Bauer Planer

[The_Geologist]

I'm curious if anyone has used one of these Bauer thickness planers (63445) that I keep seeing in the HF mailers.
https://www.harborfreight.com/15-amp-12-12-in-portable-thickness-planer-63445.html

I'd be interested in hearing what experience(s) other folks have had with them.

I did search the forum already, but did not find that anyone else really mentions them.

Not sure if I will end up doing much woodworking (or if I really need a planer anyway), but I figured I would ask.

Thanks!

 

[brianh]

I don't have experience with that but I have a delta 12 inch bought in 91 that got tons of use and just last year I had to replace the cutter head bearings. They are not that much more than the HF.

 

[todd_fuller]

Appears to be the same as this: http://www.cutechtool.com/12-1-2-Straight-Knife-Planer-p/40700-ct.htm

IIRC, this CUTECH outfit is either the OEM or a reputable importer for the OEM. Ridgid private labeled on of their machines that was pretty popular. If you look at exploded diagrams, they're OEM'ing most of the low-end machines out there. Other point to note is you can buy a lot of replacement parts directly from them, so if something breaks, you're not SOL.

I don't own one but I when the time comes, it's between them with a "spiral" cutter head and the dewalt planer.

 

[The_Geologist]

Very useful input. Thanks to both of you!

Anyone else have further input?

 

[MayerMR]

I wish I could answer your question directly, but I'll try it in a roundabout way. I'm a big fan of Harbor Freight for a lot of things, especially for items that I don't use constantly. I've never had a HF tool break on me when I wasn't abusing the hell out of it or using it for other than its intended purpose. That said, they do *wear* a lot faster than some of my higher quality tools and/or may not be built to the same tolerances. In many cases, I'm okay with this, especially if I'm about to use them for something that is likely to break them. Not to mention that if I break a $4 set of needle nose pliers after 2 years of use I'm not too heartbroken...

I've bought heavy duty power drill, dremel-copy rotary tool, sanders, etc. and have never had one fail. And I've used the **** out of the dremel tool, btw.

Anyway, if you plan to use the planer (and btw, Bauer is apparently one of their "better" line of tools) often then I think I'd suggest buying a brand where you can easily get replacement parts. But if you only plan on using that planer now and again, well, it might make sense to buy that planer and 1 or 2 other useful items with the difference in cost in a higher-end tool. And last thoughts, if you really want a higher-end planer, I'd spend some time on Craigslist, 5miles, Letgo, and OfferUp and see what you can find. A planer is a tool that some people use constantly and some people buy and think they will use a lot and then don't...then they basically give them away on CL et al. I've basically stocked my shop with high-end tools with little/no usage on them by keeping an eye on these sites.

Best of luck!

-Matt

 

[BMack37]

Are the blade double sided? It has tools to replace the blades but if they're not double sided and available to purchase separately, I wouldn't even consider it. If you work with wood right now, you'll use a planer more than you thought you would. It's soo much nicer to square up hardware store lumber before putting it together...that stuff is soft so it won't kill the blades but it will workout the motor just running that often.

 

[The_Geologist]

Great information! Thank you!

I'm going to start keeping an eye out on the local CL and similar sites, then. Having the ability to easily replace parts is a good thing, I think. Higher quality machines aren't bad, either.

I am liking the idea of a benchtop planer just because of the (lack of) space I have in the garage/shop.

Now I'm sort of kicking myself for passing on a DW735 at one of the pawn shops a while back...they had it for $400, and that included the extra folding platform on the input and outfeed. Looked brand new, basically.

 

[Tallpilot]

Now I'm sort of kicking myself for passing on a DW735 at one of the pawn shops a while back...they had it for $400, and that included the extra folding platform on the input and outfeed. Looked brand new, basically.

That is the fundamental issue with those types of sightings. You either cruise pawn shops/flea markets/CL constantly with a evolving list of wants/needs or you purchase every single 'good deal' 'might need' you see on less frequent hunts. So it is a choice between copious free time and gas money or a warehouse to store the deals you have stumbled upon.

I admire everyone who posts here who has amassed a collection of extremely high quality/value tools one at a time for a tiny fraction of the MSRP over decades of searching. That dedication is exceptional and was justly rewarded. I can't bring myself to even consider attempting it though.

