Sub $300 Bench planers

[bagged89s10]

Are any of the sub $300 benchtop planers decent? I’m not going to be using it too often but will be planing down boards for a kitchen island and stair treads. In the next month. Then I might only occasionally use it. I know I can get a DeWalt DW734 for $350 but I rather only spend $250 if I can. I’ve been looking on CL, etc but haven’t had much luck.

 

[Fender1325]

The HF and Porter cables seem to get good reviews. I can't speak from experience but am curious myself.

The one time I built a guitar from scratch I needed 2 in Maple planned. I ended up finding a guy on CL or through the local wood working supply shop to plane it down. He had a 15" industrial one. Still left some chatter marks that needed to be sanded, pretty normal I think.

My advice is go with the best warranty and support you can find and pull the trigger.

 

[gungatim]

I have been using the delta single speed with locking cutterhead for a number of years with no issues. not sure what it goes for but I paid <$300 new. at the same time a woodworking buddy bought the delta 2-speed but the extra cost and speed didn't make any difference to the finish. hope that helps

 

[tarbellb]

From my research seems sub $300 models are almost exactly the same. Small diameter vertical post, limited in/out feed tables, barely adequate motors, poor chip collection. But its a 13" planer for less then $300.

Then it goes up to $350, where Ridgid's R4331 w/ beefier 4 post and cutter head lock is best.

Next up the chain is Dewalt DW735 @$600, gets excellent reviews and worth the money.

After that its industrial floor mount stuff, Grizzly, Delta, PW, etc....

The WEN for $200+/- has been passed around as decent for the price, same with the HF. A thickness planer takes a lot of stresses and abuse, its the frame strength and cutter head movement that matters most.

 

[tarbellb]

I used and sold my Ridgid R4331, it worked pretty well. Would buy it again if in the market, but I am currently swapping motors on my RC51 Delta 20" planer

 

[Sal Bandini]

Be a glutton for punishment and make router planer like I plan on doing. Otherwise, I think the Delta will suit your needs fine. Keep looking on CL.