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Old thickness planer identification

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planer
5K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  tkdbruce 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello everybody I had a quick question regarding a thickness planer it's an older one and I don't see any real identifier on it besides a model number I don't know what make it is. He's asking $200 I don't know whether or not I should get it because I'm not sure if the blades are hard to come by, or parts the if the thing needs it. any help would be appreciated
Green Musical instrument Gas Machine Machine tool

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#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
My guess is a Powermatic just due to the coloring and "pm" but u might reseach Grizzly too
It looks like it's very well built verse what $200 will buy new so I'd suggest taking a few pieces of lumber over and running though it to see if it works well. If u like it haggle a little but assuming it's in good shape I'd say $200 is good
 
#5 ·
Thanks a lot for the replies you guys. Email Grizzly and ask them if they had any record of this planner. I did a little bit more digging around and it looks like it could possibly be Craftex from busy bee tools. In my searching I stumbled across a Kijiji add, that had the same model number in the description but when I clicked on the URL it did not show the item. I went to the Wayback machine to see if the URL was cashed with a picture but no luck. I did as suggested and registered at owwm .org. and posted. I emailed busy bees about the planner and I'm currently waiting for a response time will tell. I will update if I figure out anymore. thanks all
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
+1 Looks like a Craftex.

Note that vintage machinery site is only for US made machinery.
They won't have any information on stuff made in Asia.
it is against their forum rules to discuss tools made outside USA.

If you are looking for parts, Craftsmen sold similar looking machine, PN 351.233831

Don't remember Jet or Grizzly selling the 12-1/2"model 20 years ago, but if Busy Bee sold one, then brother Grizzly likely had a version of it too? They both sell a 13"planer/molder these days.

Update: Belsaw/Foley sold the largest market share of that style planer/molder machine. Powermatic sold a gold Belsaw, and Sears a grey one as well. Since most Taiwan made machines are clones of US made tools, you might find some useful reference materials on the Belsaw site. https://www.belsaw.com/ Those planer/molder have an almost cult like fan club for their flexibility.

Best Luck.
 
#8 ·
Here is your planer Bruce, l found it in my 2000 Busy Bee Catalog. Nice planer, they may still sell the molding knives. I can t seem to increase the size of the picture so you can read it. If you want it let me know and I will see what I can do.
WOW i cant believe that you found it. my mind is blown. Thanks so much for looking. I emailed busy bee again with your photo attached. they responded and attached the manual. it looks like the same one but the model number is different "B1980" from "Geetech" "Chiu Ting Machinery" . i dont know. Im guessing they must be mass produced in Asia and branded by different companies in Canada and in the US. they said they do not stock parts for it anymore. Is there any blades that will fit in this planer. are planer knifes universal?
 
#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
The B1980 is a Busy Bee number, Grizzly for instance would have had a different in house number for the same machine, they have little to do with the manufacturers model and serial number. Yes I am sure there are many importers out there who sold similar machines. If Busy Bee can't help you with parts, one of them may still be able to help you out.

No they are not universal, but they are not hard to source from lots of on line suppliers. Delta no longer sells knives for its older machines but I sourced a set of perfect knives for there older 8" jointer a few weeks ago from a supplier who sources them for you. If you have measurements and profiles they could probably even source the molder knives for you or find a low volume manufacturer who will make them for you, the price won't be easy though.
 
#11 ·
The B1980 is a Busy Bee number, Grizzly for instance would have had a different in house number for the same machine, they have little to do with the manufacturers model and serial number. Yes I am sure there are many importers out there who sold similar machines. If Busy Bee can t help you with parts, one of them may still be able to help you out.

No they are not universal, but they are not hard to source from lots of on line suppliers. Delta no longer sells knives for its older machines but I sourced a set of perfect knives for there older 8" jointer a few weeks ago from a supplier who sources them for you. If you have measurements and profiles they could probably even source the molder knives for you or find a low volume manufacturer who will make them for you, the price won t be easy though.

- CarlosInTheSticks
this is the best forms I've been on. Fast responses from knowledgeable people. I guess you can get anything if you pay the big price. But I'd rather not put a second mortgage on the house for replacement parts ;) I'm not saying that's the case but it is something to consider. This is where I struggle with things. Trying to decide if buying an older piece of $200 equipment is actually cheaper in the long run? Or do I try saving up money to buy an $800 (or more) planer where is the parts are more readily available. Especially for things like knives because I know I will eventually need more. Seller told me that somebody is supposed to be looking at it tonight so it might be sold anyway. And it will be somebody else's potential problem. I can't make it out there until the weekend so it might be sold by that point I'll let you guys know either way. :)
 
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