Good Cheap Planers / Jointers?

[bcarvings]

Hi,
I'm looking to buy a planer. I want to buy a stationary one because of all the snipe problems with portable ones... Does anyone know of a cheap portable or stationary planer that is good and does not produce any snipe? I saw a Makita planer that is rated 5 stars on amazon and it has like 30 reveiws, however some people say it doesn't do the work that of a stationary, and they also say no matter what portable planer you get expect to eventually get a little snipe. How much snipe does it produce? When people say snipe is it like 1/8 inch or 1/16 inch or 1/32 inch? Also Any good suggestions for a jointer? My bugjet is like $300-$500 for a planer. And $200-$300 for a jointer. A molder on the planer would be a plus....

I had a delta before I moved and sold it,and it did get snipe, unless I backed the board up with another board to catch the roller as it came down.....I now have a Ridgid planer...I haven't used it yet, but they tell me no snipe..not a big deal..just put another piece of wood behind it !

[bcarvings]

Hi,
Are you serios all I have to do is put a piece of wood behind it? Also Though that may help the back what about snipe in the front? I saw a Rigid planer, and a Rigid jointer. Both cost $350 each and I think it is reasonable?

[bcarvings]

Hi,
I ment people say there is snipe in the begging of the cut and the very end.

All planers will snipe wood unless they're properly adjusted!

I've got a 12 1/2 inch Grizzly portable I mounted on an old cabinet. I don't usually have a problem with snipe, I used a 4 foot level to adjust the in and out feed tables and that pretty much took care of it.

Another thing I saw a guy do was use a 4 foot scrap piece of countertop and rip it to fit inside his portable (12 inch Craftsman I believe). The extended bed works perfect and no snipe!

don't think I have heard of snipe on the beginning of the board ??? never had any, just the end....and like previously said, unless you have a cheapo planer, most times adjustment will take it out...and like I said if thats not enough back it up!

As with most things in life....you get what you pay for.

It has been my experience, that portable anything wouldn't work as well as a floor model, doesn't have the stability for it. I've seen the Makita planer produce great results, but it really depends on how much you use it and how good you want your results consistantly high quality. If you have a furnature shop for example....invest in a good quality stable floor model, like a General or Laguna, or Delta XP. But if you are just a home user, that does a few boards a year, then the Makita might be best for your useage.

I looked through this years Tool Guide from Fine Woodworking magazine....they rate the DeWalt as best ($480US) and Rigid as readers choice ($380US) in the portable line.

Good luck with your choice.

Bob

Due to lack of space, I had to get rid of my floor model planer. Picked up a small Delta on sale at home depot as a replacement. The first time I used it, it had about an inch of snipe. Did like Randy and adjusted the infeed and outfeed tables and no snipe. On longer stock, I use a roller stand. For the limited amount I use it, it does a good job as long as you remember that it is a portable and don't try to get carried away with big cuts. Biggest problem with quality of cuts on all planers, is dull blades. Like every other cutting tool, gotta keep 'em sharp.

[woodknomb]

bcarving, Have you tried them auction sites for used wood equipment? Seen some good deals on used stuff. Remember they are old , but well made.

Am I the only dummy here or is this a woodworker question. I have no idea what snipe is, I guess if I owned a planer I would know. Just curious I like to know what people are talking about. Would someone like to explain what snipe is. Thanks in advance.
Colin