Mighty Midsize Planer
For years, woodworkers have had solely two selections relating to planers: reasonably priced, moveable benchtop planers, which typically restrict surfacing width to 13 in., or far costlier stationary machines that permit wider, extra aggressive cuts. Fortunately, there are actually extra choices out there—and I’m very glad to have frolicked with the Grizzly G0999 15-in. helical-head benchtop planer.
The 15-in. reducing head is properly outfitted with indexable carbide inserts—not the sparse structure generally discovered on lower-cost cutterheads. Mix that with two feed speeds and the G0999 supplied tearout-free outcomes on just about each board I ran via it, together with extremely figured maple. The floor end was glorious, with no seen machine marks and solely the slightest trace of snipe at first and finish of some boards.
The digital thickness readout was surprisingly addictive for me. Earlier than utilizing this planer, I had by no means labored with a DRO-equipped planer, however after a couple of months, I’ve come to depend on it fully. It’s correct and makes dialing in repeatable thicknesses easy. It’s a function I’ll be searching for in any planer I purchase sooner or later.
One place the G0999 differs from most stationary planers is within the depth of minimize. It has a contact plate that limits passes to about 1/16 in.; in follow, 1/32 in. per go is a extra practical most. That limitation is comprehensible given the lighter building and 2-hp motor. Actually, it’s a small trade-off contemplating that in price the Grizzly sits nearer to a 13-in. planer than a standard 15-in. ground mannequin.
One be aware in regards to the 2-hp 120-volt motor: a 20-amp circuit is required. So in case your store doesn’t have a 20-amp outlet, you’ll must issue that into the fee.
One other be aware: the phrase moveable ought to be used loosely with the G0999. Most anticipate to have the ability to transfer a benchtop planer with out substantial effort, however this machine weighs properly over 100 kilos. I’d describe it extra as a compact planer in want of a base. Construct a devoted cart or cupboard that means that you can reap the benefits of the area above and beneath it, and also you’ll have the most effective of benchtop and stationary planers with only a few concessions.
Total, the Grizzly 15-inch Helical Head Benchtop Planer affords great worth. It bridges the hole between compact and stationary machines completely, delivering huge capability, glorious floor high quality, and fashionable options at a value that’s laborious to beat. If I have been purchasing for a brand new planer as we speak, I wouldn’t hesitate to decide on this one.
—Ben Strano clogged FWW’s mud collector twice throughout this overview.
Grizzly G0999 15-in. 2-hp Benchtop Planer with Spiral Cutterhead
$1,450
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