Two weeks ago I decided it was time to buy a benchtop planer. I�ve been looking and comparing the various models on the market and decided to go with the Ridgid Model TP1300 13� planer.

My main decision to go with this more expensive (its 100 dollars more than the Delta 12 � inch) unit was based on three points.

• First was a comparison article in a woodworking magazine. The Ridgid and Delta both ranked in the highest positions.
• Second, the Ridgid has huge infeed/outfeed tables. The smaller units on the market have these tiny foldout shelves that looked fragile and easily bendable. I wanted solid tables that would provide uniformity to the plane.
• Third, the Ridgid has preset stops. If I need �� strips, I can guarantee they will be �� every time. The third point was the biggest selling point for me. When I buy a portable saw mill I�ll be looking for this feature again.

My first impressions are: This unit is very solid weighing in at 84 pounds. It�s also very quiet which was quite a surprise. A ran a lot of Port Orford Cedar, some fir and some cherry through the unit so far. The planing uniformity is excellent. No side-to-side adjustment was needed. All the controls are laid out in a straightforward manner. The only part I found confusing was finding the built in tool kit. I found it!

I�m now �Crazy Planing Man� and can�t get enough of it.

Got to go� there�s planing to be done

Roger

PS. In the picture, the small red triangle on the lower right is the preset knob/stop.