13 Delta Planer Value Guide (Expert Tips for Woodworkers)
The tradition of woodworking, passed down through generations, is a testament to human ingenuity and our deep connection with the natural world. For many of us, the allure lies not just in the finished product, but in the process itself – the feel of the wood, the precision of the tools, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional. One tool that has held a prominent place in workshops for decades is the Delta planer. In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and expert tips to help you understand the value of the 13-inch Delta planer, focusing on what to look for when buying used, how to maintain it, and how to use it effectively.
Understanding the User Intent: A Deep Dive into the Delta 13-Inch Planer
The user intent behind searching for a “13 Delta Planer Value Guide (Expert Tips for Woodworkers)” is multifaceted. It’s a blend of several needs:
- Information Gathering: The user wants to learn about the 13-inch Delta planer, its features, and specifications.
- Valuation: They’re likely considering buying a used Delta planer and need information to determine a fair price.
- Maintenance & Repair: They might already own one and are looking for tips on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
- Usage Techniques: They could be seeking advice on how to use the planer effectively and safely.
- Expert Insights: They want to benefit from the knowledge and experience of seasoned woodworkers.
This guide is designed to address all these aspects.
The Delta 13-Inch Planer: A Legacy of Precision
The Delta 13-inch planer, particularly the 22-580 and 22-580TP models, are known for their robustness and ability to produce smooth, consistent results. These planers were manufactured over a number of years, and while they are no longer in production, they remain popular on the used market.
Why the Delta 13-Inch Planer Still Matters
- Durability: These planers were built to last. With proper maintenance, they can provide years of reliable service.
- Performance: They offer excellent planing capabilities for their size, making them suitable for various woodworking projects.
- Value: Used Delta planers can be a cost-effective way to acquire a high-quality planer.
- Parts Availability: While Delta no longer supports these machines directly, aftermarket parts are generally available from several sources.
Buying a Used Delta 13-Inch Planer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding a good used Delta 13-inch planer requires careful inspection and a bit of research. Here’s my step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Research and Identification
- Model Identification: The most common models are the 22-580 and 22-580TP (the “TP” denotes a three-knife cutterhead). Identify the model you are considering.
- Online Resources: Search online woodworking forums and marketplaces (eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) for listings. This will give you an idea of current asking prices.
Step 2: Initial Inspection (Before Visiting)
- Photos: Scrutinize the photos in the listing. Look for signs of rust, damage, or missing parts. Ask the seller for additional photos if needed.
- Seller Communication: Contact the seller with specific questions:
- “How long have you owned the planer?”
- “How frequently was it used?”
- “Has it ever been repaired or serviced? If so, what was done?”
- “Are there any known issues with the planer?”
- “Do you have the original manual?” (A manual is a great bonus!)
Step 3: The Hands-On Inspection
This is the most critical step. Bring a flashlight, a straight edge, and a piece of scrap wood.
- General Condition:
- Rust: Check for rust, especially on the infeed and outfeed tables, cutterhead, and internal components. Surface rust can be cleaned, but heavy rust indicates neglect.
- Dents and Damage: Inspect for dents, cracks, or other damage to the frame, tables, and motor housing.
- Missing Parts: Verify that all essential parts are present: infeed and outfeed tables, blade guard, dust chute, and adjustment handles.
- Tables:
- Flatness: Use a straight edge to check the flatness of the infeed and outfeed tables. Significant warping can affect planing accuracy.
- Adjustment: Check the table adjustment mechanism. Ensure it moves smoothly and locks securely.
- Cutterhead:
- Rotation: Manually rotate the cutterhead. It should turn smoothly without any binding or excessive noise.
- Blades: If possible, inspect the blades. Are they sharp? Are they rusty or chipped? Dull or damaged blades will need replacement.
- Blade Adjustment: If you have the tools and know-how, check the blade alignment. Misaligned blades can cause snipe (a deeper cut at the beginning and end of the board).
- Motor:
- Condition: Visually inspect the motor for any signs of damage or overheating.
- Operation: Plug in the planer and turn it on. Listen for unusual noises (grinding, squealing) that could indicate bearing problems.
- Power: Check that the motor runs smoothly and doesn’t bog down excessively when planing a piece of wood. Use your scrap wood to test this.
