Bench top wood planers?

I bought new Delta 12.5 " 2 speed planer. I am very happy with it. The wood comes out ready for finish with minimal sanding. I've run hemlock, red pine, white pine, black locust, cherry, red and white oak through it. It handles all of it well.

Check out the way the knives are changed and set.
This is real important to be easy for you to do.
That little tool that is used to set the knives,
Lock it in a safety deposit box and only let it
out under the supervision of an armed guard.
Mine has been missing for 15 years and I found it yesterday.
I couldn"t even get a replacement from the company.

Another thing. Keep the bearings and adjusters
well lubricated. I keep a can of wd40 just for this.
Spray it before I start, and when I hear it start
making noises I spray the bearings again.
That is what has made it last so long.

Don"t know I got along in my shop without my planer.
And I have run a lot of hard rock maple thru it.

Pooh Bear

I bought new Delta 12.5 " 2 speed planer. I am very happy with it. The wood comes out ready for finish with minimal sanding. I've run hemlock, red pine, white pine, black locust, cherry, red and white oak through it. It handles all of it well.

I think almost any Brand name planer you buy will probably be sufficient for the work you describe.

You might check out Grizzley (catelog or on-line). I think most of their stuff is very good for the price.