I bought a DeWalt 735 13" planer last summer, and it works great, does a
fine job. Reason for my choice? Two feed speeds, and the lower speed
is 1/3 the higher one. I have fed highly figured quilted maple, curly
koa, and curly claro walnut thru it on the lower feed rate with no snipe.

Very pleased. But this model is $200 more than the cheapest 12-1/2" models.

--Steve

habbi wrote:

Is there any reason not to buy a cheap 12.5" thickness planer. Are some
better than others. I plan on making raised panels for doors and cabinet
doors. Is a thickness planers one of those tools that you either buy top
quality or don't bother at all? Thanks