My episode w Skil 100!

General Discussion
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Folk’s - here’s my story and how it ended: about 27+ yrs ago I started shaping surfboards w surform. I think I shaped 3-4 boards for fun w friend…anyway, the Skil 100 was the tool of the day (82’-83’)… I was saving money for a base model skil100, but I was short $60 bucks so I just gave up…I didn’t want to ask mom and dad - because I thought I should buy it myself. It didn’t happen. All I remember is seeing a shiny new planer in a store off a ave - that’s long gone…so! I saw a chance last week to try my luck…I thought in my head; this is the last time! I really felt it my soul/head - that if I don’t buy it now -it’ll be too expensive next few months…and it is! Anyway, here’s what happened: I saw a gentleman had one up for $595.00 - I offered four, he counter offer five c notes…I said ok! Guy’s/Gals -I’m finally getting what I wanted some 27+ yrs ago! And I’m hopeful it’s even better! Live the dream!!!

Now it’s your turn! Tell us your story. If you too want one - I say do it soon bcuz they are goin up, and up…

Any mod tips are appreciated.

Pic update! Can you believe that is the orig paint!!?

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Do not cut your finger tips off

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actually, the prices seem to have come down in the last year or so. i’ve been watching ebay off and on.

seems like 5-10 years ago they would end at $1000 or more on ebay and now they end at $500-$1000

maybe with the few alternative planers becoming more common, demand isn’t so high.

either way, i’m stoked for you! i need to find a part for my Skil then get it setup

 

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When I was shop grom working for Gary Linden at Brewer, he sent me with $500.00 to the Skil outlet store in Kearney Mesa in San Diego.

They were still making Skil 100’s and selling them.

Shiny, new in the case for $225.00.

Came back with two of them.

If only I had known right?

Now I learned on Skil’s, there was no other options except a really long, heavy Rockwell.

Brewer had a Skil he called Jaws.

Cut almost 1/2" per pass.

By the time I needed my own planer, Skil’s were done. No longer available.

Bought a Modified Hitachi direct from Clark.

Wore that thing out. (fried the bearings).

After two of those, I finally got my Skil.

Been my go-to planer for years. (my Bosch is next in line)

Never really touch my Hitachi.

I am currently building my Type 5. (almost done. Just need a front shoe)

Shapa, don’t lower the planer down along your side while it is still running.

Saw someone catch their pant leg.

Wasn’t pretty.

Now you have a American V-8 instead of a foreign 4-cylinder.

Congrats!

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Thanks for the tips! I actually DON’T ever put ANY of my body parts under planers etc…My dad nearly hacked into his finger tip running my old makita planer! He says he was glad he decided to wear leather gloves! Apparently it saved his finger tips!

Actually, when I stop planing, I unplug my unit. But good tip! I will keep it in mind.

You know how a lot of shaper put there hands almost hovering over the foam in front…is that risky? I personally don’t do it. I just hold knob. Has anyone ever accidentally had a injury w planer? I plan to get mine serviced next mos as I’m zapped of bucks.

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I hear you! Thanks for the warning. Upfront, I’m getting it serviced, I also WON’T put my hands down on blank, and will pull the plug when not in use. And…NEVER PUT MY FREE HAND IN FRONT OF SHOE UNDERNEATH:D

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Barry - way back in 82’ the base model skil100 which looked like a beauty was $164.00 + sales tax! And you could buy em at will…it sucks -skil quit making them! There new planer looks terrible.

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Well, I just bought new replacement brushes! I bought two sets; one for now, and a back up pair. Next, I will order a new pair of steel blades.

Geuss what! My planer came w odd spare parts? A metal triangle, three washers + wing nuts, a fence like thing, a rectangular black metal part, and some sort of yellow screw driver? I also got a Gray case, and a long guide that hooks up on side of the planer? Is this good - all the xtras? Tia - Jim ps: let’s all play safe and keep our hands out of harms way -even if you have to hold the handle… any safety tips would be MUCH APPRECIATED!