 

[6PTsocket]

Appears to be the same as this: http://www.cutechtool.com/12-1-2-Straight-Knife-Planer-p/40700-ct.htm

IIRC, this CUTECH outfit is either the OEM or a reputable importer for the OEM. Ridgid private labeled on of their machines that was pretty popular. If you look at exploded diagrams, they're OEM'ing most of the low-end machines out there. Other point to note is you can buy a lot of replacement parts directly from them, so if something breaks, you're not SOL.

I don't own one but I when the time comes, it's between them with a "spiral" cutter head and the dewalt planer.

The DW734 is good but the DW735 is the gold standard for portable planers but it sure ain't cheap.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[lafester]

Great information! Thank you!

I'm going to start keeping an eye out on the local CL and similar sites, then. Having the ability to easily replace parts is a good thing, I think. Higher quality machines aren't bad, either.

I am liking the idea of a benchtop planer just because of the (lack of) space I have in the garage/shop.

Now I'm sort of kicking myself for passing on a DW735 at one of the pawn shops a while back...they had it for $400, and that included the extra folding platform on the input and outfeed. Looked brand new, basically.

The cutech that is identical to the ridgid tp1300 looks pretty nice. I think that ridgid is one of the best cl deals going as they are usually pretty cheap but built like a tank.

 

[6PTsocket]

The cutech that is identical to the ridgid tp1300 looks pretty nice. I think that ridgid is one of the best cl deals going as they are usually pretty cheap but built like a tank.

You're kicking yourself? There was a DW735 on CL in "like new condition", in the box with the paperwork for $300 but it was a long drive and I didn't follow up. Then there was the time I walked into the Lowes in Hamilton Marketplace, NJ and there was a shelf space for DW735 at $229. There was no stock but somebody must have gotten one. I checked another Lowes and there was no special price there but then the guy looked on his computer and it was showing in just the Hamilton store for $229. Some guy must have been laughing all the way home. They were $500 then, now they are $600.

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[lafester]

You're kicking yourself? There was a DW735 on CL in "like new condition", in the box with the paperwork for $300 but it was a long drive and I didn't follow up. Then there was the time I walked into the Lowes in Hamilton Marketplace, NJ and there was a shelf space for DW735 at $229. There was no stock but somebody must have gotten one. I checked another Lowes and there was no special price there but then the guy looked on his computer and it was showing in just the Hamilton store for $229. Some guy must have been laughing all the way home. They were $500 then, now they are $600.

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Huh? Not sure what you are trying to say. Dw735 is great but finding a deal is pretty tough. I don't think I said anything about the dw735 at all.

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[BMack37]

I love my DW734, I've seen several new to lightly used pop up on CL for $300 to $350. At worst you may need to buy new blades so consider adding $50 to that...but also remember they're two-sided so if they're damaged it might be just one side.

For the workhorse that the DW734 is and how much I use it, I'd gladly pay fully retail price for the DW735.

Keep in mind, if you use a planer to flatten out something after doing a glue up. Like to get a cutting board ready for sanding, the flatter and smoother the cut, the less sanding you have to do. Also, you want really nice blades so they limit chips. A cheap planer means cheap blades and presumably not tight tolerances on the height adjustment you're basically guaranteed chips on anything figured. With a good planer, graduating 1/64" on a figured piece and you might not get any chips.

 

[cheechi]

most of the lunchbox planers are the same. If it's a 12" most 12" blades will fit. If it's 12 1/2" or 13" same still applies, just get the right length.

Cuetech also makes carbide replacement blades and also spiral cutterheads for their planers and jointers. and since most of these are the same thing with different brands, you could upgrade any that you buy if you were so inclined.

I got a WEN lunchbox planer at one of those 'can't not buy it' prices a while back. It's essentially the same as the HF and Cuetech, Delta and a hundred others. I think if you can't find a deal and can't afford a nicer (I'd still buy a DW735X if I came across a discounted one) then most all of them are about equal just make sure it's set up properly and/or easily adjustable if you need to set it up.

 

[The_Geologist]

I've got to look more at the lunchbox planers you folks have already mentioned. The biggest thing that was helpful is those of you that recommended finding one that has replacement parts available...that had not crossed my mind when thinking of the Bauer...but it makes sense for an HF product.

I've also been looking more at that DW735, and I am very tempted to start saving up for one of those.

Now I have a better idea of what I need to be looking for when shopping for one of these things. Thanks to all!

 

[The_Geologist]

Well, to give a sort of conclusion to this thread, I had the following package arrive in my garage last week...

