I've been using a Delta 22-560 planer for years, and while it served me well as a hobbyist furniture and toy maker, it's really showing its age now. It needs some serious repairs including new rollers and blades, and I'm thinking it might be time to just replace it with a new model altogether. I've got my eye on the Jet JWP-13BT 13" Helical Style Bench Top Planer, which seems like it would connect to my dust collection system. Has anyone had any experience with this model or can suggest a better option? I've got a bunch of wood projects lined up that need planing soon!
3 Answers
I can't speak for the Jet model, but I recently got the Oliver 10045 and it's incredible! I ran 8/4 hard maple through it, and the finish was like it was sanded with 120 grit. Also, I adjusted the table just a bit, and I got zero snipe, which is a huge win! Totally sticking to my decision—it definitely lives up to the hype!
Thanks for sharing! I was considering if it's worth it to buy such a costly model. It's reassuring to hear that it's performing well.
Why not consider just upgrading to a helical head with new bearings? Unless your old machine is totally shot, it might not need a full replacement.
Finding parts for a 20-year-old Delta is a challenge. I wouldn't want to invest $600 into a helical head if the other components might fail soon. Plus, the exit roller is difficult to source, and I want to keep working.
My rollers are worn out too. I'm stuck pushing boards through, and I've looked for a new feed roller, but sourcing the exit roller is a no-go. I want to get back to my projects without diving into repairs!
Have you thought about going for a floor unit instead of a benchtop? A used helical head Grizzly could be a great pick! They've got amazing factory support, and the tools tend to be quite durable.
Good point! I usually prioritize space, but now that I think about it, I haven't taken the planer off my table in a while. I might look into floor models!
My concern with helical heads is the replacement cutter cost. For Oliver, it's about $100 for 10 cutters, and the cheaper models have around 36 on the head. That adds up quickly! I can get double-sided DeWalt blades for under $100, which feels way more manageable in the long run. It all comes down to how much you actually use the planer.