The house we bought two years ago needs new decking. I am thinking it would be more economical to buy a table top planer for some of the wood (the top tier is has 1 1/2 inch thick boards, the lower section would be completely replaced).

Back to the question: where are there table top planer reviews like this one - or what is the consensus on this board?

I also have an 1860's era barn on the property that will more than likely come down (one estimate for repairs was 60K!) and hopefully I'll be able to recover some of the wood from that too...

Thanks in advance for reviews of planers and any experience people can add.

Thinking spring in Central New York...

Chris B.

Most of the woodwoorker magazine sites will have reviews of thickness planers. Try www.woodmagazine.com, for example. Things to remember: a thickness planer will create two parallel faces on your wood; if your wood is warped, this won't solve the problem. A thickness planer creates an incedible amount of wood chips/shavings and is best done outside. If the wood in question is the old pressure treated stuff (arsenic based), you should also wear a dust mask (as a minimum) or a NIOSH respirator (preferred). I have a DeWalt model that I am very appy with. It's rugged and accurate and easy to use. It's also heavy as it should be for stability. DeWalt has upgraded now from the model I have; the new version has three blades in the cutterhead instead of two and produces a smoother finish.

MrMom -

Thank you for the information. Looks like that website has exactly what I am looking for - also thanks for your feedback on your machine.

Considering tomorrow's high temp is going to be 10F in my neck of the woods, spring may be a little further off than I hoped!!!