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Decent Budget Benchtop Planer...Does One Exist?
- Thread starter Gore
- Start date
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Sure there is. Try your local craigslist. Where I am, these turn up every two weeks or so. Wait to find one cheapo. - Paul
danwolfgang
Well-known member
Dewalt 735 is always a favorite for a reasonable price.
TomB19
Well-known member
The difference in snipe between the super cheap planers and the 735 is pretty minimal. It's down to literally a thou, or so. The best thing about the 735 is it has 3 cutter heads.
It seems nice to have the two speeds of the 735 but I never use that. I leave it on slow (finish) speed.
If you are an occasional user, I suggest picking up the cheapest off brand planer from Craigslist and try to get it for $75~100. By the time you've sharpened the blades once or twice, you'll know what you want.
It seems nice to have the two speeds of the 735 but I never use that. I leave it on slow (finish) speed.
If you are an occasional user, I suggest picking up the cheapest off brand planer from Craigslist and try to get it for $75~100. By the time you've sharpened the blades once or twice, you'll know what you want.
The Ridgid lunchbox planer is pretty decent... I ran a few miles of wood thru mine until the magic smoke got let out of the motor.
I now have a Dewalt 735... nice solid unit, though I have found it to have just as much snipe as any other planer I've used. It's just something you have to plan around.
I now have a Dewalt 735... nice solid unit, though I have found it to have just as much snipe as any other planer I've used. It's just something you have to plan around.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
The difference in snipe between the super cheap planers and the 735 is pretty minimal. It's down to literally a thou, or so. The best thing about the 735 is it has 3 cutter heads.
It seems nice to have the two speeds of the 735 but I never use that. I leave it on slow (finish) speed.
If you are an occasional user, I suggest picking up the cheapest off brand planer from Craigslist and try to get it for $75~100. By the time you've sharpened the blades once or twice, you'll know what you want.
This. I once got a like new Craftsman 4" bench joiner off CL for all of $40. It works great. Garage sales are another option. My king one is a 6" Jet floor standing joiner I got from a garage sale for all of $45. Fellow just did not need it or want it around anymore. So, CL or garage sales if you want a cheap one. You can't be picky. Get what you find cheap. You ought to be able to find a 6" for $75-100 if older, or $150 if newer, bench or floor type. If you want a planer, same advice, but probably $100-150 for a planer. - Paul
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LMS
Well-known member
Just assume you'll need 2-3 inches extra in length on each side of your board for snipe and you'll be okay. They are what they are, and the next step up is a lot more money. I've build a lot of nice stuff with a first gen delta bench planer. Wish I had something better, but I can't justify the cost.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Snipe is the biggest problem. Longer infeed and outfeed trays help. Ultimately you need extra long tray and spring loaded hold downs.