- Feed Rollers:
- Condition: Inspect the feed rollers for wear and tear. Are they cracked or hardened? Worn rollers can cause feeding problems.
- Operation: Observe how the wood feeds through the planer. It should move smoothly and consistently.
- Gearbox: The gearbox transfers power from the motor to the feed rollers. Listen for any unusual noises coming from the gearbox during operation.
Step 4: Test Run
- Planing Test: Plane a piece of scrap wood. Observe the quality of the cut. Is it smooth and even? Are there any signs of snipe or tear-out?
- Thickness Adjustment: Test the thickness adjustment mechanism. Does it move smoothly and accurately?
- Dust Collection: If possible, connect a dust collector and see how effectively it removes chips.
Step 5: Negotiate the Price
- Research: Based on your inspection and online research, determine a fair price.
- Negotiation: Be prepared to negotiate. Point out any flaws or issues you found during the inspection.
- Payment: Agree on a payment method that is safe for both parties.
My Personal Experience:
I once found a Delta 22-580 on Craigslist for a steal. The photos looked promising, but when I arrived, the infeed table was significantly warped. The seller hadn’t disclosed this in the listing. I pointed out the issue and negotiated the price down by $50, which I used to purchase a new (used) infeed table from an online parts supplier. The planer worked great after that.
Maintaining Your Delta 13-Inch Planer: Ensuring Longevity
Proper maintenance is crucial to keeping your Delta 13-inch planer running smoothly and extending its lifespan.
1. Regular Cleaning
- Dust and Chip Removal: After each use, thoroughly clean the planer to remove dust and wood chips. Use a brush, vacuum, or compressed air.
- Table Cleaning: Clean the infeed and outfeed tables with a solvent like mineral spirits to remove resin buildup. Apply a coat of paste wax to help wood slide easily.
2. Lubrication
- Moving Parts: Lubricate all moving parts (adjustment screws, gears, and pivot points) with a light machine oil.
- Gearbox: Check the gearbox lubricant level periodically. If necessary, add the recommended type of oil (refer to the owner’s manual).
3. Blade Care
- Sharpening or Replacement: Sharpen or replace the blades when they become dull. Dull blades can cause tear-out and put extra strain on the motor.
- Blade Alignment: Check the blade alignment periodically. Misaligned blades can cause snipe.
4. Feed Roller Maintenance
- Cleaning: Clean the feed rollers with a solvent to remove resin buildup.
- Adjustment: Adjust the feed roller pressure as needed to ensure smooth feeding.
5. Motor Maintenance
- Ventilation: Ensure the motor vents are clear of dust and debris.
- Brushes: If your planer has brushes, check them periodically for wear. Replace them when they are worn down.
6. Belt Inspection
- Condition: Inspect the drive belt for cracks or wear. Replace it if necessary.
- Tension: Check the belt tension. Adjust it if it is too loose or too tight.
7. Electrical System
- Wiring: Inspect the wiring for damage or loose connections.
- Switch: Check the switch for proper operation.
Case Study: Restoring a Neglected Delta Planer
I once acquired a Delta 22-580 that had been stored in a damp garage for years. It was covered in rust, the blades were dull, and the feed rollers were hardened. Here’s how I restored it:
- Disassembly: I completely disassembled the planer, taking photos of each step to aid in reassembly.
- Rust Removal: I used a wire brush and rust remover to remove the rust from all metal parts.
- Cleaning: I cleaned all parts with a solvent.
- Blade Sharpening: I had the blades professionally sharpened.
- Feed Roller Replacement: I replaced the hardened feed rollers with new ones.
- Lubrication: I lubricated all moving parts.
- Reassembly: I reassembled the planer, referring to the photos I had taken.
- Testing: I tested the planer, and it worked like new.
Using Your Delta 13-Inch Planer Effectively
Knowing how to use your planer correctly is essential for achieving smooth, accurate results and preventing damage to your machine.
1. Safety First
- Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Hearing Protection: Wear hearing protection, especially when planing for extended periods.
- Dust Collection: Use a dust collector to remove dust and wood chips from the air.
- Avoid Loose Clothing: Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the planer.
- Disconnect Power: Always disconnect the power cord before making any adjustments or performing maintenance.
2. Preparing Your Wood
- Inspection: Inspect your wood for knots, nails, or other defects that could damage the planer blades.
