I'm curious about the Ridgid R4331 planer. Tools Direct has a great sale going on—40% off, making it just $240! Is this a good choice for someone like me, just starting out in woodworking? Should I consider saving up for a higher-end model instead? Thanks for your thoughts! 😊
4 Answers
I bought one recently and couldn't resist the $240 price, especially since it comes with a lifetime service agreement. I haven’t used it extensively yet, but I’m satisfied so far. In that price range, it's really hard to beat!
I've had my Ridgid planer for about four years and have run a ton of pine and fir through it. Haven't tried hardwood yet, but I absolutely love it! I’d definitely buy it again.
I’ve got the Ridgid and it's doing fine for me, but the straight blades are a bit of an issue. I considered switching to a helical cutter head, but dang, that costs nearly as much as the whole planer! My father-in-law owns a Wen with a spiral cutter and it might be a budget-friendly alternative. Just a word of caution—I've had some bad experiences with Ridgid tools in the past, especially with their reconditioned stuff.
The Ridgid planers are pretty solid for home shops. I looked into them before going for a used DeWalt 734, which is somewhat similar but not the 735 model. At $240, it seems like a good deal. Plus, you could sell it later if you decide to upgrade and get a good chunk of your money back. Just a heads-up, I’m not a huge Ridgid fan, but at that price, I think it’s a decent tool.