Is there that much of a diference between the Hitachi planer and the Chicago Electric from Harbor Freight? If so what arre the major differences? I am not a production shaper or have any plans to be, just a few a year to experiment. I have found what I think may be a good deal on the Hitachi, but it is still more than the Chicago Electric. Any help from those with more experience is greatly appreciated.
The Hitachi planer has a knob that allows for on the fly blade adjustments, but the C.E. has a set cut depth. Either planer would work just fine for an occasional shaper. Scott.
The Hitachi planer is on sale right now at amazon.com for about $89. If you fo to gotapex.com, click on deals, then use the coupon locator (rtight side and down a little) to find Amazon.com, there are deals for free shipping as well as some $10 off deals. I have one coming to the door for $80. Not that bad when the body alone is $80. Just thought I would pass the deal alon gwhile it lasts.
Oh man, I think I miss lead you. A Clark Foam Hitachi planer has on the fly depth adjustment, BUT the un-modified Hitachi does NOT. It has the same kind of adjustment as the C.E. Rob, I am truely sorry for not reading your note more carefully. If you ARE getting a Clark modified planer that is a great price, but if it’s not, you may be just as happy with the C.E. Again, sorry for possible bunk Info, Scott.>>> The Hitachi planer is on sale right now at amazon.com for about $89. If > you fo to gotapex.com, click on deals, then use the coupon locator (rtight > side and down a little) to find Amazon.com, there are deals for free > shipping as well as some $10 off deals. I have one coming to the door for > $80. Not that bad when the body alone is $80. Just thought I would pass > the deal alon gwhile it lasts.
first off, if my buying decision was based only on your coments, and no other research , than I deserve what ever I get. I have been contemplating the purchase of an electric planer for years, and the door hanging project (30"’ door / 29 3/8" opening) this past weekend pissed me off to the point where I might as well get one. That said, shaping is the primary intent. I am not afraid to modify this thing myself, figured anything you buy has room for improvement. my next question is what does clark modify to make the adjustment continious? The assembly drawings are at the at this link. http://www.hitachi.com/documents/Storage/hpt/P20SB_BD.pdf I do not see any parts that seem to step or lock the adjustment. Part 58 seems to be a threaded rod. Also, are there any other sources for vac attachments? Any help is appreciated
first off, if my buying decision was based only on your coments, and no > other research , than I deserve what ever I get. I have been contemplating > the purchase of an electric planer for years, and the door hanging project > (30"’ door / 29 3/8" opening) this past weekend pissed me off to > the point where I might as well get one. That said, shaping is the primary > intent. I am not afraid to modify this thing myself, figured anything you > buy has room for improvement. my next question is what does clark modify > to make the adjustment continious? The assembly drawings are at the at > this link.>>> http://www.hitachi.com/documents/Storage/hpt/P20SB_BD.pdf>>> I do not see any parts that seem to step or lock the adjustment. Part 58 > seems to be a threaded rod.>>> Also, are there any other sources for vac attachments? Any help is > appreciated Even if youre only gonna shape a few boards per year (like myself), I’d recommend the modified Hitachi planer. You can take deeper cuts and it only takes a flick of the wrist to go from a zero cut to 3/16". Besides there are times when doing rail bands that u have to adjust the depth of the blade which is almost impossible with a regular planer.
Rob,checkout my planer on the board page under"other" click on the tumb nail,and get yourself a Clark blank catalog.Herb.
it apears that they (Clark) modified the shoe adjustment by changing the nob, as well as the thread on the screw that actually move the shoe up and down. I make these asumptions based on a guess and the assembly drawing, I have not yet had the chance to take one of these things apart and compare them side by side. For now I cancelled my order with Amazon, but are the Clark modifications worth the $80 more that it will cost than one on Amazon, and trying to modify it myself. Jim I know you are out there and will read this, I would appreciate your input, as you seem to know more about these things than the people who make them. If I were to go with the clark planer, does anyone know if it may be purchased in north San Diego? e.g. Mitch’s?
it apears that they (Clark) modified the shoe adjustment by changing the nob, as well as the thread on the screw that actually move the shoe up and down. I make these asumptions based on a guess and the assembly drawing, I have not yet had the chance to take one of these things apart and compare them side by side. For now I cancelled my order with Amazon, but are the Clark modifications worth the $80 more that it will cost than one on Amazon, and trying to modify it myself. Jim I know you are out there and will read this, I would appreciate your input, as you seem to know more about these things than the people who make them. If I were to go with the clark planer, does anyone know if it may be purchased in north San Diego? e.g. Mitch’s?
Try Basham’s in San Clemente…(949)-361-2203 hours= m-f 2pm-6pm sat.12:30pm-1:30pm …Tell Chris or Brad that I sent you,and you’ll be treated great!..209 Los Molino…off the Ave.Pico off ramp on the 5 fwy.Herb.
If I were to go with the clark planer, does anyone know if it may be > purchased in north San Diego? e.g. Mitch’s? I believe Mitch’s north (the solana beach one) keeps them in stock, or at least they did when I worked there (about 8 years ago). My brother still works there so I’ll ask him. If they don’t stock them, they can get them down from clark within days. As much as I love mitch’s though, it’ll probably be cheaper at Basham’s, so if you wanna make the (not so long) drive, that might be a good bet. http://www.kklmachine.com