planers

I have become obsessed with the idea of shaping my first surfboard. I’ve made custom longboard skateboards, and that was tons of fun, but I have a ton of questions. First, what kind of planer is everyone using? I don’t have the cash for a Clark Foam/Hitachi planer but saw the same Hitachi planer(non modified) at a hardware store. I know it won’t cut as deep, but would it still work? Second, where can I take it to get glassed in LA or Orange County, CA and how much does it cost? Do they supply fin boxes and stuff? I appreciate any advice and look forward to posting the pics when I’m done. Thanks