Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I replaced my Makita bench top planner with this Delta 15" to handle my growing thirst to build larger furniture from bigger rough cut lumber.The Makita did a fine job for 6 years but it had it limits when it came to working a pile of figured hardwood
I had several criteria for choosing a new planer;
Reputable manufacture & warranty
15" minimum width capacity
2 Speed feed rate
Highly mobile and small enough to fit into my shop
Tall enough outfeed to put long boards over the top of my table saw
Byrd Shelix indexable carbide spiral cutterhead or convertible to Shelix in future
The Powermatic 15HH15 $2500 and Grizzly G1021X2 $1500 + shipping + mobile base, met most of my needs.However, both have rigid mounted infeed and outfeeds which would take up a lot of room in my shop all the time.The Powermatic has a built-in base that doesn't work well in dust or on an uneven floor and it could not be easily raised to put the outfeed over my tablesaw.The Grizzly planer was economical but the one year warranty and the lack of a dealer network bothered me.Space requirements became the deal breaker with these two.I got the Delta 22-790X with the mobile base for $1400.It has a 5 year warranty, a great dealer/service network.The infeed/outfeed tables pivot down and I can easily move this planer around my shop.
It took some work to set it up by myself.I used mineral sprites to clean off the rust proofing.The posts must be very clean and lightly oiled, or the lifting crank will work hard.I tipped the head onto some of the Styrofoam packing and attached the base.Tipping it upright wasn't too hard, but I think am a fairly strong guy.To set it on the mobile base I cranked up the head, put three 2x4's 8' long through the planer, rested one end of the 2x4's on my work bench, and the other on a sawhorse.Then I cranked down the head which lifts the planer, slide the base under and lower the planer on to the mobile base.I won't recommend this proceed for everyone, it's safer to follow the Delta directions and get some help.I love the drop-down infeed and outfeed tables.This planer doesn't take up anymore space than the old Makita on a stand.I added a 7" high box between the planer and mobile base to help long boards clear my tablesaw.The two speed feed really makes short work of planning a pile of lumber.At the slower feed rate it leaves a good finish ready for minimal sanding.I must remember to lock down the head at both post clamps or suffer significant snipe.
Tipping the motor to access/change the knives is relatively easy, but I do plan on buying a Byrd Shelix indexable carbide spiral cutterhead someday to make my life easier.Even with the $800 added for cutterhead, the Delta is $300 less than the Powermatic and takes up considerably less room.I am very pleased with the Delta 22-790X.
UPDATE:
I recently added the Byrd Shellex cutter for less than $600.It is an incredable upgrade.On low speed the finish is like glass and on high speed it looks as good as the standard head cut on low speed.An added benifit is that the chips are fine/small, and don't plug the dust collection.
It was not the easiest to change over, but the Byrd provided instructions are good.Make sure that you use new bearings, gasket, and seal.The bearing might come with the Byrd cutter now, and you can get the seal and gasket from Delta online/phone.Assembly drawings are also available online.Using Permatex helps hold the gasket in place.Mine came folded and the Permatex FORM.A.GASKET sealant was a must because it leaked without it.I also replaced the lube with Mobil sythetic gear lubricant 75W-90 because I use this planer a lot and plan on keeping it for a longtime
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Product Description:
The DELTA 22-790X X-Series 15-inch planer features a powerful cutting action and an integrated stand for added convenience and usability. The three HP, single-phase motor generates 5,000 RPM for quick cuts. The 22-790X's three-knife cutterhead makes easy work of rough stock as wide as 15 inches and as thick as 6-1/2 inches. The spiral serrated steel infeed roller keeps things moving fast at speeds of 16 FPM and 30 FPM. The four and five-inch dust chute keeps things clean and free of dust and chips, and the rugged chain-and-sprocket drive system for increased durability, both add to the versatility of the innovative 22-790X Planer.
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