Tool Hound Video Review: Festool Planer

A portable power planer is probably not the first tool on your must-have list, but I guarantee that if you do enough carpentry you will soon be wishing for a power planer. This is the go-to tool for trimming extension jambs, rough-scribing panels, fitting and beveling door slabs, and for straightening framing lumber.

Now, I’ve been using the same inexpensive, bare-bones Makita planer for years, and though it may not be the most stream-lined tool, it gets the job done at a good price. Well, Festool claims to have reinvented the category with their new $400 EHL 65 E. In this video, we take a closer look at this new power planer from Festool and all of its features.

For more tool reviews and to rate and review the tools you own, visit the FineHomebuilding.com Tool Guide. And catch up with the latest tool news in the Tool Hound blog.

Product Finder: Related Products

Bosch - 3365 Power Planer
This planer from Bosch is a maneuverable tool with a fast and accurate blade-changing process

(4 user reviews) Bosch - 1594K Power Planer
The standard beveling fence on this Bosch planer is easy to set at various widths and angles

Festool - HL 850E Power Planer
This high-performing planer from Festool is best used in a woodworking shop or for finish carpentry

Hitachi - P20SB Power Planer
This planer from Hitachi has a comfortable grip and produces a very smooth cut

Makita - 1912B Power Planer
This smooth-cutting planer from Makita is best used for wide boards and framing