Does Rockwell make a planer suitable for shaping? I’d like to hear feedback from anyone who uses one. Thanks in advance.
I believe that at one time Rockwell (now Porter-Cable) did make a planer that would be suitable for shaping. Check garage sales and used tool dealers. They now make at least two modles. The model 125 would be able to shape boards. The Model 126, which is a good design, cannot be used to shape with because it’s motor hangs below the base. Both of these can be seen in the latest issue of fine Homebuilding along with others for comparison.
I have one. For todays shaping it’s overkill. At one time the Rockwell offered some advantages over the Skil 100. You could easily adjust the depth beyond the front lever and cut VERY deep passes. 1/2 inch or more. It also has a spiral drum that keeps the blank from tearing. Standard used to be two 1/8" passes off the deck and three passes off the bottom. With a Rockwell one pass off each side and you were good to go. VERY powerful (10 amps) and doesn’t even slow down on deep passes. Absolutly awesome tool for what its for. Maybe if your shaping wood.
That’s awesome, Greg. What’s the model # on the one you have? I’d like to take a look at one.
Greg: Hola amigo. Here is the skinny on that beast of a planer, now discontinued for a number of years. Rockwell label first, sold as a Model 653 EHD VersaPlane. Porter-Cable took them over and used the same model number and Name. Early versions were polished cast aluminum then later were either grey or putty enamel finish. They are VERY heavy tools but work well for skinning longboard blanks. Spiral cut blades, a one piece drum deal, normally in carbide. The blade unit is $165. and up and getting hard to find. Carbide has to be sent out for sharpening IF you can find someone to tackle the spiral design. See Jon Wegener (Tom’s brother), he loves 'em, I believe he shapes out of the same place you and Deeb used for glasswork. BTW- I hear he is heading out later this month for some surf with you guys. Tom S.
i use one greg. come by if you want to check it out. the power and the spiral blades make for less chipping so you can really move along. it gets rid of foam faster. but the skil is more comfortable when it comes down to more critical work.
Thanks for the low down, Tom. I was talking with Matt who now shapes for Tyler and he swears by them. I figured it was worth checking out but may not want to walk into anything too high dollar just yet. Deeb will be out here around the 18th. He wants to surf San-O but I think the beach is closed for a while, so we may take him further down the coast.
Ok, thanks Gene. I’ll be in your neck of the woods on the 20th…will call.
Yater uses the Rockwell on his wood boards.