Originally Posted by
Larry Edgerton
I've owned a couple of planers with that design. I never could make them work as good as I liked, so bought an old PM 180 and rebuilt it. Much better and more consistent finishes, especially after I slowed down the feed rate a touch. All said and done I had less in the PM180 than I had in the Powermatic of the design being discussed here, and when I sold it I made a profit. I now have a SCM, but realize most people can't buy one if not doing this for a living, but that is the only reason I sold the PM180.
On the under $2500 dollar range I do not see one that outguns an old iron restoration for performance or dollars. Not as simple as picking up the phone, and will require some sweat equity, but the rewards are great. I did buy my SCM new, but have many old tools that serve me well. I just picked up a 3000 pound double spindle shaper for $750, cleaned it up and it works perfectly and can swing a 14" cutter. Thats about the price of a router table.
Larry
Larry, you consistently rip lower cost tools on this site. I'm sure your tools are really awesome, but surely there are folks that have even better tools than you. The OP asked for differentiators between 4 specific brands. He wasn't asking for comparisons to higher end tools. Why do you feel the need to jump in and rip all 4 and then tell us how great your stuff is? I don't get it.
Scott Vroom
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.