You have already had several good recommendations to look for good condition used 3 phase industrial + a phase converter.
You're going to have a hard time finding something in this build quality range in single phase and there's a reason for it. Most real, truly heavy duty planers are 3 phase. I would not put new Laguna in the same category of quality as industrial Euro brands like SCMI, etc.
When I upgraded my planer in 2019 (to an older 20" 9hp SCM with Pro Scale DRO), choose to add a phase converter at the same time to open up my options for a more industrial machine. It started with a used Kay RPC and now I have a Phase Perfect and almost all of my main machines are 3 phase. I am in a small shop in my walkout basement, not an industrial space, fyi. Very glad I made that's choice and have the option of used 3 phase equipment.
Is there a reason you seem set against adding in a converter and considering 3 phase?
Edit: I just looked up the price on the Laguna (!?!) You seem to have ample budget for a nice condition, newer, used SCMI with digital bed positioning and readout and Tersa head or similar and a top of the line phase converter (Phase Perfect)...and maybe even some leftover.
Last edited by Phillip Mitchell; 01-09-2024 at 6:55 AM.
Still waters run deep.
I agree with Philip and Larry. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a good used machine like an SCMI, especially with a Tersa or helical head, and a phase converter. A rotary phase converter opens up the door to a universe of industrial machinery and need not be that expensive.
With digital electronics, do you need a Phase Perfect, or will a rotary converter fry the electronics? Not suggesting anything, just don't know the answer to that.
I just took the Phase Perfect route and a Felder D951 planer. Love it, and much cheaper, but not 25" of course, but you said anything over 16" would work (it's 19-7/8"). The Digi-Drive and Power-Drive are really fantastic.
- After I ask a stranger if I can pet their dog and they say yes, I like to respond, "I'll keep that in mind" and walk off
- It's above my pay grade. Mongo only pawn in game of life.
Not sure about that? Mine is a mechanical readout like an odometer. I actually prefer it, nothing to go wrong and it has been perfect for many years. I kid that I check my dial caliper with my planer once in a while. You do have to raise the table with a pair of switches, one high speed, and a fine adjustment button, but its easy. As long as it does not have a crank!
Be curious about that question? I have a 50HP RPC, can't afford a PP that large.
Last edited by Larry Edgerton; 01-09-2024 at 1:17 PM.
I think you should get this:
https://360degreemachinery.com/shop/...30-x-8-planer/
Yes, I have 3 phase!
I have to ask do you have enough amps to run that machine on single phase? A vfd will give you soft start and reduce starting amps by a large percentage.
Bill D
Two options to consider:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...705016160.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...705016018.html
Edit to add:
24" 299D 10hp Oliver planer
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...699972742.html
Last edited by Nick Crivello; 01-09-2024 at 4:15 PM.
now thats a beast. US made some serious machinery.
Last edited by Warren Lake; 01-09-2024 at 4:00 PM.
I thought the 24” Oliver with spiral head at $4k wasn’t too shabby…
Here is a big one far away up for auction. I have used a shaper and a drum sander made by Woodmaster. They are both excellent machines. This planer shares the same design ascetic as the sander and shaper, with weldments prevailing over castings.
https://www.purplewave.com/auction/2...g_Equip.-Texas
Mainly because I wanted to stay with a new machine, and not used.
But, perhaps I need to adjust my thinking.
So, not being familiar with the used planer market, where do I search for something like this?
Here's my new desires:
Used ok.
$16K or under, including a phase converter. I think the needed Phase Perfect would run about $3k, thus leaving $13k for the planer.
20" or wider.
Digital bed positioning, and readout.
Tersa head, or spiral.
Minimum stock thickness 1/4"
Nice, but not Must Have:
Segmented infeed (sectional infeed)
Infinite variable infeed speed
Where do I look for a used quality machine like this? I'm in Wisconsin.
Last edited by dirk martin; 01-09-2024 at 11:36 PM.
You did say beastly, right??
https://bloomington.craigslist.org/t...698017588.html