Need a basic planer

[CJ]

Hello,

I need to replace the 1x4 trim on my front door with trim that finishes about 1.25" for hanging a storm door (basically, plain brick moulding that finishes 1.25x3.5). Next summer, we will add siding to the house and I will need to replace all of the 1x4 trim (11 windows, another door, and the garage door) with the same material. So, I am looking for a basic planer that will let me square off the rounded corners of kiln dried 2x4s to 1.25" thick.

I shopped the box stores and online, and I am leaning towards the Delta TP305 from the box store. I don't really need a integrated stand as the garage is full and I can use the universal table that is under the chop saw.

Is the Delta a decent choice? Are there any other planers in the $200 to $300 range I should look at? Everything under $200 on display had parts falling off or broken and I don't need two speeds and some of the other things the more expensive tools seem to offer.

Thanks in advance,

Curtis

[Andy]

Wood magazine recently did a review of planers. They said the Delta

305 left a smooth surface, but very deep snipe at the end of the cut and was missing a lot of extra features and accessories. So if you're willing to cut the ends off all your boards, it'd probably be OK. They gave "best value" to the Ridgid at $380, and "Top Tool" to the Dewalt DW735 at $500. So if you're willing to spend the $380 for the Ridgid, they say you'd get a better cut quality, less snipe, easier setup/use, 5 thickness stops, longer tables, a longer cord, extra knives, a stand, a dust collection hood, and a longer warranty. No affiliation with Ridgid or Wood magazine, just a woodworker who's been satisfied whenever he's spent a little extra for the better-quality tool. Andy

[Andy]

Just noticed I missed one - the Ryobi at $200 was also given a "top value" award, with good performance except for snipe (no extension tables). If it were me, I'd still go for the Ridgid or maybe the Dewalt 734 ($319 shipped from Amazon after their $50 "special offer" discount). No affiliation with any of them either. Andy

[CJ]

Thanks for the advice. I'm afraid too many parts of the Ryobi look like the same quality as the Ryobi table saw I threw away last weekend (dead motor, stripped plastic teeth). I'll look into the Dewalt from Amazon.

Curtis

[Stephen M]

...

There is serious flaw in you plan. Construction grade lumber makes some pretty nasty trim. Even KD studs are sopping wet by millwork standards. This means that they will want to warp as they continue to dry. They also have lots of knots. Knots not only encourage warping but they require special attention to seal to that they do not bleed through the finish. Even if you control the bleeding, knots tend to chip out and will telegraph to the finished surface .

Budget for better material and consider outsourcing the millwork. Using

2x4's to control costs will, in all likelihood yield an amateurish looking result.

Don't get me wrong; I use 2-by lumber for lots of applications, but it works much better if:

1. it's been laying around for 6 months, so it's dry and therefore stable.
2. I can joint it to make it flat again...did you say a jointer was in your budget?
3. I need shortish (< 4' e.g., not trim)) pieces, so there are not unreasonable stock losses in the jointing process
4. Not a showy application where knots are unsightly

Don't do it.

Regards,

Steve

[efgh]

Not to mention a 2x4 is actually 1.5x3.5. I have the Ridgid planer and I'm quite happy with it. Granted I haven't run anything but pine through it but it's done everything I've asked of it. Leaves a nice smooth surface with a bit of snipe at the end but I have a couple of co-workers that have the two Dewalt Planers. The one who has the 734 swears that it leaves no snipe.

[CJ]

Replies within.

Okay, one of the local yards has a separate stock for trim and facia - we used it for our 2x10 fascia in 2004 and it looks fine after 2 winters at

7,600 feet in the Sierra. I could use their 2x fascia stock as a starting point with some careful selection - they are pretty good about cutting the best (i.e.) 8' out of a 16' piece.

Not using 2x4s to control costs - considering them because they are the right width and thicker than I need.

We started off trying to outsource the millwork. Even with the real estate slowdown, nobody in northern Nevada / Lake Tahoe will return a call let alone consider such a small job.

I know this. In the original post I noted that I need to replace 3.5 inch wide 1x4s with something over an inch thick finished.

Thanks for the feedback.

- Curtis

[Stephen M]

Fair enough...

To answer your question directly... the first generation lunchbox planers did not have a locking cutter head. This was a recipe for snipe. I believe that there are some of these still on the market at the low end of the price spectrum ($200)... avoid them. Whatever you get, make sure that it has a locking cutter head.

Personally,I have a Dewalt 733 (the predecessor to the 734) and I have been really happy with it. I like it because, with decent technique you get 0 snipe and the bade change tools/system/procedure is exceptional (quick and adjustment is foolproof).

There are other good lunchbox planer on the market but this is the one that I can personally vouch for.

-Steve

[Prometheus]

I know a few guys that have the Delta planer, and they're all happy with it. Probably not the best one on the market, but if all you're doing is shaving 2x4s, you don't need the best one out there.