I'm looking for a decent benchtop surface planer. There are Delta, DeWalt, Ryobi, Rigid, Bauer, Wen, and Porter Cable all available used in my area for under $300.

It's not going to get a ton of use, and it won't be particularly heavy use, so I don't want to go floor stand, or 240 volt, or the rest. I know that those machines are better. I've used them.

I'm looking for something that provides a decent finish, is reasonably precise in it's settings, and is relatively user friendly.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

I have a rigid surface planer I’ve been using for about the last 15 years. Easy to use and relatively precise.

I've been happy with my DeWalt.

Dewalt DW 735 is probably the best of the "benchtop" planers. I've had mine for several years.

The predetermined depth settings are very accurate, and it holds whatever depth you want very well. The finish is very good although the Dewalt knives seem to get nicks in them quite easily. Usually not big nicks and the ridges they leave sand down very easily. There are aftermarket knives that are supposed to be longer lasting but I have not tried them.

The Dewalt does exhibit some "snipe" like most all of these planers do (the first and last few inches of each board are slightly thinner than they should be). Plenty of youtube vids on fixes for this - I usually just make the board a bit longer and cut off the ends.

The DW 735 has a blower in it that blows out chips at a tremendous velocity. You will need something for dust control or use it outdoors. I use a small dust collector - shop vac would work too I think

Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. I've had a 12.5" dewalt for ~25yrs. Similar to
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DE...aner-DW734/100634640

You will need a very good chip collection/separator or your finish will be bad. You need to meticulously align the infeed and out feed tables or the boards you feed will snipe at the ends. The planer needs to be firmly mounted to a heavy surface or it will tip. Straight grain wood with shallow passes return very nice results. Finish sanding only.

Now if you are trying to plane highly figured wood, there is a good chance for tearout.

Also a DeWalt owner, not sure of the model but has been a solid workhorse for many years now.

Before I upsized I used a DeWalt 735 for many many board feet. It's the gold standard of lunchbox planers. Loud as hell but great.

Dewalt DW735x. Comes with a set of extension wings and an extra set of blades. A common upgrade is an aftermarket helical head cutter.

They go on sale every 4-6 months generally for $599 or there about. Often can pick it up with an included dewalt cart. But you can just build hour own.

quote:

Originally posted by 95flhr:
I have a rigid surface planer I’ve been using for about the last 15 years. Easy to use and relatively precise.

Likewise.

Thankyou for all the great information, everyone.

quote:

Originally posted by cyanide357:
Dewalt DW735x. Comes with a set of extension wings and an extra set of blades. A common upgrade is an aftermarket helical head cutter.

Even though my DeWalt has the standard blades, I agree the Helical Head is better for maintenance.
On my Edger (not DeWalt) I have those heads, it makes it easier to keep sharp and change out.
I looked into changing out my DeWalt to helical but never got around to it and just sharpen them conventionally.
Helical you just rotate the small cutter unit and keep going, faster.
YMMV

I’ve had the DeWalt DW734 for 20 years and I’m happy with it.