I've recognized for some time that I needed a planer (have a jointer, but really hard to make uniform thickness finished boards!). I've been doing research trying to decide, Bench Top or a 15" free standing, 240 volt, fire breathing floor model. I'd decided on the 15" Yorkcraft at Wilke Machinery (about 3 miles from my house!). Then I started to read posts here and do research. Anyway, being slightly more than a "newbie", and slightly less than an "intermediate" woodworker (intermediate "newbie"?), I decided a benchtop would fit my skill and experience level.
Dewalt, Delta or ??? Research, research..... I decided on the Delta
22-580, no, the Dewalt 735, no, the Dewalt 734. No, I found a DW 733 that a family was selling. "In like new condition" they said. Anyway, they wanted $300. Seems like way too much, especially when they're on Ebay for $250 +/-.Went into HD today - they had the TP 1300 on sale for $298. For that price, it comes with a stand, and two sets of knives!! You could get the TP 1300 "LS" model with a 1 year guarantee, or the "older" TP 1300 with the lifetime guarantee. No brainer there. Went back and checked my research, and DAGS. The one article I read rated it second behind the DW733. Old article, but the more current research I did confirmed what the article said. So, I went back and scarfed up one of the TP1300's (lifetime!).
Anyway, I think a good tool for an intermediate newbie, at a good price. I even get a free "Rigid" jacket.
Mabye a small, intermediate newbie gloat???
Thanks to the group for all the great information I received from reading all the planer related posts!!!
Nick B.