Shopsmith Forums

I have had a SS Planer for years and it is very helpful when I need to use it. My typical work does not involve the planer very often, at least as of now. I picked up a Power Pro headstock and a SS Pro Planer recently. My dilemma is which of the two planers do I sell. The Pro Planer has a bigger motor at 1 3/4 but now with the Power Pro headstock I don't think the power is an issue. I know the Pro Planer has a cast iron table and the other one does not. I am limited in space but I could go either way. Those of you that have the Pro Planer is it really a lot more convenient and worth the floor space?

stew wrote:I have had a SS Planer for years and it is very helpful when I need to use it. My typical work does not involve the planer very often, at least as of now. I picked up a Power Pro headstock and a SS Pro Planer recently. My dilemma is which of the two planers do I sell. The Pro Planer has a bigger motor at 1 3/4 but now with the Power Pro headstock I don't think the power is an issue. I know the Pro Planer has a cast iron table and the other one does not. I am limited in space but I could go either way. Those of you that have the Pro Planer is it really a lot more convenient and worth the floor space?

All that I can say is that I really appreciate my ProPlaner. I would be really handicapped without one. How does the ProPlaner compare? I can not answer that since I have never used other than the Pro.

I agree with Dusty. I have never used a MK V mounted planer so I can't compare it to the Pro Planer either. The Power Pro head stock will certainly run the MK V mounted planer as well or better than the standard head stock.

If I were you and had the room I would keep the Pro planer and sell the MK V mounted one. To me convenience is the issue. You can just roll it out and use it. No fooling around to mount it on the MK V to plane one piece of stock.

I do not have either but if I did, I would make two small projects that required the planer. Use each planer for one of the projects then determine which one you like better. No matter what any one else prefers at the end of the day, you are the one that matters.

thunderbirdbat wrote:I do not have either but if I did, I would make two small projects that required the planer. Use each planer for one of the projects then determine which one you like better. No matter what any one else prefers at the end of the day, you are the one that matters.

Really good point Brenda since he has both.

As already mentioned, it is a matter of convenience. Gorilla handling the SS mount is not very handy. Also the greater rpm/motor of the standalone is a big plus.

I have the ss mount planer. I also have acquired a 1 3/4 hp motor for future stand alone use.

IIWM and I had the real estate, the pro planer is the better choice.

I would go with the Pro Planer for convenience. I love convenience!!! Small shop, but most is on castors and has a place when not in use, except benches, and TS is on castors but moved only fot cutting large sheet goods, which is seldom.

I have used all 3. They are all good. The mounted one is better because you can control the cutter head speed. A pain to put on tubes(lazy here). I have had a stand alone for over 25 years(not the pro planer). Had a pro planer stand alone but sold it. Never had the 1 3/4 motor. All in all they are a great addition in the shop
Tom

I had both and used both. I sold the Mark V mounted planer. I didn't like the aluminum table and didn't like the hassle of lifting it on and off. The Pro planer gets my vote in a heart beat. Just roll it out on the driveway and let the wind take care of most of the dust.

Don G

I have had a shop smith mounted planer for twenty five years. I bought a pro planer about six months ago. In my opinion the pro planer is the winner hands down. I used the mounted planer to plane lots of wood many pieces near the 12 inch wide variety. I found it to be very time consuming to get the job done. I was only able to take shallow passes or the machine would bog down badly. After receiving the pro planer I must admit it is a joy to be planing lumber with it. I am able to take off 1/8th of an inch in a single pass if I want to. The lumber sings right through this machine. I have kept the mounted planer just for parts as I won't be using it any time soon.
Good luck with your decision
John