Shopsmith Forums

I just acquired a Pro Planer with a beat up Mk5. It's the one that mounts to a MK5, and I'm wondering a couple of things about it.

First a bit of background. I do have a Delta TP-305 - 12 1/2" benchtop planer that was cheap, is portable, reliable & does a great job, so I don't necessarily NEED another planer...but as we all know, need has little to do with WANT, and like most everyone here, I always WANT more SS stuff even though I don't actually NEED (or have space for) it.

So here's what I'm wondering about. I know they always seem to bring a lot of money on ebay (compared to what I have in my Delta) so either the SS nuts who spend big bucks to buy them really are nuts, or they're a really good planer.

So, for those who use them, are they really that good? It looks like they give you little if any snipe because of the bed design...probably my only real complaint of the Delta.

Next, a 2-parter. does the MK5 mounted planer give you good results and/or is it necessary to have a separate motor for the cutter head, and if so, can one be added? (I guess that was actually a 3-parter, wasn't it?

I suppose all this is because I probably won't keep both planers, so the more info I have to make that decision, the better... although it does really bother me thinking about getting rid of something "shopsmith" that is not a duplicate.

trainguytom wrote:I just acquired a Pro Planer with a beat up Mk5. It's the one that mounts to a MK5, and I'm wondering a couple of things about it.

First a bit of background. I do have a Delta TP-305 - 12 1/2" benchtop planer that was cheap, is portable, reliable & does a great job, so I don't necessarily NEED another planer...but as we all know, need has little to do with WANT, and like most everyone here, I always WANT more SS stuff even though I don't actually NEED (or have space for) it.

So here's what I'm wondering about. I know they always seem to bring a lot of money on ebay (compared to what I have in my Delta) so either the SS nuts who spend big bucks to buy them really are nuts, or they're a really good planer.

So, for those who use them, are they really that good? It looks like they give you little if any snipe because of the bed design...probably my only real complaint of the Delta.

Next, a 2-parter. does the MK5 mounted planer give you good results and/or is it necessary to have a separate motor for the cutter head, and if so, can one be added? (I guess that was actually a 3-parter, wasn't it?

I suppose all this is because I probably won't keep both planers, so the more info I have to make that decision, the better... although it does really bother me thinking about getting rid of something "shopsmith" that is not a duplicate.

First, You have a Shopsmith Thickness planer if it mounts on the Shopsmith. The Pro Planer is a stand alone unit with its motorized stand. Does your planer have a feed motor and control box as the first ones only had a feed handle. It is quite expensive to add the feed motor and control box. The Pro Planer with the 1 3/4 HP or 2 HP motor has extra power available comparied to the Shopsmith mounted planer with the 1 1/8 HP motor headstock motor. I found the belts in the headstock can slip and overheat under a heavy planer load. Taking breaks helped this problem.

I recommend always using a fault isolation box for power to the control box as the planer control circuit is prone to power surges thus destroying the internal circuit. There are no safety, circuit or overload protection built into the control box.

If you are able to lift the thickness planer on and off the Shopsmith without problems, then it is an outstanding planer that will accomplish almost any task. There will be needed an area for storing the planer when not in use.

If by control box you mean a rheostat type dial, low---high with a little red key switch, along with the side mounted feed motor, it's a yes. I suppose by slowing down the feed rate & taking thin cuts, you'll minimize the load on the Mk5 motor/drive system.

I suppose the blades are pricey. Mine have considerable pitting & I'm not sure I can give them a clean edge anymore.

Anyone else out there with any likes/dislikes about the planer?

trainguytom wrote:If by control box you mean a rheostat type dial, low---high with a little red key switch, along with the side mounted feed motor, it's a yes. I suppose by slowing down the feed rate & taking thin cuts, you'll minimize the load on the Mk5 motor/drive system.

I suppose the blades are pricey. Mine have considerable pitting & I'm not sure I can give them a clean edge anymore.

Anyone else out there with any likes/dislikes about the planer?

I had the Dewalt DW733 planer and liked it. I sold that when I got my first Mark V mounted planer. The Dewalt with its universal motor was loud. For me the Shopsmith planers are so much quieter. The Dewalt only had two blades in the cutter head and did not leave as smooth a cut as I could achieve with the Shopsmith Planer. The variable speed is great for that final 'finishing' cut. I have sold the Mark V mounted planer and have a Pro Planer. If you are looking to sell one, you should get significantly more money for the Shopsmith planer. Especially, if you are willing (and can properly package) to ship the planer. I have sold and shipped a number of them.

I have the MarkV mounted version planer. It is my first and only, but I have no complaints. My feed control knob was broken off, but the feed rate to me seems pretty acceptable where its at and I know its pricey to repair. The only reason I would ever go to a stand alone is the conveinience, as it is a heavy SPT.
My overall and limited opinion is