Opinions on this benchtop planer?

[dwasifar]

Considering a new bench planer. Currently I have a Dewalt DW734 that's starting to act up in weird ways. Looking for something comparable. The DW735X is well regarded but I don't want to spend that much. I'm considering this Delta 22-590X unit:



It checks all the boxes for me. Four post design with locking bar to control snipe; three blade cutter; heavy gauge tables; 5 year warranty. Basically similar to my current Dewalt except the warranty is longer. I can get one of these for $450, not cheap but less than buying another Dewalt would be.

Another possible candidate is the Kobalt MB1933IIIB:


Specs are similar and I can have it for the same price. Warranty is only 3 years, but I can take it to Lowe's for warranty rather than searching for warranty shops for Delta, or shipping it somewhere. The problem is that I can't find much online about it. Basically it's a big unknown. But if I don't like it they'll take it back.

I was also considering the Hercules at HF for $430 until I saw the warranty is only 90 days. Hmph.

Anyway. Opinions, at or near this price point?

 

[yhprum]

I have a similar sized ferex planer and the one annoying thing is the chip removal is abysmal. The knive planers tend to make long stringy chips that get stuck I. The exhaust area. The delta exhaust looks like it may be more prone to blockage.
I wish more planers came with an exhaust fan like the Dewalt.
Another thing to consider if either model can be retrofitted to a spiral cutter system down the road if you’re so inclined.

 

[dwasifar]

Another thing to consider if either model can be retrofitted to a spiral cutter system down the road if you’re so inclined.

The Delta can. No idea about the Kobalt.

Regarding chip collection, anything would be an improvement over what I currently have. The Dewalt was a Lowe's floor sample, and the ejection hood had been lost. I never replaced it, so the cuttings were just ejected onto the floor for about four feet beyond the planer.

 

[jar944]

I had a similar delta benchtop planer. It worked well enough for my needs at the time. I gave it to my dad years ago when I started upgrading equipment. He still uses it so I'd call it good enough.

 

[RTM]

When I bought my Dewalt 733 (20 yrs ago?), the Delta of the same age was poorly rated, poor support, big sniping problem. I think it was the same part number, less the X

The 734 is supposed to be a step up, but heard horror stories, two here, one at a friends house, of abysmal failures.

 

[SRSemenza]

The Delta 22-590x ($599) that you linked to is the same price as the DW735 from what I can find with searches. The Kobalt is $100 less. Personally I get the DW735 for $599 over the Delta or the Kobalt for $499. I have the DW735 it is very good. I have put quite a lot through it for quite a few years.

The DW has the four post lock, the fan to assist chip ejection (the collection / chip removal is very good and super good when hooked to a DC), and two speeds. The hand wheel height adjustment is much nicer to use than the crank type too.

Seth

 

[milkovich]

Take this with a grain of salt as all my tools are "vintage" and I generally prefer old, finicky junk to new, safe, reliable, convenient tools but if I were going to buy a new bench top planer, I'd definitely check these guys out: https://cutechtools.us/pages/about-cutech looking at their import data, Shinmax (the parent company) is still currently a big supplier for SBD, Rikon, Grizzly, etc.

 

[dwasifar]

The Delta 22-590x ($599) that you linked to is the same price as the DW735 from what I can find with searches. The Kobalt is $100 less. Personally I get the DW735 for $599 over the Delta or the Kobalt for $499. I have the DW735 it is very good. I have put quite a lot through it for quite a few years.

Well, as I mentioned, I can get the Delta for $450. And the DW735 may be $599, but that doesn't include the tables. For that you need the DW735X, which is closer to $700.

 

[dwasifar]

Take this with a grain of salt as all my tools are "vintage" and I generally prefer old, finicky junk to new, safe, reliable, convenient tools but if I were going to buy a new bench top planer, I'd definitely check these guys out: https://cutechtools.us/pages/about-cutech looking at their import data, Shinmax (the parent company) is still currently a big supplier for SBD, Rikon, Grizzly, etc.