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I happened on Amazon late one night earlier in the week, and they had the DW735X on sale for $449.99 directly from Dewalt. I jumped all over that, and found I had enough Amazon gift cards to cover the cost. Came with the Prime 2-day shipping, and it actually arrived in 2 days.

Here are a few more pics (I still need to finish assembling it).

View media item 83107
View media item 83108
View media item 83109
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View media item 83111
So...I have just about all the woodworking tools I need, I think (for the moment). Onto the next project!

 

[guy48065]

Good deal on that. $449 should just about cover shipping on that "portable" planer!

 

[gnpenning]

Adam, I just saw this thread. We live in the same valley. If I would have seen this sooner I would have offered to let you come try mine. You will love the 735. I had the 734 first but like the 735 much better.

If it didn't come with a in/out feed table be sure and make them.

Good dust collection is mandatory.

Enjoy

 

[The_Geologist]

I was impressed that it was only $50 higher than the one I saw in the pawn shop earlier this year (and this one was brand new, too!).

I was thankful for the Prime free shipping on this one, especially after I saw it was being transferred by UPS. Now, don't get me wrong - I like the service I have always received from UPS, but the cost of their shipping can be a bit extreme sometimes!

Adam, I just saw this thread. We live in the same valley. If I would have seen this sooner I would have offered to let you come try mine. You will love the 735. I had the 734 first but like the 735 much better.

If it didn't come with a in/out feed table be sure and make them.

Good dust collection is mandatory.

Enjoy

Thanks for the offer, even if it is after the fact. Very much appreciated.

It did come with the extra infeed/outfeed tables, but if I get into doing a lot of wood, I will probably try to build something larger and more permanent.

 

[gnpenning]

Sometimes I plane 8'/10' lengths. I use rollers for in and out feed tables. Somebody recently on our local CL had some rollers for sale, you could cut one in half if they are to long.

 

[6PTsocket]

This similar to many imported planers at a very similar price. Price has always been the HF selling point. With other choices that can supply parts,and tech support, I would not give the HF a second look. Cutech seems to be a reputable outfit. The Ridgid, from HD, is often the pick for best economy planer, when there are comparison test reviews.

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[Mikeske]

Just yesterday I picked up a used Dewalt DW734 for $150.00 at a 2nd hand store and it came with a extra set of new blades. I think that I got a killer deal and the old blades still have some life left in it. It was missing the tools and dust collection duct on the back but for $28.00 from Amazon I ordered the dust collector and and adapter for the shop vacuum for $5.00. I like Harbor Freight but on electrical tools I avoid buying from them when there are deals out there for used that is much better then HF.

 

[James-W]

I see that you already purchased a DeWalt planer so this probably won't mean anything to you but here goes anyway.

For what it is worth, I have a Foley-Belsaw plane/molder that I bought many years ago. I don't know if they still sell them, but if they do I would recommend getting one to anybody who enjoys woodworking. I can tell you from personal experience they are a wonderful machine in that you can use it all day every day and it just keeps purring along.

If you want you can use it to make a buck too. For example, I have made a ton of custom moldings for contractors around the area and to be quite frank, I have made enough money with it to pay for the planer/molder many times over.

 

[The_Geologist]

For what it is worth, I have a Foley-Belsaw plane/molder that I bought many years ago. I don't know if they still sell them, but if they do I would recommend getting one to anybody who enjoys woodworking. I can tell you from personal experience they are a wonderful machine in that you can use it all day every day and it just keeps purring along.

Oddly enough, I have seen one or two of those for sale around here recently. Might have been at an auction. The one I remember ran on 220V, which I do not have in the shop at present (and I don't know how well it would run on 110V). That was the only reason I didn't bid on it at the time.

Good info to know for the future, though. Thanks!

 

[James-W]

Oddly enough, I have seen one or two of those for sale around here recently. Might have been at an auction. The one I remember ran on 220V, which I do not have in the shop at present (and I don't know how well it would run on 110V). That was the only reason I didn't bid on it at the time.

Good info to know for the future, though. Thanks!

It won't run on 110 volts, only on 220 volts. It has a 5hp motor on it with a double V-belt pulley system and 3 planing knives.

Here is a video on the planer, you see the planer at about 1:10 seconds.

 

[The_Geologist]

Great video. It is indeed like the one I saw at auction a while back. Thanks for the link!