previous
  • 7 Solutions for Kitchen Layout and Design
    7 Solutions for Kitchen Layout and Design
  • Seven Steps to Choosing the Perfect Circular Saw
    Seven Steps to Choosing the Perfect Circular Saw
  • The Inspector Game: Goofs on a Roof
    The Inspector Game: Goofs on a Roof
  • Top 10 Videos of 2011
    Top 10 Videos of 2011
  • Replacing a Roof : Installing a Ridge Vent
    Replacing a Roof : Installing a Ridge Vent
  • Your Guide to Energy Smart Homes
    Your Guide to Energy Smart Homes
  • An Introduction to Thermal Imaging
    An Introduction to Thermal Imaging
  • 10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
    10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
  • How to Avoid Complicated Fractions
    How to Avoid Complicated Fractions
  • Tool Test Preview: Compact Compressors
    Tool Test Preview: Compact Compressors
  • 7 Small Bathroom Layouts
    7 Small Bathroom Layouts
  • Buyer's Guide to Insulation
    Buyer's Guide to Insulation
  • Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
    Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
  • Roofing articles, videos, tools, and materials
    Roofing articles, videos, tools, and materials
  • VIDEO: Stop Paint from Bleeding
    VIDEO: Stop Paint from Bleeding
next
HL 850E Power Planer

Festool - HL 850E Power Planer

This high-performing planer from Festool is best used in a woodworking shop or for finish carpentry

$395.00 (As of 9/1/2003)

Be the first to review this Tool

View all photos
Overview
Editor Choice-Best Overall

Editor's Review: The Eight Best Power Planers

review date: September 1, 2003

This planer excelled in virtually every aspect of testing and sported the best depth-adjustment knob, safety features, and overall design among the planers we tested. Its larger size limited its use in tight quarters, however. It uses a proprietary, carbide-tipped spiral cutter. Although some of the plastic levers and switches might not survive rough handling, this machine pretty much did it all, and its well-designed handles made it a pleasure to operate. It comes with a plastic carrying case and is best used in a woodworking shop or for finish carpentry.

pros:Wide depth-of-cut range, simple blade-changing procedure, efficient dust collection, plastic carrying case included.

cons:Expensive, beveling fence must be purchased separately.

read full review

Editor Test Results:

Overall Rating N/A

More In-Depth Information

The Eight Best Power Planers Online Membership RequiredWhether you're hanging doors or framing walls, here are the top picks from a crowded field

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Festool
Manufacturer's Web Site www.festoolusa.com
Manufacturer's Phone Number 888-337-8600
Weight 9 lb. 7 oz.
Dimensions N/A
Amps 7.4
Cut 3-1/4 in. wide; 9/64 in. deep
Standard Blades Spiral carbide