any recommendations/tips on an at home planer? personnel use only? 13" is what i had in mind. thanks

I use a Dewalt 735 13” planer. Had it for quite a few years after my Delta 22-580 died. Arguably the best small shop planer unless you go big time. I’d buy it again.

Dewalt 735 and then I replaced the knives with a shelix cutter head. Planes figured wood with very minimal tear out. I have had mine about 5 years and use it regularly, works fantastic! Rockler and others will have buy the planer get a stand type deals on and off on the Dewalt.

thanks! i like that one too. was wondering about that cutter head versus knives. if i do get one, will use til knives are shot then switch to the shelix. i assume they are more durable?

They are carbide so yes. I have yet to rotate mine and they are still cutting just fine.

I have heard things about the Dewalt 735, I would recommend just from what I have heard.
I have the Ridgid R4331, it stays true but it has to be the loudest shop machine I have ever turned on. I close my garage door to run it, as not to disturb the neighbors.
And like above, a helical head is pretty slick.

I see that Home Depot has the Dewalt planer and base for $679.00. Labor day sale

Ridgid

Dewalt, been running one for years.

lowes has them for 599 reg 699 yesterday. thats really more than i wanted to spend so i will keep looking. the dewalt must be a good one in that price range, lots of used ones for sale at near new price.

I have the DeWalt, too. I am really happy with it and would buy again.

I have been pleasantly surprised by my less-expensive Wen PL1252, but it is a 12.5-inch planer. Cost me about $300.

thanks

Bought my Dewalt from a tool dealer either on offer up or clist. You have to dig around but there are guys who buy pallets of returns from HD and then turn around and sell them. The dust port and a plastic post cap were broken in the box , other than that it was brand new and unused. I know because I took it apart and installed the shelix head before I ever used it. I paid significantly less than retail. Same for my compound sliding miter saw. Brand new in the box, some little part was broken or missing.