Power Planer

Knighton

I'm replacing several doors in a house and need a power planer. Any suggestions/recommendations as to what brand/model?

SLSTech

I have had a cheap Ryobi or Makita (labels gone) planer for about 8 years - I have not had a problem with it

I would look into what features are available - side fence, dust collection, ease of changing blades & go from there. If you are mainly a Festool, Dewalt, Ridgid, etc... guy - I can't you see going wrong picking up any of their tools

The biggest recommendation is to make sure there is no metal that your going to hit (stupid staples that someone didn't pull & just smacked down) as it does a number on the blades

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Knighton

I know it's not some tool I'll use very much, so I'm not stuck on having to buy the yellow or orange tools particularly. It just seems though, that every cheap tool I've ever bought, I've ended up wanting to throw across the room. At the tool house, I go up to the tool I really want and somehow convince myself that I really don't need it and end up buying the cheaper tool...and I'm always mad at myself later.

Thanks for your suggestions! My dumb a** will probably end up buying the cheap one because "I'm really not going to use it that much!"

SLSTech

Hey, been there done that - its not worth the $20 or so savings, if the motor can't keep up you will burn the tool up.

I used to be the same way - ahhh this saw or drill will handle it - toast

Stick with the big boys not the Harbor Fright junk, the money you save up front, you will lose later based on slower production / running out to get a new one because you toasted it

FYI - I am switching over to Ridgid across the board - I generally like them better than the rest & the Lifetime Warranty has a certain attraction to it.

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basswood

Knighton,

Consider this deal from CPO Bosch:

http://bosch.cpotools.com/planers/3365-46.html

I've owned that planer for about 4 years, works great.

All the best,

Bass

Knighton

FYI - I am switching over to Ridgid across the board - I generally like them better than the rest & the Lifetime Warranty has a certain attraction to it.[/quote]


I like the Rigid stuff. I have the 12inch SCMS and the stand. It seems to be really tough stuff. I also have a Rigid power washer with a Suburu motor. Like that too. I was looking for a cordless drill not too long ago and checked out the Rigid (not the lithium version). Looked good, but the reviews weren't very good, so I went with Dewalt.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Knighton

Knighton,

Consider this deal from CPO Bosch:

http://bosch.cpotools.com/planers/3365-46.html

I've owned that planer for about 4 years, works great.

All the best,

Bass[/quote]


That seems like a good deal and judging by your work, you wouldn't recommend any junk.

Thanks Bass! You da man

Meetre

I've use bosch and makita, right now I've got the ridgid cordless one. If you don't use it alot it might not be worth it, but no cord is very nice. Just picked up some 24v batteries for it and need to check it out with the additional power.

just be careful that you don't run the battery dead when in a cut! That can make you mad very fast.

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Trim40

I had a Bosch for years and I really liked it. Until someone else liked it more and took it from my truck, along with $1500 of other tools

basswood

I agree with you on buying decent tools.

I also have some Ridgid stuff that has been good (13" Planer and SeeSnake--also have a Milwaukee 15ga nailgun that is the same as the Ridgid), but I would advise against loyalty to a single brand. I have heard some stories about trouble with getting Ridgid to honor their warranty on a timely basis.

Each brand has some great tools and some dogs. My advice is to see what other people use and like, what the reviews have to say, and then choose a tool that is the best you can afford and feels good in your hands.

I have good tools from most of the brands out there and would not want to be stuck with just one color... it would limit my wardrobe choices too much.

basswood

You are welcome. That looks to be one of the better deals around on a good tool. I like to buy reconditioned tools, if what I want is available. They are as good as new... my tools usually look more used in a week than the CPO stuff.

There is a higher end Bosch than the one I posted about, but I've liked that one fine.

Regards,

Bass

gallerytungsten

I have the Bosch planer, it's very nice. Haven't used any other brand, but a number of people who have have commented on how good the Bosch was in comparison.

Definitely hook up a vac to it!

TRC

I have a hitachi, never had a problem. Hitachi seems to always to be a good value imo. Especially love my 10" sliding comp mitre saw from them!!

PA woodbutcher

I also have the bosch, one of the few tools I've bought at a box store. Been a nice little tool, light with plenty of power...can also switch the chip toss from one side to the other. Paid a bit more for mine if I remember. Came with an extra set of blades, which I have yet to use.

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paul100

If you can find a porter Cable 9118 planer, that would be your best bet. It is designed just for doors. I have had one for close to 15 years and I never had a problem with it.

vaultf600

i have the bosch and like it a lot the makita is also nice. buy a good one you will use it more then you think.