Used Delta 15" Planer

boards through it -- the more highly figured the better -- and check for tearout and snipe.

I have one. Definitely get it if it looks good and works well.

It also looks very similar to the older DC-33 which is a 13" planer. Still heavy duty, but that can be a big 2" and I don't know if it would be worth it. If it looks good and works well, probably go for it.

Either is a big step up from a lunchbox.

Yeah I would not recommend watching for tear out or snipe. If the blades are not sharp there will be excess tear out. Snipe is IMHO not a reason to turn away from a planer. Snipe can be prevented with technique if it is a problem and typically is an inherent trait to most all planers especially the older desigh and large ones. The Delta planer has 2 rollers that the wood rides on under the cutter head. Because the wood rides up over the table surface on 1 roller and eventually the next, snipe is pretty much a guarantee to some degree. These particular planers are adjustable in many areas so if something is in excess a problem, it can typically be adjusted.