Okay, I gotta ask;
Do folks really get a finish ready surface off of a planer, or jointer? I mean absolutely no other work. From the machine, to the finish bench?
I have had a 15" jet for quite a few years. It's a nice machine, but the material coming off is not finish ready. No indeed/outfeed roller marks, but definitely not ready for a finish coat. Everything goes through the sander next for me.
I've only been around the lunchbox planers, never owned one, so I can't comment on quality.
"The first thing you need to know, will likely be the last thing you learn." (Unknown)