Wednesday, November 3, 2010 Bosch 1594K 6.5 Amp 3-1/4-Inch Planer Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a general contractor, generally working on remodels or refurbishments. Recently I decided to purchase my first hand power planer. I will be using the machine for stud straightening, deck trimming, door/doorway adjustment, cabinet scribing, subfloor leveling ... and whatever else comes up. All-around functionality is my #1 criteria; expense is secondary, but important.

There are several different types of planers, as you will find out when you Google "planer". A "thickness planer" is used on boards to shape them into a uniform thickness. A "door planer" or "edge planer" is the kind we are talking about here. Searching on "planer" will bring up lots of false leads: authors, books, celebrities, floor-model tools, etc.. While most specific, "door planer" or "power hand planer" don't produce a whole lot of hits (other than advertisements).

After about 6 hours of on-line research as well as a review of JLC's July 2005 issue I've discovered many currently available models. They are, in alphabetical order:

Black & Decker 7696 - low-end stuff made by Dewalt... I skipped.
Bosch 1594K (planer and case/kit)
Bosch 3365(a "stripped down" 1594 without carry case or fence)
Delta - none
Dewalt DW680K (planer & case/kit)
Festool HL850E (planer & case/kit)
Hitachi F30A (no longer sold)
Hitachi P20SBK (planer & case/kit)
Jet - none
Makita N1900B (planer & case/kit)
Makita N1902X7 (planer, no case - alot like N1900B)
Milwaulkee - none
Porter-Cable 9125 (planer, case/kit)
Porter-Cable 9118 (planer, case/kit)-- older, well reguarded
Ryobi L1121 (not much info...no longer sold?)
Ryobi HPL51K (planer, case/kit)

Of these units, the Bosch 1954, Porter-Cable 9118 (possibly 9125), and Festool HL850E seem to be best reguarded by professionals with the Mikita and Dewalt next. But I would say each of these models above have their fans.

The Bosch 0125, Festool HL850E, and Ryobi HPL51K have the capability to expel sawdust to one side or the other, a much-liked new feature.

The Porter-Cable 9118 cannot plane flat surfaces like floors (all the others can).

The Hitachi, Makita, Porter-Cable 9118 models have no dust bag or vacuum sawdust pickup capability at all.

A long base and a rear handle close to the back end make control easier. Bad control leads to snipe (gouging at start and end of runs). The Festool did the best here, but the (otherwise well liked) Bosch 1594 did poorly.

For me, I've narrowed the field to either the Festool HL850E or the Bosch 1594.

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Product Description:
1594K Model Code: AA (part# 1594K)This item features: -Ratcheting depth adjustment knob. -Chip ejection switch directs chips to discharge from left or right. -Planing Width: 0 in [Min], 3 1/4 in [Max]. -Price is for 1 Each. Model CodeModel Description AAPlaning Depth:3/32 in, Voltage:120.00 V, Amps:6.50 A, Speed:16500 rpm [Max], Length:11 1/8 in, Includes:(2) Wood Razor Blades, Chip Bag, Bevel Guide Fence, Blade Wrench, Carrying Case, Wt.:6 lb ABPlaning Depth:5/64 in, Voltage:120.00 V, Amps:5.00 A, Speed:18000 rpm [Max], Length:10 3/4 in, Includes:(2) Wood Razor Blades, Chip Bag, Bevel Guide Fence, Blade Wrench, Carrying Case, Wt.:5 lb ACVoltage:14.40 VDC, Planing Depth:1/16 in, Speed:13000 rpm, Length:13 in, Includes:2.0A-h Battery, 1-Hour Charger, (2) WoodrazorBlades, Stop Bracket, Chip Bag, Carrying Bag, Type:Planer, Wt.:6.30 lb ADVoltage:18.00 VDC, Planing Depth:1/16 in, Speed:13000 rpm, Length:13 in, Includes:2.0A-h Battery, 1-Hour Charger, (2) WoodrazorBlades, Stop Bracket, Chip Bag, Carrying Bag, Type:Planer, Wt.:6.70 lb