Can anyone help me in finding the best one in the $159. range? {from tool crib } I see a DeWalt, Bosch and Porter Cable – all very similar. Does anyone have any feedback on these? I think that the Bosch comes with a vacuum port which seems like a good idea. Thanks!
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
This builder says there's nothing like an in-person event where you can learn from luminaries, talk with tool and material manufacturers, and network with your peers.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
None of the above ............ instead choose (if it's available) the reconditioned Makita RN1900B from Tool Crib/Amazon (check out the recon tools in the Hot Deals Outlet area).......... 'bout $110, has new tool warranty.
Edited 10/29/2002 11:36:58 PM ET by jc
Edited 10/29/2002 11:38:15 PM ET by jc
Ditto on the Makita, buy a broom.
sometimes board sometimes knot
Thanks to the people that answered my question about a power plane choice. I'll probably check into the recon. Makita.
Thanks - I'll take your advice.
HD carry a B&D planer uses same blades (includes carbide) cuts deep if needed and is made in England. YES! I know its B&D but they work great and its $70. I still have a 240volt model from the UK. Now 23 years old.
I know what you mean.
Whilst living in South Africa I bought an electric plane, belt sander and angle grinder - all 220 volt.
It's a major pain to carry a transformer, but damn, the things are good and never seem to break.At my age, my fingers & knees arrive at work an hour after I do.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
I like my Makita- be sure and buy the solid carbide tipped replacement blades they last longer and are less likely to explode like the two piece when you hit a nail, ouch! Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Sounds like me, Bob. Who needs a metal detector when ya have sharp edge tools to find the nails.
At least you can get the same model in 120 in the USA. Uk also has a stand for its planer which converts it into a mini-joiner.
Like all tools, it depends upon how you plan to use it. If you are hanging a lot of doors, doing trim work all day, then the top of the line is the Porter-Cable 9118 - a classic machine that has been retooled to meet new saftey standards. I use the lower end PC model 9125 - other manufacturers have similar models - just make sure you can get replacement blades at a reasonable price. I've had a bad experience with Sear so I don't recommend them under any circumstances. Good luck!
I've got a couple of the little Makita 3 1/4" and a Makita 6 1/8" (I think the bigger one is now offered with 6 1/4 or 6 1/2") but I've used and abused all three for about 10 years with zero problems. The bigger one has knives that can be resharpened along with a kit to hone and realign them on the shaft. The little guy uses reversible throw-a-ways that are fairly inexpensive, even in carbide.
If you want a serious tool, however, check out the Porter Cable that somebody mentioned. It's a very nice tool but more than $150 bucks.
I have a Bosch made in Switzerland, and I can't recommend it. I bought it for occassional use, so price was a concern. It has an ejection port that can be switched from left to right, and a vaccuum hose attchment adapter, but I find that I have to take very light custs, rather slowly, or else the ejection port clogs with chips.
Actually, my Makitas will clog if the moisture content of the wood is a little high, or if I'm cutting a heavier depth on something like Port Orford cedar that's a little fibrous.
So when confronting that, I usually keep a short piece of form tie wire handy to dig out the port.
I just bought the Bosch a few weeks ago.....not sure if it's the same model...does have the left/right exhaust ports.....
Got it at HD..with the 10% off...for $100.
Mine works great. Nice finish cut......good balance.....long cord.....
I've not used it for doors yet.......just 3/4 cabinet stock...face frames......solid maple.
Doubt I'll ever complain that it clogs when cutting deep.....I never used a power plane on anything more than half their claimed cutting depth.
This one's plenty quick and easy to push....the more lighter pushes...the better the final result.
For $100 ....it's a great tool. Someday I'll upgrade to the $500 PC monster...till then....this'll do just fine. Jeff..............Al-ways look on......the bright......side of life...........
.......whistle.....whistle.......whistle........
$100 sounds about right. I don't take deep cuts either, always 1/16 or less, but it seems to clog easy.
I have that same tool (Bosh) and mine works beautifully. I know it is a little chintzy and my trigger gives me a little trouble but all in all I have to give it a thumbs up. I think the reversible port is a little stroke of genious. I use mine a couple of times a week (medium to light usage)
Sounds like a great endorsment for Makita. I have a 9.6 V Makita cordless drill that has outlasted 2 Dewalts by many years. Thanks!
Ihave a small makita that I like quite a bit (one of the few makita tools I like so it must be good>}). I saw a bosch at the local yard the other day that looked nice and included an edge guide, it was about 150 and looked more precise then mine: however, I don't have experience with it.
I agree that Makita is not top on the list but others seem to have goodluck with it. I don't own any Bosch tools so it would be taking a chance. Maybe I'll actually hold one in my dry, cracked hands before ordering one through Tool Crib. Thanks for your input!
Chris from Mass.
I've been a fan of Bosch ever since I bought their jigsaw, and I always check out their offerings when I am in the market for a new tool. What I've found is nearly always a tool that is near the top of the category, occasionally they have the class leader, but no matter what, their tools are always impeccably built, solid, and reliable. I have their 24v driver and matching circ saw, their 10" sliding compound miter saw, the jigsaw, and their belt sander. If I hadn't been a lttle cheap at the time I would have bought their big punge router rather than my 3hp Ryobi, which is touch and go in the plunge department.
But I have a 15 yr old Makita planer that just keeps on planing. I like the easily replacable double sided blades, and I've never had a clogging issue. If it broke, I'd certainly consider another, but I would check out the Bosch as well!
Jake
Thanks for your input. I ended up buying a recon. Makita from Tool Crib for about $95. I have a 12 year old Makita circular saw and 9.6 V drill which just won't die. I'm starting to think that DeWalt is not as good as they would appear to be and I've shyed away from Bosch because I haven't seen much of them. I'll keep your vote for them in my mind now. Thanks!
I used the hitachi on some door trimming ,very smooth cuts nice feel. Iwas really impressed with the blades heavy and easily resharpened. Not a bad price 94.00 at the crib
framer
I like the little makita. The disposable blades are good for me, as I wind up using it to hog a lot of stuff off sometimes, with the predictable buried nail taking a chunk out of it. I save the sharp hand plane for precise work.
Steve
I use my lil' makita for basic sizing of 2 bys and taking the bow out of wall studs. If I het a nail ocassionally I don't loose any sleep over it.
My PC PortaPlane is reserved for doors and other more precise planing.
My VersaPlane is under lock and key as a collectors item.
My cheaper ($160) Porter Cable sits on the shelf collecting dust.
And thats the plane truth of it.
~ WebTrooper ~
BTW, How many out there have a VersaPlane?
I own two of the mikita 1806B and one of the Mikita 1900N
They have so far planed four sides of about 20,000 bd. ft. of white oak and black walnut for my timberframe. Because they are sooooo gooood!!!! I kept on buying a lot of Mikita tools. I'm glad I did.