planer options

[dlbristol]

I am considering a planer for my shop. Three questions. 1. Is the SS planer enough better than the $500 Dewalts ect to justify the cost? 2. Which of the 2 SS models would you think is the best. 3. I am not a very good "tuner" so is this an issue with SS planers? Thanks

[charlese]

Hi dlbristol!

I'd love to answer your question here in depth - but you can find a great discussion of just that subject on this post. http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthread.htm?t=298&highlight=planer Suggest you read the whole thing from start to finish - it's pretty comprehensive! Lots of viewpoints.

From my viewpoint - I'd still go with the DeWalt, even though you need a rolling stand for it. At 93 lbs., it is not something you'll want to lift very often.

Best Wishes, You have a decision to make!

[8iowa]

dlbristol:

I would not buy the Dewalt DW735 planer for several reasons, the most important to me is the fact that it is powered with a "universal" motor. These motors have brushes, operate at very high speeds, have low efficiency, high noise ratings, and a short life. This is the same type of motor that is used in vacuum cleaners, circular saws, and small hand tools. They have their place, but in my opinion they are not the best choice for higher HP applications.

The Shopsmith planer, if you select the Pro model, is powered with an "induction" motor that is much more reliable, efficient, and long lasting. The MK 5 mounted unit is of course powered by the Shopsmith headstock which has a 1 1/8 HP induction motor.

Another important feature of the Shopsmith planer is the infinitely variable speed feed powered by a separate DC motor. This is the only such planer on the market - and Dewalt brags about their two speed feed!

The Shopsmith planer probably leans more toward the "finish planer" category. If you need to really hog a lot of wood, an industrial type planer in the 3 to 5 HP category is probably a better choice.

Another nice feature of the Shopsmith planer is the fact that with the knife sharpening accessory and the conical disk you can easily sharpen the knives yourself.

I started with one of the very earliest Shopsmith planers back around "84 or so. It is still going strong and I now have it mounted on a separate power stand. I think the choice between the MK5 mounted model and the Pro-Planer would be based on how much available space you have and how much planing you have to do.