Sorry to do this, folks, but didn't know how else; I'm using Google Groups to read/post, but it seems threads beyond a certain age can't be "reply"ed to??? There was a thread a year ago on the Dewalt 735 - back in the sprocket problem days - and, Eric, you made this reply on 20 Feb
04:==== Like I said in part one. I worked the Dewalt to it's limits and didn't get it repaired (at my expense) till I replaced rollers bushings chains etc... I now have a General International 15" 3 horse and won't look back. The 735 while when working does a nice job but for only a little more there are certainly better machines available. ====
I'm shoppping planers now. I have the GI "builders saw" (50-185) that I've been happy with, and of all the "taiwanese" 15inch planers that are on the market, I still think the GI gives the best bang for the buck.
But, on the other hand, for $500 less (or towards another tool! :)) there have been so many glowing users of the Dewalt 735 that it's hard to ignore.
And thus, you, Eric Johnson, are the man whose input I seek :^) I've read the archive threads on general pros/cons of table top v. floor models, but you seem to be one of the few who've used these two machines. How much b.f. have you put thru the GI? What's your assessment a year hence?
Thanks! Chris
p.s. - others are of course encouraged to reply as well, esp. GI 30-115 owners!