planer review

I know this planer is a bit overkill for my shop and I do have the 12 ½ inch version, but I like having the option if I need to use larger stock. The assembly went together quick and easy. The head unit itself is very heavy and kind of awkward to handle. It’s definitely a two to three person job. The stand is somewhat a mix of a closed and open stand, and goes together really quickly. The challenge is to now place the head unit on the stand. In setting up, the instructions were very detailed and concise. I did notice that I was missing the dust chute, and called Delta. Two days later it was waiting for me on my door step. Great customer service. The basic operation is flawless. It handles everything I put through it, and produces a perfect finish everything. I usually take about a 32nd of an inch on every pass. I could probably go with a little more, but these are the settings I use for both the planer and jointer. This planer has two settings; one for rough-cuts, which is a higher RPM and the other, is a slower speed for a smoother finish. I normally just use the higher speed. The finish product is great. I like the fact that the cutters adjust down towards the table surface unlike its competitors, and the dial indicators are very accurate once set up. Setting up the infeed and outfeed roller tables were a bit challenging, but once I was able to get them right they were perfectly level with the table surface, and does not move. I’ll check them every 9 to 10 times of use, because I fold them back down when done and I want to be able to move the unit out of the way, and I’m sure over time they will go out of level. No big deal.