What's inside
- Which Delta planer should you buy?
- Delta 22-555 versus 22-580
- When a vintage Delta planer is worth the trouble
- Blade availability: the decision many listings hide
- Delta portable wood planer buying checklist
- What to choose by situation
- Alternatives that may make more sense
- Final buying verdict
- Related Guides
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For most buyers in 2026, a Delta wood planer makes sense only when a clean used machine is substantially cheaper than a current alternative and replacement knives are easy to identify; the best targets are the Delta 22-555, 22-580, and certain older 12-1/2-inch portable models.
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Which Delta planer should you buy?
Delta’s planer history is easier to understand as two groups: portable benchtop machines with disposable or reversible knives, and older cast-iron stationary planers that appeal to restorers. The portable group is the practical choice for furniture makers, trim work, and small shops. Vintage machines can be durable, but their value depends heavily on condition, not just the Delta name.
| Machine or class | Typical capacity | Approximate weight | Used-market range in 2026 | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta 22-555 portable planer | 13 in. width; about 6 in. depth capacity | About 75–80 lb | $180–$350 | Occasional stock preparation and small shops |
| Delta 22-580 portable planer | 13 in. width; about 6 in. depth capacity | About 90–100 lb | $250–$500 | Heavier-duty benchtop use and repeat work |
| Older Delta 12-1/2 in. portable models | 12–1/2 in. width; commonly around 6 in. depth | About 65–85 lb | $100–$275 | Low-budget buyers who confirm knife availability first |
| Vintage stationary or cast-iron Delta planer | Often 12–15 in. width, model dependent | Roughly 300–700+ lb | $250–$1,200 | Restoration projects and permanent workshops |
| DeWalt DW735 alternative | 13 in. width; 6 in. depth capacity | About 92 lb | $350–$650 used | Frequent use and buyers who want strong parts support |
| Makita 2012NB alternative | 12 in. width; about 6-3/32 in. depth capacity | About 61 lb | $300–$550 used | Portable work with a lower lifting burden |
Dimensions and weights can vary slightly by production revision, stand, and accessories. Treat the table as a buying screen, then verify the model number on the machine before paying.
Delta 22-555 versus 22-580
The Delta 22-555 is generally the more affordable Delta portable wood planer. It is attractive when the asking price is low, the cutterhead runs smoothly, and the owner can demonstrate an even cut. It is a reasonable choice for a hobbyist who planes a few boards each month, especially if the machine includes infeed and outfeed tables.
The 22-580 is the more desirable used Delta benchtop model because it is typically heavier and better suited to repeated stock preparation. That extra mass can reduce movement and vibration, although it does not eliminate snipe or guarantee a better finish. A well-maintained 22-555 is preferable to a neglected 22-580 with damaged tables, worn rollers, or a failing gearbox.
Neither should be judged solely by motor amperage or advertised cutterhead speed. Examine the feed rollers, cutterhead bearings, depth-adjustment mechanism, and table flatness. A planer that sounds healthy with no wood in it can still slip or leave ridges under load.
When a vintage Delta planer is worth the trouble
A vintage Delta planer can be a good buy when you need a permanent shop machine, have 240-volt power if required, and are comfortable doing mechanical maintenance. Cast-iron tables and frames can remain serviceable for decades, but age creates several ownership risks:
- Feed rollers may be glazed, cracked, or too hard to grip rough stock.
- Belts, chains, sprockets, bearings, and bushings may need replacement.
- Tables can be rusty or slightly twisted from poor storage.
- Knife dimensions may be model-specific rather than interchangeable with modern portable-planer knives.
- Some guards, switches, and dust-collection parts are no longer sold by the manufacturer.
For a vintage purchase, ask for the exact model and serial information, not merely “old Delta planer.” Before moving it, confirm that the cutterhead turns by hand, the knives can be removed, the feed mechanism engages, and no casting is cracked. A $350 machine that needs $500 in rollers, bearings, knives, and electrical work is not a bargain unless restoration is part of the goal.
Blade availability: the decision many listings hide
Replacement knives are usually easier to source for Delta’s common 12-1/2- and 13-inch portable planers than for older stationary models. The important measurements are knife length, width, thickness, hole pattern, and whether the cutterhead uses reversible disposable knives or sharpenable steel. Never order by width alone.
For a portable Delta, budget roughly $30–$80 for a compatible replacement knife set, depending on the model and material. A typical two-knife set can plane approximately 150–300 board feet of ordinary softwood before finish quality noticeably declines, but dirty, painted, reclaimed, or abrasive lumber can reduce that figure dramatically.
That gives a useful ownership calculation. If a $50 knife set produces 200 board feet, its knife cost is about $0.25 per board foot. Add a $300 used planer spread over 3,000 board feet of expected use and depreciation contributes another $0.10 per board foot, before electricity and maintenance. If you only plane 100 board feet annually, a reliable used machine may still be economical over several years; if you need it once, paying a local mill or borrowing one may cost less.
Delta portable wood planer buying checklist
- Confirm the model number. Photograph the label and compare the cutterhead and knife specifications before buying accessories.
- Run it without stock. Listen for growling bearings, rhythmic knocks, belt slap, or a gearbox that skips under load.
- Plane a test board. Use a straight, reasonably dry board. Check for snipe, ridges, stalled feed rollers, and thickness variation.
- Inspect the tables. They should lock firmly and sit close to coplanar with the bed. Loose folding tables can worsen snipe.
- Examine the knives and cutterhead. Deep nicks suggest metal contamination or careless use. Confirm that the knife clamps and screws are not stripped.
- Check dust ejection. A blocked hood or weak chip discharge can cause clogging, overheating, and poor surface quality.
- Price the missing parts. Include knives, a belt, rollers, a dust hood, and a stand if they are absent.
What to choose by situation
| Your situation | Practical choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under $200 and occasional use | Clean older Delta portable model | Low entry cost, provided compatible knives are confirmed |
| Weekly furniture work | Delta 22-580 or DeWalt DW735 | Heavier construction and better tolerance for repeated setup |
| Limited lifting strength or frequent transport | Makita 2012NB or another lighter 12-inch planer | Lower carrying weight and compact storage |
| Permanent shop and restoration interest | Vintage cast-iron Delta | Rigid platform and repairable mechanical construction |
| No time for parts hunting | Current-production alternative with verified support | Lower risk when knives, belts, and service parts are needed |
Alternatives that may make more sense
The DeWalt DW735 is often the safer choice for frequent users who value readily identified knives, strong chip ejection, and a two-speed feed system. It is heavier and usually costs more used, but the price difference can be justified if downtime matters.
The Makita 2012NB is a compelling alternative for a mobile workshop. It is narrower and lighter, with a reputation for manageable transport and relatively quiet operation. Its smaller width is the trade-off: boards wider than 12 inches require a different machine or a second operation.
Other current benchtop planers from manufacturers such as Ridgid and Wen can be attractive when sold with a clear warranty and readily available knives. Compare the complete ownership package rather than the bare machine price: knife cost, warranty, dust hood, table support, and the availability of belts and feed parts all matter.
Final buying verdict
Buy a Delta wood planer when the machine passes a test cut, the knives are identifiable, and the price leaves room for immediate maintenance. The 22-555 is the value-oriented pick; the 22-580 is the better Delta target for regular benchtop work; and a vintage cast-iron model is suitable only for a permanent shop or an owner who welcomes restoration. If the seller cannot provide the model number or demonstrate that the feed system works, walk away—even when the price looks unusually attractive.