Doing some research for a good benchtop wood planer,...dewalt has some of the better reviews but it seems I found one with higher marks about 6 months ago but don't remember what it was. Anyway,...you patriots feel free to chime in here and give your 2cents. All opinions welcome,..budget is up to the $600 mark,...could go a bit more if I was convinced the quality was there. Thanks,..your local bone and antler nut - Aaron 

I think it was this one that had some good reviews,...not sure if you guys know anything about it.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011QLKNZ8/ref=psdc_9022410011_t2_B01B78VUSE

I have a friend in North Carolina that has one, says he likes it a lot.  No issues and he runs it maybe once a week for cutting boards and small box work he does.

I really like my DeWalt 735. Planed many, many board feet of maple and oak. Keeping the bed waxed and the rollers clean is important.

1 minute ago, lew said:

I really like my DeWalt 735

Now this one works good, but I am still looking for one used, at a bit less than max retail. 

Don't know anything about the Cutech. But, with spiral blades, that's a decent price if the rest of it is reliable. 

Like Lew, I really like the DW735. It does what I ask with nary a complaint.

Edited October 16, 20196 yr by Gene Howe

I’m using a Delta 22-580 but I have a Dewalt 735 waiting under the bench. (I bought it right). Both are good but parts are harder to find for the Delta.

There is always the used market, but if you look at the big box stores, check on the discontinued section.  On the Lowe's website, there is a button across the ribbon that says discontinued.  Take a browse, you may just find what you are looking for at a really discounted price.  

If i were looking for a benchtop, the Dewalt 735 would be at the top of the list....and it would take some incredible news to replace it at the top. The Cutech you linked may well be a fine planer, but what struck me was that the inserts on the helical head are HSS, and only 2 sided. Most others have 4 cautting edges and are 4 sided. Those HSS inserts will dull a lot quicker, and it may not be something you can resharpen. So consider the cost (and future availability) of replacements.

Edited October 16, 20196 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

Check out your local Craigslist for deals.  I have a like new Dewalt 735 waiting in the wings that I picked up in a pawn shop in Defiance, Ohio.  Didn’t really need it but the price was really good so I have one on the shelf when my Delta dies.  

So how has the Grizzly planers been holding up in the lunch box size?

I have been using a Dewalt for 20 years. They didn't have the 735 back then and now the 735X being a two speed  And the Dewalts has 3 blades at less than 600.00 at Home Depot todays price which would be no freight if you are close . And a vet gets 10% off of that.

  Never heard of Cuteck and a review could be written up be anyone from their own company??? 

Also if you buy from a company and something goes wrong it would be easier to deal with them than maybe having to send it back to where ever that might be which could also be at your expense? So why chance an unknown. Lots of guys here use the Dewalt. The two speed could be worth it. Mine don't have it and wish it did!

24 minutes ago, Smallpatch said:

I have been using a Dewalt for 20 years. They didn't have the 735 back then and now the 735X being a two speed  And the Dewalts has 3 blades at less than 600.00 at Home Depot todays price which would be no freight if you are close . And a vet gets 10% off of that.

  Never heard of Cuteck and a review could be written up be anyone from their own company??? 

Also if you buy from a company and something goes wrong it would be easier to deal with them than maybe having to send it back to where ever that might be which could also be at your expense? So why chance an unknown. Lots of guys here use the Dewalt. The two speed could be worth it. Mine don't have it and wish it did!

I agree... I'd  be focused on the planer first then the planer head. Often people get caught in the glitter and not the tool....

Not trying to persuade you into buying something totally different from a lunch box but a different option. If you check around you can often find these better made machines for the same or less than you want to spend.  Long term there much better..

I think those Cutech Planers are the same ones that used to be sold under the Steel City tools name before they closed shop. I don't recall reading anything bad about them, but no one stood up and said it was the only one to buy, either.

28 minutes ago, BillyJack said:

Not trying to persuade you into buying something totally different from a lunch box but a different option. If you check around you can often find these better made machines for the same or less than you want to spend.  Long term there much better..

 

 I am open to all opinions and viewpoints here. I am not opposed to more of a vintage but better made machine,...when it comes down to purchase time here in about 2 weeks I'll spend some time looking. You just never know what you will run into so I threw out some new stock for samples of what I was thinking about. I appreciate the feedback. -Aaron 

Watch Craigslist for deals. Ya never know.

Curb shopping worked for me.

22 hours ago, BillyJack said:

 If you check around you can often find these better made machines for the same or less than you want to spend.  Long term there much better.

 

Had a Delta DC-33 also, I made a dust hood for it made of sheet metal to hook the dust collector to. 

Edited October 17, 20196 yr by CharlieL

I got lucky coming back from an installation down south Missouri. Stopped at a woodworkers shop and he happened to have a planer for sale for $425... Eventually  found the dust hood on Ebay and it was complete.. Ran perfect...

 

Edited October 18, 20196 yr by BillyJack