: How consistent is the thickness of the strips? If they're within
: .010", it's probably good enough.

Just went out to measure some strips that I milled years ago and find that I do need a thickness planer. The spiral cutting heads cost as much as the planer.
I'll shop around for a planer that comes with spiral cutting heads. I heard good things about them.

: That said, a thickness planer is a very useful tool, one of the
: "three basic power tools" of a woodworking shop (table
: saw, jointer, planer). Until you have one, you don't realize how
: useful it is. Either of the ones you listed would work fine. I
: happen to have the Dewalt and I've been quite happy with it.
: However, if I were to buy another one, I'd spend the extra money
: to get one with a spiral carbide cutter head. I converted my
: jointer to one and the difference is huge; better surfaces with
: less effort, MUCH less noise and zero blade sharpening.