Wood Planer?

[KDM]

For you woodworker types out there. Looking at getting a planer, but know next to nothing about them. Have a budget of 500 bucks and enough questions to give a wood shop teacher a headache. Any recommendations, insights, experiences, etc. on getting and using one would be greatly appreciated. A few preferences. I want a corded machine. I would like to plane up to 12 inch boards. Knife replacement is almost guaranteed so ease of replacement is an issue. Looking for a good strong machine, but top of the line is unnecessary. Thanks Guys!

 

[lunkerslayer]

Dewalt and it will do 13 wide and 6 inches thick, you can even find used ones in that price range that will do moldings.
I had a dewalt 735 that i had in my dads business but it burnt up in the fire, but that planer was awesome