HF Planer

[bigdaddyjohn]

I know, I know. Nobody likes HF. However, I'm in the market for a planer and I have credit at Harbor Freight. Anybody have experience with their 12" planer?

[Woodwerker]

I think alot of people here do like harbor freight.
I have many of thier tools, Band saw, routers, nailers, etc.
There are some things I do not buy from them, ie; cordless tools.
Do a search on the board, you may turn up a thread on the planer you are looking at. And don't forget to print the coupon in the bargin alerts section for 20% off.
Good Luck,
Joe

[just4funsies]

Move fast on the coupon. This one is only good through tomorrow (2/2/06).

[Jes Pidlin]

Can't speak for the planer, but I've got their lathe (~4 yrs), jointer (~3 yrs), and bandsaw (~1year), and I'm extremely satisfied with all three. Only problem so far is with the lathe, the adjusting knobs are not the best - soft metal.

[messmaker]

I don't think their planers have a locking system for the head. You may get some snipe. I don't think they are a gem. I would hold out for a good used model I think. Thy usually go for $150-$225. Try the coupon at BORG. They have a Ryobi that is pretty good for $250.

[AlanWS]

I think the reason few have even looked closely at the HF planer is that it isn't any cheaper than the 12 1/2" Delta from HD (currently $200). I doubt the HF is worth it.

In contrast, the HF bandsaw, DC, and certain drill presses are considerably lower in price than their competition, and quite decent in my opinion. I don't mean to say these are the only gems, but these are the ones I have experience with.

[bigdaddyjohn]

thanks

Thanks for the replies. The flu hit my house and I haven't been able to reply.

bigdaddyjohn