Wow the market for decent skils is crazy right now. Does anyone notice certain times in the year if the market slows a little? I was looking to grab one to learn what it was like for all the guys I look up when they shape but at the current prices I might have to just save the money and buy a second PeteC Bosch.
i’ve seen alot of good things about the hitachi
Bob McTavish doesn’t appear to use a Skil planer. I think he usues a Hitachi or a Makita. From this I think we can deduce that a Skil planer is probably not essential to becoming a good shaper.
I have a great modified Bosch that so far I love. I don’t want the skil to become a “better” shaper. I want the skil for sentimental reasons, theres something about using the same exact machine that the guys who started this whole thing used 40 50 60 years ago. I borrowed one to make a classic board a while ago and while it took some time to get used to it i definitly felt it added to the experiance which in my opinion translates to a better shape. I only shape because its fun…
anyway if anyone notices that certian times of the year the market slows could you please share.
The market is crazy right now?
Seems like the market is pretty relaxed to me.
Several for less than $400 on eBay. Some with free shipping.
Matter of fact, a 7.5 type 4 in good shape just went for $389.
That’s a deal imo.
I did not see the 7.5 type 4 bummer… Im bidding on a few of the 5.5 right now like 20 mins before its over they shoot up to 500 plus.
I own one of each. I’ve shaped well over 8500 surfboards using a 5.5 amp model. I’ve probably shaped about 20 or 30 boards with the 7.5 amp model. You’ll find the 5.5 to be more than adequate for your needs, as a hobbyist. If you can find a decent one for under 500 dollars, you should grab it, IMO. When you do get one, send it to PeteC, for a tuneup. It’s the smart move to protect your new treasure. You won’t regret it. Good luck, eh.
How much does the Pete c refurbish usually cost
That depends on the condition of the planer, both external and internal. You may need a new cord, brushes, blades sharpened, etc. Or, there may some more serious conditions. Or, you may get a seldom used unit, that is like new. Point is, after he looks it over, you’ll know exactly what you have. Also, these things last a lifetime. I bought my 5.5 amp Skil new in 1964. I’ve only replaced brushes, cords, belts, and triggers. That’s 52 years of service.
That’s good value for money Bill!
Forget the eBay asking prices. Do a search of sold listings and you will get a differnt picture. Just because someone asks $1,000.00 for one doesn’t mean they ever get it.
Jcyr-
Are you open to variants such as the 190, 676, and earlier type 100’s?
Yeah ideally I’d like those because they are cheaper and basically the same just even harder to find
Anyone who thinks that you can buy a 60+ year-old Skil from eBay (or elsewhere) and just use it as-is will be in for a rude surprise. I will buy whatever is left for parts. The Skil design was intended for passes on 36" door bottoms with a duration of less than 15 seconds. For continuous duty (i.e. more than 5 minutes) the bearings need to be almost twice their size for 16,000 rpm. Same for the motor, it has a hard time dissipating all the heat from continuous duty. So using the Skil for shaping means a lot of maintenance, and none I’ve seen over the years ever had that kind of care. Back in the day you just bought another one new for the next 10 years. When this occurred, there was a ritual pilgrimage to the select hardware stores that stocked the 100’s, but that’s a whole other story.
My restoration criteria is that they have never been used for shaping, have no more than 4 amps current draw, and all of the bearings are still press-fits. Otherwise I can’t honestly say they are restored or even warranty them when done. The majority of the restorations I do today are for resellers. These guys have app’s that notify them when a Skil is on any market and they will buy everything available. Hammered ones are disassembled for parts caches, good ones get restored and sold. The average price for a fully restored one is about $1000-1400 in 2016. That is a fair price considering the average cost of a restorable Skil is about $500 and restoration runs about $300-400. It’s certainly not a high-margin business, but selling restored Skil’s at that price next to as-is ones on eBay which are priced $1500 and up takes those kooks out of the market. And these restorations do sell, the resellers can’t keep any inventory month to month.
Those who really know Skil’s will confirm that the older the model the better. This is because the motors are superior (purer copper windings, US made) and the casting molds were very new when they were made. So the most valuable are the 190/676, “no-type” ones with A-series serial numbers, then types 1 thru 5 in that order. It really doesn’t matter if it’s 5.5 or 7.5 amps, mowing foam only adds about 1/4 amp to the no-load running current.
So the bottom line is that you’ll never know what you’re buying as-is unless it’s tested, disassembled and checked. If anything turns up wrong, you’re screwed unless the seller offers returns (then you’re out shipping costs). It will cost less to just buy a restored one with a warranty in the long run.
You are the man
YOU BET HE IS !
how long should the back be if cutting it? I borrowed a skil last winter that was real short cut right at the handle I know many are cut but is there a general average?
My 5.5 amp Skil has the full length base. My 7.5 amp Skil came with a full length base. Terry Martin, through PeteC, gifted a short base to me. Said short base was installed for me, by Mr. PeteC. It is cut shorter than the end of the handle. A little too short, IMO. I’d prefer it to be a bit longer, but that’s just me. I think if you make the cut right at the post (cord deflecter) it would be a good workable length. See if Pete has any extra bases. Save the long one, if you can. I can not express strongly enough, that you put yourself in the capable hands of Mr. PeteC. Do it right, if you’re serious about developing your shaping skills. You don’t NEED a Skil 100, to shape a decent surfboard. But it sure does make the process more satisfying.
last weekend I shaped for close to 20 hours between Saturday and Sunday and that little Bosch was amazing. It cuts fast and effortlessly and never got hot like the skil I borrowed before. Pete’s work is undeniable. When busy I think I’ll mostly still use this Bosch as everyone here who handles much more volume than me says indestructible. But I definitely look forward to having a skil for those slow Friday nights when I want to make one board and really sink into it. Especially if it’s a classic shape.
I’m am truly honored by what you guys think about my work. It makes all of the details I stress over on these planers worth it.
Well, the Bosch 1594K conversions are now all gone, but the Makita KP0810 conversion kits will be available soon. That Makita is available worldwide in all voltages, and the kit can be easily installed.