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Great to hear good luck and here is my story.

“2nd time around back when” I had one, bought it new for Geez less than 200 bucks!

Sold it in 92 $$$$!

3rd time around 5 years ago, Skil 100 too spendy! Went with the 2005 Clark foam Hitachi.

Got by but missed the weight and power.

Started looking last year as with the “Precision” deal knocked the Skil market and damn $550.00 Type 5 and in very good shape and at home in my ever growing stable.

3 plastic’s and one real deal.

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The deals are still out there.

I just picked one up for 300 bucks. Super clean - with the case.

Probably only used a had full of times to true up some doors.

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**

If you don’t have the owners manual, download one here.** http://skil100.com/ It will tell you what those excesories are and what there for and how to use them. The screw driver is something that someone just put in the case. The only thing you need is the blade leveling plate for when you change the blades. The blades must be adjusted properly with this excesory. The owners manual will tell you how to properly remove and install new blades. This is important. Keep in mind that the screw that is used to adjust the height and level the blade is also a safety devise that prevents the blade from flying out and killing you if it becomes loose enough to be ejected. After you have adjusted,leveled and tightened down the blade you need to turn the adjustment screw clockwise to tighten it down as well. Not real tight, just snug it up a little bit. Then from time to time check it to make sure that it remains snugged up.

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Nice share Mitch!

Now I got the poop on the type 5 head,

Mahalo.

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mattwho,

Who is that young guy with the way above the knee shorts?

HAHA!

Hey, how is that F30A?

Never have got to use one.

That has no mods eh?

How deep does it cut?

That is one planer I always wanted to try.

Nice collection there.

Here is both my Skil collection, and my other planers.

Plane-on brothers.

In order.

Rockwell 653 (not as nice as Genes) but is a mower non the less.

Skil 100 Type 4 7.5 Amp

Bosch Fully modified PeteC special

Clark Hitachi 1st Gen.

Craftsman (my first)

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Folk’s - ty for posting! Like I said earlier, I nearly bought a - Hitachi planer as I got a huge urge to get a better planer. My stock planer works and all, but I gotta lot more steps to get job done.I think I did right!? I spent $120.00 more, plus I’ll prob spend another amount for servicing…but I secured “the real deal” before they become out of reach in price. Your lucky if you can even find a $350.00 unit! You wouldn’t believe it, I was about to buy that 350 unit, but it was gone by the am! I haven’t seen any that low since last week. We’ll see.honestly, I think they’re gonna go up over 1 k. That’s my hunch.that’s also WHY I bit the bullet!

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  1.  Who is that young guy with the way above the knee shorts?

HA! had some hair on my head!

  1.  Hey, how is that F30A?

Just as bad ass as the Rockwell,  1/2" if you dare! Nice for rough and finish use it with great care! 

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thanks a LOT for the guides! Yup! I got the blade adjustment plate!!! I think I also got a free screw driver to! Lol. Ty - again WAVECRAFT!

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I have inadvertantly won/ bought 2 skils in the past 6 months on ebay… i often play what i can only refer to as “Bid Roulette” i do it with several things skils being one of them. I think to myself…whats the most I would want to pay? Set that bid amd not look at it again. Most days you get outbid notices… some days you win.

Both planers working in boxes, but used…
Won one @ 212.00 on a 325.00max bid
the second something like 310 on a 450 max bid.

The 212.00 one ended up in our rental shaping room.

Its my kind of gambling

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I have inadvertantly won/ bought 2 skils in the past 6 months on ebay… i often play what i can only refer to as “Bid Roulette” i do it with several things skils being one of them. I think to myself…whats the most I would want to pay? Set that bid amd not look at it again. Most days you get outbid notices… some days you win.

Both planers working in boxes, but used…
Won one @ 212.00 on a 325.00max bid
the second something like 310 on a 450 max bid.

The 212.00 one ended up in our rental shaping room.

Its my kind of gambling