This is my first stationary planer and it's performed as I had hoped. The spiral cutterhead creates a super smooth finish and the machine has the power to handle any size lumber that will fit in it. I would recommend this machine to anyone in the market for a professional quality planer that needs to take up a small footprint.

I bought a 15" Grizzly planer (same as this) 4 years ago, and have had a good experience over-all. The machine is heavy and sturdy, as I've found most Grizzly products to be. Once set up and all fettling is done, smooth cuts are assured with the spiral cutterhead and individual, indexed cutter "cutlets" on the head. I find the planed surface after a cut to be fair but not finish-ready by a good measure. After 4 years of minor use - not the most used tool in the shop - I can say there are a few things that are mostly maintenance related but should be monitored and checked frequently. The wheel kit on the machine is manageable, but the front pivot wheel apparatus has a tendency to work itself loose if being moved frequently. The belt (x3) and drive system are accessible through the side panels and the belt cover plate. There are good instructions on tightening the belt properly, and proper maintenance should extend the belt life. Mine wore out in about 80 hours of use - which is premature - but was because I hadn't routinely monitored it for wear until it started to make noise. Fortunately I live close to the Bellingham showroom and was able to drive there and get new belts. It took me a little while to understand how to manage tensioning the belts, which includes the 3 horse power motor on a pivot that sinches the belts on the hub against the cutter head shaft above, and it isn't too difficult to accomplish; although it takes some fussing to get all 3 belts tensioned to where they don't oscilate against each other and still be within specification for tension. The upper gear box is a source of ongoing oil leakage, at an almost impercievable rate, but over time results in a small puddle on the floor. For this one it just needs a gasket replacement. The wing tables are great - heavy cast and polished, they weigh several pounds each. I do prefer them "on", others tend to leave them off for various reasons. The cutters provide a smooth surface ready for final finishing routines. As is the case with all machines with a top and bottom drive system, tend to develop "snipe" at the board ends, leaving a divot or groove that has to be seperately smoothed out. In general I think this machine is a good value for the current price, and I would definitely recommend the Grizzly 15" Planer with spiral cutter head for it's exceptional cutting quality and surface results.

I upgraded to this after using the Riged 13” planer. I will make this really simple. It’s awesome!!! I was just using it yesterday and thinking what a great purchase this was with excellent build qualty. It’s not very loud and leaves a beautiful finish on the wood surfaces. Depending on the wood species and what you’re doing with it, I’m not sure any sanding is even needed. It’s that good. Just want to mention it still leaves that snipe on each end of the board about 3 inches from the end. There are ways around that, but wanted to put that out in there. I’m using a 1 1/2 hp dust extraction unit and this thing makes virtually no mess at all. Minimal assembly and very straightforward. Grizzly shipping department is always on the ball as usual and I received my planer by freight the very next day after placing the order.

This is a terrific piece of equipment. I haven't done a whole lot of planing, but this is way better than anything I have ever done with a straight-bladed plane. I planed 11 boards this afternoon that we're 12 - 15 years old, really dry, hard and never had a peep from the planer. The wood is so smooth it almost doesn't need any sanding.