Planer

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:26 am

I have the opportunity to buy a used shopsmith planer for my Mark V. I have not seen it yet and I was wondering if anyone could suggest specific things to look for and/or checkout prior to buying. I don't think I will be able to see it in operation so I really need to know what to look for. Any help would be appreciated.

Bill

shipwright · Post by **shipwright** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 11:26 am

Look at the infeed roller. If it's rubber, chances are it's old and dried / worn out and won't feed very well. You're looking for the knurled steel one. That's the one thing I had to replace on mine.

Paul M

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 11:38 am

Thanks for the feedback. That's exactly what I am looking for. Is the outfeed roller also something that may be rubber and need replacing?

Anything else I should look for?

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 11:39 am

Also turn the height adjustment crank, looking carefully for any "wobble" or uneven effort in turning the crank. The jack posts on this planer are easily bent, and if this damage occurs this is an extensive/complex repair.

When buying a planer on eBay, this type of damage often occurs in shipping.

shipwright · Post by **shipwright** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 12:07 pm

mountainbreeze wrote: Is the outfeed roller also something that may be rubber and need replacing?

Anything else I should look for?

The outfeed roller won't be any better than the infeed but it's not as critical. mine works fine with a worn outfeed roller.

One more thing to check is that the chain drive underneath is unobstructed. 8iowa's comment made me think of this. If the planer gets set down hard on the way tube clamps, the threaded insert it screws into can be dislodged, jamming the chain. The chain will also be jammed if the drive side clamp is screwed in too far.
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Paul M

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:00 pm

You guys are great. Thanks again.

Now, assuming it is in descent condition, is $400 for the planer, extra set of blades, and dust collection hood a fair price?

mountainbreeze · Post by **mountainbreeze** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:05 pm

8iowa wrote:Also turn the height adjustment crank, looking carefully for any "wobble" or uneven effort in turning the crank. The jack posts on this planer are easily bent, and if this damage occurs this is an extensive/complex repair.

When buying a planer on eBay, this type of damage often occurs in shipping.

Uneven effort I understand but I'm not sure what you mean by "wobble". Do you mean that the crank will feel loose - kind of like a bolt threaded into a hole that is a little too big?

Fortunately, it is a local purchase so no shipping will be involved.

stevespix · Post by **stevespix** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:12 pm

I paid $200 for a used pro planer and stand that was older but in good shape. These can easily be rebuilt and are far better made than the throw away one's you can get at Home Depot. The one I bought had not been used in years and with some minor cleaning I have done nothing and it runs and planes like it was new. Even at the $400 mark I don't think you can go wrong if it runs. Offer less and if they say no---no harm no foul.

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:33 pm

mountainbreeze wrote:You guys are great. Thanks again.

Now, assuming it is in descent condition, is $400 for the planer, extra set of blades, and dust collection hood a fair price?

Fair is in the eyes of the buyer. Prices vary significantly depending upon area. I too have seen or purchased a number of Pro Planers (free standing, cast iron table) in the $150 to $250 range. If you are in a "Shopsmith rich" area, you may be able to get a better deal than $400 with patience. And you can always offer the seller of the planer something less than what they are asking. All they can do is say no. But they can't say yes unless you ask.]

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:49 pm

If the jack posts are bent, you can see the table "wobble" as you crank it up and down.

The destructive testing companies, that mask their true identity as "shippers", especially like to damage tools like the Shopsmith Planer. If at all possible, it is better to spend the time and money to pick up the planer.