Here's a great thickness planer that exceeds expectations and won't break the bank. It's got some great features in addition to the built-in Jet quality woodworkers have come to rely on. A four-post system supports the rollercase and lets it ride smoothly and accurately for micro-depth changes as well as large adjustments. We like the six-position workpiece thickness preset gauge; it's a great time-saver for repeat cuts, and the detents are at the most common dimensions of 1/8-, 3/8-, -, -, 1- and 1-1/4-inch thicknesses. It's easy to use, too: Just push the preset depth gauge and rotate it until the measurement you want is on the front, facing you. The rollercase locks securely with just a pull on the lever, guaranteeing you uniform thickness. We found it also helps reduce snipe when you're just working a single board. The scale itself is clear and easy to read.
The cutter head features two knives with an rpm of 8,000, giving you 16,000 cuts per minute and a finish as clean as a whistle. We appreciate the double-edged knives for their economy, and when it does come time to change out the knives, you'll appreciate the relative simplicity of the process.
This planer's got a generous capacity, making it perfect for the home woodworker as well as the professional, with a 13-inch width and a max height under the rollercase of 6 inches. Be aware, though, that if you're planing a larger board -from 5-1/2 to 13 inches wide - you'll want to keep your max depth of cut to 1/16-inch. Jet warns that you can go deeper than that, but you're running the risk of wearing out your motor.
Jet's mounted rollers on top of the planer to make life a little easier for you, especially when you're making several cuts on a long board. Just slide it across the top of the planer as you step from back to front.
Portability's great, too, so if you're looking for a hard-working planer to tote to the jobsite, this is one of the best. There are inset side handles to help you keep your grip when moving this machine, and it's easy on the back at about 65 pounds. The feed tables fold up to save space in your truck bed or your shop, too.
If we could have anything we wanted, we'd wish that Jet would include the dust hood with the planer, because it's a messy proposition to operate this tool without it being hooked up to a dust-collection system. It's an inexpensive purchase, but a necessary one.
In all, you can't beat this planer for features, accuracy, power and reliability, and you won't regret this purchase.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
