I have often lamented about how under powered my Dewalt 735 planer is, or at least appeared to be.  I never thought the weak link could be the extension cord I used to connect it.  I had been using a 14/3 thinking it was enough.  It wasn't.  In addition, I had the extension cord plugged into one of those 5 into one pigtails with it's own breaker built in.  The 735 was plugged into that.   It was constantly tripping under any kind of load.  It's probably a 16 gauge at best.   I purchased a 12/3 cord and plugged it in directly into the outlet.  It made a noticeable difference.  It sounded different and didn't bog down near as much as previously.  It's a good thing to know and maybe pass along and will suffice until I can afford a A3-31 Hammer.   Ya learn something new everyday. 

You bring up a very good point.  Too many times people will spend the money on the big item...then limit it ability by putting on the wrong accessories.

When you see 14 or a 16g extinction made for a table lamp with power tools connected....    or Thousands of Dollars spent on AV home setup and then they find HDMI cord too expensive and use a cheaper connection....  Ya just want to ask...so That Harvard Sweatshirt... is powered by a elementary eduction only?  (no offense to Harvard, sweatshirts, elementary schools, or nuns with rules)

Even with 12/3 how far is the run. Then check how many circuits at what amps are you plugged into.   I'm sure all of us have had the circuit trip and just about the whole site goes down... 

Cheers,
Steve