New Planer Almost Here!

[smitty0312]

Just checked tracking # and it said it is out for delivery, can't wait to get it!

[thawkins57]

Always exciting to get a new "toy". I'm constantly checking tracking numbers... LOL. I'm a little envious - a planer may be next on my list.

[wood-n-things]

Now you can really make some sawdust....Congrats on the new toy!

[marshall]

Congrats Dan on the new toy ...........MB

[Harry]

I took delivery of my new toy, a big birthday present for a big birthday, from my wife. I haven't had a lot of time to put my planer/thicknesser through it's trials yet not properly anyway, but I am looking forward to surface planing and jointing and thicknessing timber to my own required dimentions. is your machine a combination tool like mine Dan? would be interested to hear how you get on with it.

Harry.

[Hawaiilad]

Dan, what planer did you purchase? I am also in the market for a new planer. Sure is a big difference in prices....and they all seem to eat blades pretty fast...if you use it allot of course.

[sawdust11703]

Whats your price range Larry? I just got the Dewalt 13" planer. So far no complaints. I don't have a big shop so I couldn't get one of those larger brands if I wanted to.

[Bayward]

For a home hobby / craft wood shop the Dewalt 735 is my tool of choice. Tough to beat the results for the money spent.

If you absolutely must have perfectly smooth boards every time you turn the planer on, then yes you will go through a lot of planer blades. I prefer to use the blades until they really start screeching on the wood. Yes, I must spend a few minutes with a random orbit sander when the planer blades start dulling. I prefer the sander time over the cost of new planer blades though.

Bob

[sawdust11703]

Bob, I know this might be tough to answer, but how much mileage do you get with the dewalt blades? Also what are the signs that the blades are getting dull and need to be changed. The dewalt is my first planner and I have only used it a few times so this is all new to me. Thanks.

[Bill Wilson]

Couple things to look for that may indicate planer blades are getting dull.

First, the surface of the wood won't be quite as smooth as before. This is subjective, because different species of wood will plane up differently, but it's one indication.

Another is if your planer seems to be laboring more while cutting. By listening to the motor, you can tell if it is bogging down more even though you aren't taking more material off than normal.

Also the chips can be an indicator. Sharp blades will generate larger chips while dull blades will create smaller chips and more dust. Again, all of these indicators are subjective depending on the species of wood and to some degree the grain orientation. But as you are planing with known sharp blades, take note of it's performance under the various conditions. Then once you have a frame of reference, you can notice a distinct difference when you switch to a much harder wood or when the blades are dulling.

[smitty0312]

I bought the Delta tp305, it's a lower end planer, I bought it based on the reviews on amazon, it still had a 4 star rating after 50 or so reviews, thats not bad. Also a guy I work with said it's a good planer for the price. It should handle my needs for my small scroll projects. I still have yet to use it, but I have all next week off and you bet I will be making some dust.

[sawdust11703]

Well good luck with it Dan. I have a friend who has a Delta. I'm not sure if its the exact same model but he seems to be relatively happy with his.

Bill thanks so much for the tips, I appreciate it.

[Hawaiilad]

I have an older (about 10 yrs.) Delta that looks just like the tp305. It has been a good unit. I have looked at the DeWalt 735 but really did not want to spend that much money. So I keep looking on Craigs List. Found one, but the person has not responded to me regarding if its still for sale.

I am reading that most of the units have throw away blades...is this true? Blades for my Delta were $54 here on the Island (0nly found one set), but I can have them sharpened for $24...not I'm not sure they can be sharpened.

[Bayward]

Bob, I know this might be tough to answer, but how much mileage do you get with the dewalt blades? Also what are the signs that the blades are getting dull and need to be changed. The dewalt is my first planner and I have only used it a few times so this is all new to me. Thanks.

Bill already gave you some good answers in this. To add to what Bill said, you will know when the blades are dulling. Even if you have never owned a planer prior.

I sometimes leave my blades on so long I start getting tear out around knots. While sharp blades will give a smooth cut at the same places.

Bob