Replies

1. 
   Skip_Keith | Aug 26, 2001 07:10am | #1

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   I've had a Makita for 12 or more years and it has held up well despite repeated abuse. Rockwell used to make a great one but I'm not sure what their status is today. Skip

1. 
   Joe_Hennessey | Aug 26, 2001 06:22pm | #2

   *I've got an old PC door plane that I'm sure will last forever 'cuz I never use it. I've got a Makita 3" plane, works fine but doesn't get enough use to ever wear out either. What are you planning to do with one that makes you think you'll wear it out? Joe H

1. 
   GACC_DAllas | Aug 26, 2001 06:52pm | #3

   *Like Joe sez..........these tools are hard to ruin because they don't get a lot of full time use.I've had to replace the bearings and belts in a few Makitas but only after many, many years of use and abuse. We use them to straight-line studs before rock mostly, or to square up large beams.If you want a flat bed, I'd go with the Makita or Bosch. For a door planer, Porter Cable makes the best, but you can't remove the bevel fence and make it a flat bed plane.Ed.

1. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Aug 26, 2001 09:47pm | #4

   *My Makita 3.5" is still perfect...but sees little use. It's only on 2nd set of blades, and the spare blades are ten years old.near the stream,aj

1. 
   Jr._Pastore | Aug 26, 2001 11:40pm | #5

   *To Skip, Joe, Ed, and Jack,I had a Makita, and didn't like the depth adjustment or handles. Gave it to my carpenter brother in law. I only intend to buy one more, following the recommendations of tradesmen. I like the quality and design of Bosch and Porter Cable tools. How about the DeWalt?

2. 
   Mike_Maines_ | Aug 27, 2001 12:19am | #6

   *I like my Bosch. Just be careful to get a planer with a fully-machined sole. Avoid the stamped-steel soles. The Dewalt seems to be ok if you have big hands. The Bosch is pretty small. Mike

3. 
   GACC_DAllas | Aug 27, 2001 02:22am | #7

   *The only good thing I can say about the DeWalt is the "kick stand" that it has built-in to the heel of the bed.However, if you get used to it and it sticks on you one day, look out.The small Makita is a pain to adjust, so I don't. It's set where it is and that's that.DeWalt is not made for the long haul in my opinion. But as little use as a planer sometimes gets, I guess it's OK.Ed.

4. 
   calvin_ | Aug 27, 2001 02:42am | #8

   *Yeah Ed, the "kickstand" is a feature of my Bosch. It has always worked freely, and I keep an eye on it. However, it's one of those unnecessary things that if it wasn't there, you'd set that planer down on a block after the blade quit and not get surprised one day. I like the planer. Its bevel guide is ok for as short as it is. No comparison to planing a door with the Rockwell. For utility, and I use mine quite a bit, the Bosch has been good.

5. 
   Jr._Pastore | Aug 27, 2001 10:57am | #9

   *Thanks Mike, Ed, Calvin,Those are just the comments that I was looking for.

6. 
   Jr._Pastore | Aug 27, 2001 11:38am | #10

   *Calvin,Are you saying the the Rockwell is better or worse than the Bosch?

7. 
   calvin_ | Aug 27, 2001 12:08pm | #11

   *Sorry Phillip, I mention the Rockwell (PC) door planer as the cadillac of planes, however with the fixed shoe/guide, it's not the same as the others mentioned. If you were looking door edge planing only, then yes it's way better. For a universal porta plane, I think the bosch is a good tool. A cpl buddies swear by their Makitas and I cant disagree. In fact, they both made up a plywood "rack" that the Makita lays in upside down, making it a handy jointer (tho unsafe with the exposed blades). For the bosch, if you broke the wire in your Hitachi SCMS dust bag, you can still clip it on the bosch dust port, catching most of the shavings when in operation. That directional port is a nice feature.

8. 
   Jr._Pastore | Aug 27, 2001 12:50pm | #12

   *Calvin,Good info. I would certainly prefer Bosch over the Makita. I have a jointer, so don't need to consider using the planer for that purpose.

9. 
   Mike_Maines_ | Aug 27, 2001 01:18pm | #13

   *The kickstand on my Bosch broke off soon after I got the tool, but I don't miss it. Either set it up on a block, or set it flat on a clean board and let it dig a hollow.

2. 
   Jr._Pastore | Aug 27, 2001 01:18pm | #14

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   What are your opinions of the best planers on the market, and why? I need to buy one for long term use.