Powermatic 1791296 Model 209 20-Inch 5 Horsepower Planer, 230-Volt 1 Phase

• Powerful 5 horsepower Motor 1ph 230 Volt; 770 pounds
• 20-inch planing capacity; 5-inch dust port connects to any dust collector
• 2-speed oil bath gearbox transmits full power to feed rollers and facilitates fast speed changes at 24 and 31 FPM
• Huge 55-1/2- by 20-inch cast iron table; intergrated casters for mobility
• Cutterhead includes four high-speed steel knives; turns at 5000 RPM, producing 20,000 cuts per minute

This big beauty turns out some of the smoothest surfaces we've ever seen, but since it's coming from Powermatic, it's really no surprise. The 5 horsepower motor powers along a four-knife cutterhead at 5,000 rpm, producing 20,000 cuts per minute, and the results are outstanding.

This planer's capacity is just intense, taking in boards as wide as 20 inches with a max thickness of 8 inches - and its capacity for minimum length is surprisingly small, at 6-3/4 inches. Knife adjustment or removal will require a little patience, but it's not a chore that will have to be done with any frequency.

This planer comes with two feed speeds of 24 and 31 feet per minute, but the gear box is easily converted to four speeds with the included parts - just replace the lower gear shaft sprocket and chain to have access to speeds of 16.2 and 20.7 feet per minute. When you're running a heavy load, the planer automatically slows the feed rollers, so you get the very best planing every time.

Powermatic even makes life easier for you when you're not actually planing - by putting two heavy-duty return rollers on top of the machine to help you get heavy boards back to the infeed side. The tables on both ends are smooth-as-glass cast iron and give you great stock support.

The fully enclosed cabinet is solid as a rock and features a 5-inch dust port to hook up to your dust collection system. You'll really need to be moving at least 900 cubic feet per minute for the dust extraction to be effective. Take care not to install the dust port if you're not hooking into a collection system, though, because the abundant sawdust will clog your machine in no time.

Since belts tend to stretch, you'll probably find you have to tighten the belt the first few times you use the planer. It's an easy process that involves taking off the guard and rear panel, loosening the nuts on the motor adjustment screws and turning the top nuts to lower the motor plate. Tighten back up and it's done. Aside from that, with attentive lubrication, this beauty will last you for decades.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
Includes 209 20" Planer - 1791296, Singled-Sided Knives, Knife Setting Gauge.