Ryobi 12-5/16 (AP-12) Planer Blades

[RonB]

My old Ryobi AP-12 surface planer is doing fine but showing signs of needing
blade replacement and I'm getting nervous. Previously I have paid $20 to
$25 for a set of blades at various home and tool stores. Now, apparently
Home Depot is the only authorized Ryobi tool outlet now and they don't stock
them. The local "authorized" parts and repair shop wants $55 and the Ryobi
web site sends you to an aftermarket distributor that wants $63. I have
even seen them as high a $71 on some internet mail order sites.

I have seen posts on some tool sites that suggest that some Delta blades
will fit this machine. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Looks like Ryobi is abandoning their old customers.

HELP!
Ron

[Barney]

Hi Ron,

I went thru the same thing a few years ago. The 12 1/2" Delta blades will
fit the AP-12 just fine. I've been thru several sets of them now. Just make
sure you have the blades centered in the machine so they don't rub on the
sides. And you'll have a 12 1/2" planer instead of 12 5/16". Don't remember
exactly what I paid for them, but seems like about $30. Good luck.

Cheers,
Barney

[RonB]

Thanks Barney.
I pulled a blade out of my machine, after I posted my message, took it over
to Home Depot and compared it with the Delta 12-1/2" blade. Except for the
center hole and trademark stamp on the Delta, they appeared to be
duplicates. My old draftsman's eye might have detected that the Delta is
slightly wider at the blade edge, but less that .01" (assuming the eyes
still work at age 58). I suspect .01" is tolerance.

Thanks again for the substantiation. By the way, HD in Wichita, Ks sells
the deltas for $26.95. MUCH better than the $63 that Riobi's parts shop
wanted. Looks like Delta is taking better care of Ryobi folks that Ryobi
does.

I kinda wondered why HD sold the blades when they don't offer Delta
planers - this might be a clue.

Ron

Post by Barney
Hi Ron,
I went thru the same thing a few years ago. The 12 1/2" Delta blades will
fit the AP-12 just fine. I've been thru several sets of them now. Just make
sure you have the blades centered in the machine so they don't rub on the
sides. And you'll have a 12 1/2" planer instead of 12 5/16". Don't remember
exactly what I paid for them, but seems like about $30. Good luck.
Cheers,
Barney