping today I'd be getting a DeWalt. 

[spotsdad]

1 hour ago, new2woodwrk said:

Nope I get ya - just don't see the need for the extra "umph" or the extra expense - I'll only be using it for pallet wood anyway

If you are doing pallet wood  make sure you TRIPLE check for nails. The blades and nails don't play nice together.

[new2woodwrk]

26 minutes ago, spotsdad said:

If you are doing pallet wood  make sure you TRIPLE check for nails. The blades and nails don't play nice together.

Yah, I use a metal detector on my pallet wood - works well - thanks for the heads up

[Bill WIlson]

I had a Delta 22-560 for many years.  I sold it a couple years ago and replaced it with a DeWalt 734.  I would have liked to have gotten the 735, but budget constraints were also a concern for me at the time.  I don't think you would be unhappy with any of the better name brands, such as Rigid, Delta, DeWalt, Makita, etc.  They all make good machines.  DeWalt generally gets positive reviews. 

[Oldmansbike]

I have had a Dewalt planer since 1999. Not sure which model but it has seen a lot of use and haven't had many trouble with it.

[amazingkevin]

On 3/24/2018 at 7:56 PM, new2woodwrk said:

Now that the wife is fully into scrolling, it's much easier for me to look at and speed up the purchase of the last 2 machines for the shop.

The next one on the list is a Planer.

So far, I'm liking the Dewalt DW734 - 13", 3 blades - I can pick up a refurbished unit under $350 which is perfect for my price range.

I've looked at the Wen 6550 12.5" but the reviews are a bit on the low side due to the plastic gears and 2 blades. It's priced fairly well though around $240

The PC is under $300 also, but again it's 2 blades with mixed reviews.

Thoughts, suggestions and comments are always welcome

Thanks as always in advance

My ryobe13" is doing just fine, First, one I ever had or tried!