Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - SURFACE PLANERS

After many years of putting it off, will probably finally add a surface planer to my tool collection this summer. Was looking at models in the sub-$300 range but most glowing reviews I've found were for a model in the upper $400 area (intentionally leaving out makes/models) and the particular brand/model I was considering got a fair amount of bad press. If anyone has any input on surface planers (12" benchtop) as far as their likes/dislikes on any particular brand/model, I would certainly appreciate it. Thanks.

jws

The_Tow_Guy,
If you buy the Dewalt or the Delta 12" bench top, you'll be satisfied with either. I own the Delta and have used the Dewalt. I'm not positive on the Dewalt blade replacement, but the Delta blades have two small pin holes that line up with pins on the drum. Fit perfectly and didn't need any further adjustments. If you decide on the Delta, get the newer model that locks down. Happy shopping.

Thanks for the help. The Delta 12" has been the one I've been looking at but I started to have second thoughts when I read a couple of tool reviews (at amazon.com) from owners.
I also found a number of rave reviews for the Makita planer;
unfortunately the Makita is nearly twice the price of the Delta.
The major complaints on from the Delta owners were:

1. There's some sort of hex screws (14?)holding the blades on and they allegedly round off very easily which necessitates complete disassembly of the unit to replace the bad screws?
2.There is no lock on the thickness adjustment and if you plane multiple boards, the cutter head backs off and the thickness will vary between the first and last boards you plane on the same setting.
3. It is somewhat difficult to replace the spring-mounted blades and you need to purchase a set of magnetic blade holders in order to get both blades set at the same height on either end.
4. The blades dull very quickly and it would be preferable to have an option of carbide blades because of the amount of time required to change the blades.

Both of the owners mentioned the 12 1/2" Delta as an alternative to the 12" due to better design of some functions, particularly blade mounting. etc.

Could you comment on any of these items? Thanks. jws

JWS,.
I've only changed my blades twice, and no problems there. Most of the negative comments refer to the older model. The newer 12 1/2 lock-down model(22-560) is much improved over the older model. I haven't noticed any thickness variances with this model and I planed a considerable amount of rough walnut. I just went down to check my spare blades - they're not carbide, but they are double edged. I had forgotten, you can simply turn them around.

Thanks again, think all my questions are covered.

jws