This planner is just what I needed to complete my workshop. It just does not get any simpler or accurate than this.
I've been working with wood for about a year now, so this review comes from someones who is just starting, a planner was on my wishlist but since I have limited space to work, my equipment is stored in a room and every time I'm going to use it, I need to carry it outside. So for starters I need it to be as light as possible and also as compact as possible.
I had some planner in mind, including the DeWalt DW734 which is about $120 more expensive and also half and inch less capacity. It may sound like a small difference in capacity, but trust me that that half inch is a huge deal.
I cannot be happier with this purchase, the day I got it home, it took me literally 3 minutes to start planning. I am fairly good following instructions but like I said before, I am a woodworking newbie.
The results from planning that board on the pictures is a completely smooth surface, practically I don't even need to sand it, although I will cause I want it even smoother but really I could just leave it like that.
Also I can confirm that the unit will plane a 13 inch board cause that is the exact size of this board.
About the quality of construction, this seems like a very sturdy machine, no rattling or anything of the sort. I also own another WEN machine, a 6524 oscillating belt sander and that unit has not given me any issues after a year from purchase. So I am not worried about that.
The way you measure the amount of material to cut is a very intuitive design. you slide the beginning of your board in the machine, the board will push a small button on the machine and that will give you the amount to be removed. You could remove up to 1/8" in a single pass, although I find that taking less material doing more passes is preferable. For me, 1/16" is the perfect amount.
On top of the machine there is a crank that you turn to lower and raise the cutter, this crank is very sensitive, a 1/4 turn is what I do after every pass.
The dust collection system works well, it is not perfect, there will be chips in your workshop, but overall it is more than adequate. Maybe if I used a more powerful vacuum, that could do the trick. the machine comes with an adaptor that will fit most vacuum hoses.
I tested the level of the trays on both sides of the machine and right out of the box they were super squared, no need to fiddle with that.
Finally we need to talk about Snipe, that is one issue that did had me worried. Some internet users were stating that the snipe was noticeable while others said it was almost non existent. I am happy to announce that for me that is not noticeable. As you can see from the pictures, there may be a small amount of snipe since that is just the way these benchtop planner work, but for me it is barely noticeable sometimes only.
Like I said, weight was one of the most important factors to determine which machine to get, and they don't get any lighter than this one, partly because this machine does not have the granite surface bellow the cutter where the wood slide, this one has a metal plate that it may get scratched more but the weight savings are well worth it.
Overall very impressed and very satisfied with this purchase.
| Brand | WEN |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 29.03 Kilograms |
| Style | 12.5-Inch 2-Blade Planer |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Base Material | Cast Iron |
| Cutting Depth | 0.09 Inches |
| Included Components | Benchtop Planer |
| Cutting Width | 12.5 Inches |
| Amperage | 15 Amps |
| UPC | 044459012528 |
| Manufacturer | WEN |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00044459012528 |
| Part Number | PL1252 |
| Item Weight | 63.9 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 12.5 x 12.5 x 18.25 inches |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Item model number | PL1252 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Batteries Required? | No |
