Buying Used Delta Planer?

[Kevin Wells]

I'm going to look at a used Delta Planer this weekend. Heres the one I am looking at: Planer

 

This will be the first one I'v ever seriously considered. As I think about it, my track record for buying used power tools has not been that good. Aside from the obvious (does it run?) what should I look for? What should the deal breaker be (provided it turns on)? looking on amazon and rockler it appears new knives start around 20 bucks. I assume I should plan on replacing those. Can they be re-sharpened (I'v seen a mix of reviews on that theory)? Are there any other parts I should plan on replacing right away or soon after?

 

My goal is two fold. One, I'v been cutting alot of my own lumber from fallen trees, so I'll run a couple of hundred board feet through it each year. Two, Planing segment rings prior to glue up. Ofc theres the thought of buying rough lumber too (I finally located a sawmill in my new location).

Is the Delta planer up to these tasks? I looked for it in the Wood Magazine article on bench planers, but it was'nt listed in the list of units tested (which I thought was odd).

 

As always, THANKS for your help!

 

Kevin

 

[John Moody]

Kevin I had one of those for several years. It was a real workhorse for me. I ran lots of rough lumber through it. Other than changing blades I never had any other problems with it. You need to look at the rollers and see if they are gummed up or have any bad places in them. Make sure the infeed and outfeed tables are flat and don't tilt down on the outside.

 

It is a noisy planner but does a good job.

[Ron Dudelston]

Kevin, I have the big brother to this in a 13" and it does a great job.  I echo what John Moody said about alignment.  I buy my blades on ebay.  I recently snagged a group of them for $10 a pair.  You have my nod of approval.

[Courtland]

Best thing you could also do Kevin, is take a piece of wood with ya and see if the guy will let you run it through a couple times. If he says no, then it's a no deal. He's hiding something.

[John Moody]

Best thing you could also do Kevin, is take a piece of wood with ya and see if the guy will let you run it through a couple times. If he says no, then it's a no deal. He's hiding something.

 

 

I agree with John. When I bought my Drum Sander we ran several pieces through it before we shook hands on the deal.