- Grain Direction: Plane with the grain to minimize tear-out.
- Moisture Content: Ensure the wood is properly dried before planing. Planing wet wood can cause the planer to bog down and the wood to warp. Target moisture content for hardwoods is typically between 6-8%.
3. Setting Up the Planer
- Blade Height: Adjust the blade height to the desired thickness.
- Feed Rate: Adjust the feed rate to match the type of wood and the depth of cut. A slower feed rate is generally better for hardwoods.
- Infeed and Outfeed Tables: Adjust the infeed and outfeed tables to be level with the cutterhead. This will help prevent snipe.
4. Planing Techniques
- Multiple Passes: Take multiple shallow passes rather than one deep pass. This will produce a smoother surface and reduce the strain on the planer.
- Overlapping Passes: Overlap each pass slightly to ensure even planing.
- Snipe Prevention: To minimize snipe, support the workpiece as it enters and exits the planer. You can also use a sacrificial board at the beginning and end of the workpiece.
- Wide Boards: For wide boards, feed them through the planer at a slight angle to reduce the load on the motor.
5. Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Snipe: Adjust the infeed and outfeed tables, support the workpiece, or use a sacrificial board.
- Tear-Out: Plane with the grain, use a slower feed rate, or sharpen the blades.
- Uneven Planing: Check the blade alignment or adjust the feed roller pressure.
- Motor Bogging Down: Take shallower passes, use a slower feed rate, or sharpen the blades.
- Wood Not Feeding: Clean the feed rollers or adjust the feed roller pressure.
Strategic Insights:
- Wood Selection: Different wood species react differently to planing. Softwoods like pine are generally easier to plane than hardwoods like oak or maple. Experiment with different species to find what works best for you.
- Feed Rate Optimization: Finding the optimal feed rate is crucial for achieving a smooth surface. Too fast, and you’ll get tear-out. Too slow, and you’ll burn the wood. Experiment with different feed rates to find the sweet spot for each wood species. I’ve found that a feed rate of around 15 feet per minute works well for most hardwoods.
- Dust Collection Efficiency: A good dust collection system is essential for safety and cleanliness. I use a 4-inch dust collection hose connected to a 2HP dust collector. This provides adequate airflow to remove most of the dust and chips.
Delta Planer Value: What is it worth?
Determining the value of a used Delta 13-inch planer depends on several factors:
- Model: The 22-580TP (three-knife cutterhead) generally commands a higher price than the 22-580 (two-knife cutterhead).
- Condition: Excellent condition with minimal rust and wear will increase the value.
- Completeness: Having all original parts and accessories (manual, dust chute, etc.) adds value.
- Location: Prices can vary depending on your location and the availability of used planers.
- Market Demand: The current demand for used woodworking equipment can influence prices.
General Price Range:
Based on my research and experience, a used Delta 13-inch planer in good working condition typically sells for between $300 and $600. However, prices can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
Factors that Increase Value:
- Three-knife cutterhead (22-580TP)
- Excellent condition with minimal rust and wear
- All original parts and accessories
- Recent blade sharpening or replacement
- Upgraded feed rollers
Factors that Decrease Value:
- Significant rust or damage
- Missing parts or accessories
- Dull or damaged blades
- Worn feed rollers
- Mechanical problems
My Recommendation:
Before making an offer, research recent sales of similar planers in your area. Check online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. This will give you a good idea of the current market value.
Strategic Advantages of Owning a Delta 13-Inch Planer
Beyond the immediate benefits of smooth, accurate planing, owning a Delta 13-inch planer offers several strategic advantages:
- Start Your Search: Begin searching for used Delta 13-inch planers in your area.
- Perform Thorough Inspections: Use the step-by-step guide to inspect potential purchases carefully.
- Negotiate Wisely: Be prepared to negotiate the price based on the condition of the planer.
- Maintain Your Planer: Follow the maintenance tips to keep your planer running smoothly.
- Practice Your Techniques: Experiment with different planing techniques to achieve the best results.
The Delta 13-inch planer is a valuable tool for any woodworker. By understanding its features, maintenance requirements, and usage techniques, you can unlock its full potential and create beautiful, high-quality woodworking projects for years to come. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time to learn the nuances of this classic machine. Happy planing!