That looks very interesting. $499 for a spiral cutterhead 13-inch. I'll look into that, thanks.

 

[SRSemenza]

Well, as I mentioned, I can get the Delta for $450. And the DW735 may be $599, but that doesn't include the tables. For that you need the DW735X, which is closer to $700.

Oh, yup, I missed the $450 price.

Seth

 

[dwasifar]

Oh, yup, I missed the $450 price.

Seth

Yeah. I would definitely not pay $599 for it when the Dewalt 735 is at the same price point and the tables can be added. But for $450, it's worth considering.

However, I'm leaning now toward the Cutech that @milkovich suggested. I emailed them and asked where their warranty service centers are, so I know what I'd be getting into if I had to have it fixed.

 

[dwasifar]

I'm going to buy the Cutech.


Thanks, @milkovich, for the suggestion.

 

[tarbellb]

Keep us posted on the Cutech, it's been on my list of interesting options in that field

 

[dscheidt]

I've heard mixed things about hte jointers, some of it saying it's great, some saying it's not good, and I could never tell if it's a difference of expectation of well it should work, difference in what material they use, or some quality issue. I suspect its mostly a combination of the first two.

 

[legenddc]

If anyone wants a cheap planer, directtoolsoutlet.com has reconditioned Ridgid R4331 planers for $227.50. I don't know how they stack up compared to the others but price-wise it's a good deal. Had mine since 2020 and it's been working just fine.

 

[jar944]

If anyone wants a cheap planer, directtoolsoutlet.com has reconditioned Ridgid R4331 planers for $227.50. I don't know how they stack up compared to the others but price-wise it's a good deal. Had mine since 2020 and it's been working just fine.

If somone is willing to look at used machinery you can get a lot more capacity and capability for similar money.

 

[tarmy]

Where you located OP….i have a little used Dewalt that I will make you a good deal on. PM if interested.

 

[niget2002]

I have a porter cable that's similar to the ones be mentioned here. One thing to note is I was able to fit the delta dust collector chute to the top of mine and it works really well to clear chips from the planer.

It may be worth purchasing it and seeing if it fits your planer. I had to cut a notch in it to clear a bolt head, but otherwise everything lined up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006NBUX2?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dwasifar]

Keep us posted on the Cutech, it's been on my list of interesting options in that field

I placed the order today, direct from Cutech. I found a $20 coupon online, taking the price down to $479, and it turned out they didn't charge me sales tax, which was quite a nice surprise. Within an hour I had a UPS tracking number. So we'll see.

 

[tncatadjuster]

After seeing this thread I pulled the trigger and bought one. Arrived today and I’m thrilled with performance on walnut. Wow nice machine, thanks.

 

[dwasifar]

Keep us posted on the Cutech, it's been on my list of interesting options in that field

I placed the order today, direct from Cutech. I found a $20 coupon online, taking the price down to $479, and it turned out they didn't charge me sales tax, which was quite a nice surprise. Within an hour I had a UPS tracking number. So we'll see.

I have not forgotten this thread. The planer arrived a while ago but I haven't had a chance to set it up and try it out.

It arrived while my wife and I were on vacation in Scotland and Iceland. Someone on the tour bus in Scotland was sick, and she made everyone else sick, and I'm still struggling with that. So the planer sits in its box in my garage waiting for me to feel up to hauling it into the workshop and setting it up.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Any update on the Cutech? I’m probably buying the Dewalt 735 shortly.

 

[BTL-A4]

@dwasifar any update on this?

 

[tncatadjuster]

I have used my Cutech quite a bit and very happy with the performance.

 

[TailGunner3000]

I've heard mixed things about hte jointers, some of it saying it's great, some saying it's not good, and I could never tell if it's a difference of expectation of well it should work, difference in what material they use, or some quality issue. I suspect its mostly a combination of the first two.

As a point of reference, this machine is not a jointer. It's a thickness planer.

 

[dwasifar]

@dwasifar any update on this?

It's outstanding. Well worth the money.