Grizzly’s new G0832 Planer is a solid performer—and its price is hard to beat. This 13-in. model’s three cutters left very smooth surfaces on the several wood species I tested. The minor machine marks that were left behind were easily removed with sandpaper or a handplane. Plus, the disposable blades, which are indexed for simpler changes, are reversible, doubling their lifespan. Two other helpful features are a depth-of-cut indicator and an adjustable depth stop.

The good results I got did require some strategy, though. While snipe was nearly nonexistent in most wood types with the depth of cut locked, I got a significant amount on the first and last 1-1⁄2 in. if it wasn’t locked. And although the recommended maximum cutting depth is 1⁄8 in., I found passes of 1⁄16 in. were much better; for wide boards 1⁄32 in. was best. Also, I had trouble getting an even cut on the wide board I started with. I ended up removing the cutterhead gibs to file and sand the rough castings so the blades were held more evenly.

This planer comes with built-in dust collection. A blower motor helps direct planer chips out of the 2-1⁄2-in. dust port and into the included collection bag. This setup collected the vast majority of the dust chips, and only some blew back toward the front of the machine.

—Kelly J. Dunton is a furniture maker in Terryville, Conn.

From issue #267—Mar/Apr 2018

More on FineWoodworking.com:

• Thickness Planer Primer
• How to Get Around Planer Snipe
• The Jointer and Planer Are a Team – Armed with both, you can flatten boards to any thickness

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Veritas Precision Square

This precision square is incredibly versatile, from checking squareness to dialing in machine setups.

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Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM

While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test.

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Shop Fox W1826

The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.

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