Rockwell Power Planer

[atgcpaul]

http://tools.woot.com/

Woot is selling a Rockwell Power Planer for $69.99 + $5 shipping. I'm tempted because I have some slabs to process but I can get to the end result with a router sled or hand plane, too, but this would get me there faster.

Seems like there are good reviews on Amazon, too.

http://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-ProGr.../dp/B000LY1USQ

[cabinetman]

I could try to talk you out of buying one. They can take off stock pretty quick. They aren't the type of tool that works well to plane a board flat. They are very aggressive. If you are very experienced with one you might be able to. I use mine mostly for trimming passage doors and for trimming rough door framing.

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[BigguyZ]

Hm... I'm tempted. My brother hired a pro carpenter to do some trim work on his house, as there was just too much for the two of us to do ourselves. (and while we do pretty good trim work, this guy was at an entirely different level- wow). One of the tools he used a lot was a Bosch planer. Made me reconsider if I should get one for future projects...

[sweensdv]

For carpentry work they're great for making things fit. For woodworking, if you want quality results, they're a tool that you will hardly, if ever, use. I have a Makita version that IMO is junk. The depth adjustment feature on the Makita, which should be the primary feature on these planers, is worthless. If you buy one of these, check out the depth adjustment right away so you can return it if need be.

[Cochese]

Another vote for carpentry work. I bought a Ryobi for $15, gave it away a couple of years later after using it exactly one time - and that was after I gave it away.

[Stytooner]

I agree.
I think it was designed for casement fitting and doors. That is all I ever used one on. I would rather use a belt sander for most of those jobs.
A router sled will get you a better more even finish than this planer.

[atgcpaul]

I held off. I would much rather have a belt sander

[cabinetman]

I held off. I would much rather have a belt sander

A belt sander would be of more use to you. If you never operated one it will take some getting used to. They are heavy, require both hands, and can be tricky to control. They take off material very fast. The rear roller can leave divots in the work if your technique is a bit off. Just thought I'd give you a heads up.

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