Festool HL 850 E Planer (Model No.: 574539)

One can never have too many Routers. Festool routers are the finest in the world. Always wear eye protection, and "Throw Some Chips Dude!"

Festool HL 850 E Planer is truly top-notch. Check out these specs and tell me different. There is a great review in the downloads section, presented by Gary Katz and JLC.

The HL 850 is a indeed a multi-use tool. The features of this tool make it so easy to use as well.

The handle is also the depth adjustment; simply turn the handle when the cutter-head is unlocked and adjust the depth of the cut. This can be done while the planer is running. The depth is adjustable to 3 9/64".

MMC Electronics. What that means with regards to Festool is that the machine is "soft-start" and the motor will run under constant spped even when under load. This provides for a consistent cutting speed and results in very smooth cuts.

There is virtually NO DUST and CHIP EXTRACTION Doesn't wind up on the floor. The HL 850 actually has a port that goes through the entire handle. You can choose what side the ejection occurs on. The best results are seen when used in conjunction with the Festool CT 22 or the Festool CT 33 because of thier collection capacity. Furthermore, utilizing a D36 hose will allow for less clogging at the hose end. Remember, we are dealing with Chips, and not dust, that you would typically find with the sanders. Larger Hose = Better air flow and collection.

Quick Blade changes are a result of the single blade, spiral configuration. There are three screws on the factory balanced Head; loosen the screws, take out the blade, insert new blade (self-aligning), tighten screws, and you are back to planing.

The center of the Sole of the plane is notched. The 90* channel allows you to ride the edge of a workpiece so you can chamfer or nick edges and still retain control of the planer.

The Standard Head comes with the Planer and is used for "normal" planing procedures.

The Festool Undulating Planer Head provides for a "Hand Hewn" look. When performed, it gives the appearance of an Adz Blade being taken to the lumber. This head is perfect for Flooring Applications when the client would like a "rustic" appearance. ***Attention*** The blade on this configuration sits below the sole of the plane. Therefore, the Planer should be parked at "0" depth when using this head!!!

The Festool Course Planer Head allows a "beading" type appearance on the surface of the the workpiece. Again, this will allow for a "rustic" or a "textured" look.

The Festool Fine Planer Head is similar to the "course head"; it provides a tighter bead appearance than the "course" head.

One of the kewlest features with the Festool HL 850 E is the ability to convert it mini-jointer as it were. By adding the Bench Unit (485107) and the Angle Stop (485108) in about 3 minutes you have a bench top jointer. For cabinet guys that are looking to install some faceframe on-site this is a perfect set-up.

Check out the Pimped Out Festool Planer!

If there is just one suggestion I would make, get the Angle Stop. The edge guide that comes with the Planer is wimpy. The angle stop is a necessary attachment, you can get by without the "Bench Unit" but NOT without the Angle Stop...just my opinion.