Any Opinion on this HF Planer

[pcombs]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...5099/95082.gif

[messmaker]

That looks like a new one. It does not appear to have a cutterhead lock.That is not usually a good thing. The dust collection is definitely interesting though.

[LCHIEN]

no infeed or outfeed tables as well as messmaker notes no cutterhead lock. Dust chute looks to be only 2-something inches not 4"
Probably typical HF quality so there's not much to recommend it except that it probably doesn't cost much (don't see a price mentioned). If thats the case, you get what you pay for.

[sparkeyjames]

I was at HF yesterday and saw this. Kinda cheapy just like most HF powertools. No lock (as mentioned) also table bed is thin polished sheet metal over who knows what. Lots of plastic parts but then again what makers small bench top planers do not contain plastic parts. Considering their last attempt at a planer this model is a step up.


jim

[SARGE..g-47]

The guys have taken the words right out of my mouth. Sometimes when we start out, we see a low price and think I could afford that as I need this or that. What happens is the majority of the time you wish you had saved and got the better design after the fact and you usually do latter.

As Loring stated, "ya get what ya pay for". I would wait if I were you.

Regards...

[tellittojake]

wait

I too was looking at this model. I only buy name brands now, as I have purchased several HF tools and each time I either took them back or was sorry. Many tools now come out of the same factories in China and there are good buys to be had, my HF jointer is the same one that Grizzley sells and it was 100 less. But those bargains are few and far between. I just picked up a Delta planer ons sale for 219 and it got good reviews in the trade magazines. I will only take the chance on a cheap tool like a clamp at HF and nothing that is really a piece of woodworking machinery. I just bought a Steel City table saw, which is getting great reviews and I love it, for much less than the cabinet saw HF sells online!

[DLHarrison]

This planer is identical to the Craftsman offering - Model Number 9-21721722. I am very happy with the Craftsman version of the planer. I have not run into any problems with either the operation or maintenance of the unit. The lack of an infeed or outfeed table has not caused any problems, the chaging of blades is a non-issue and the dust collections system works. My opinion is based on actual ownership and operation the planer - not speculation and heresay.

[vanguard]

If we haven't seen this in a Jet, Grizzly or Steel City it's probably just a matter of time before it gets the different colored paint.