Well, I am in the market for a new planer and, having evaluated space, power, and my woodworking needs, have settled on a 13" planer. I have narrowed my choices down to the DW735, R4331, or 40300H planers. I have started a pros and cons list for each tool, but was hoping others could shed some light on these based on their experiences. Here goes:
DW735 Pros: Performance, build quality, depth stops, quick knife changes, built like a tank, two cutting speeds.
DW735 Cons: Most expensive of the three, loud, knives dull fairly quickly, heavy as all get out, disposable knives.
R4331 Pros: Lest expensive of the three, good performance, Ridgid's LSA.
R4331 Cons: Disposable knives
40300H Pros: Helical head, moderate price, relatively lightweight
40300H Cons: Helical head uses 2 sided HSS inserts (though I have read of others successfully using carbide inserts in them), the steel city stigma from the 40200H debacle a year or two ago.
Now, in addition to the pros and cons, my judging criteria are (roughly in order):
- Performance
- Noise
- Cost (Initial and upkeep, such as knives)
- Weight
Now, I look at these three and think that I would likely be happy with any of them. The thing is that I have to choose one, but I don't know which. I know each has very strong supporters. I really like the idea of the steel city for the spiral head (about the same cost as just the shelix head for the DW735). Any one else have thoughts or ideas about this? Any input is useful. Thanks.
DW735 Pros: Performance, build quality, depth stops, quick knife changes, built like a tank, two cutting speeds.
DW735 Cons: Most expensive of the three, loud, knives dull fairly quickly, heavy as all get out, disposable knives.
R4331 Pros: Lest expensive of the three, good performance, Ridgid's LSA.
R4331 Cons: Disposable knives
40300H Pros: Helical head, moderate price, relatively lightweight
40300H Cons: Helical head uses 2 sided HSS inserts (though I have read of others successfully using carbide inserts in them), the steel city stigma from the 40200H debacle a year or two ago.
Now, in addition to the pros and cons, my judging criteria are (roughly in order):
- Performance
- Noise
- Cost (Initial and upkeep, such as knives)
- Weight
Now, I look at these three and think that I would likely be happy with any of them. The thing is that I have to choose one, but I don't know which. I know each has very strong supporters. I really like the idea of the steel city for the spiral head (about the same cost as just the shelix head for the DW735). Any one else have thoughts or ideas about this? Any input is useful. Thanks.