Finish quality of the EHL 65 E

[fshanno]

Are edges ready for stain?

If you could only have one Festool planer which would it be, the big one or the little one?  Does anyone have both?

I've got a cheapo from Harbor Freight that I've now and then for this and that.  Interestingly the dust collection is just about perfect with the CT33.  But now I'm looking for a real planer for finish work.

 

[Deansocial]

Are edges ready for stain?

If you could only have one Festool planer which would it be, the big one or the little one?  Does anyone have both?

I've got a cheapo from Harbor Freight that I've now and then for this and that.  Interestingly the dust collection is just about perfect with the CT33.  But now I'm looking for a real planer for finish work.

there is no electric plane i know of that leave the wood ready for stain. it always needs a sanding to remove planer marks

 

[waynelang2001]

I have the EHL 65 and even though it does leave a great finish, there are always chatter makes that need to be sanded down. Besides, sanding also opens up the wood better to allow the stain to penetrate.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

If I run the last pass with a small depth of cut the result is usually smooth as can be.  It does depend on the type of wood I plane. For finishing I usually use my Veritas Apron plane but sometimes I do get by with the EHL 65 alone.

 

[jmbfestool]

Yes I own both the EHL 65 and the 85  the 85 is to big and heavy to use for doors I think.  The EHL 65 is very nice to use feels really light and it has most its weight at the back which helps to avoid tipping at the end.  A new blade  and not taking a lot off and going steady  will leave you with a smooth finish ready for painting all you have to do is use your block plain the take the edge off.   It does not leave any ripples on the edge of a door.

I do think the 85 can leave a better finish as it has more power so stays at full speed.

JMB

Oh I also own the BIG dewalt rubbish heavy loud! belt keeps snapping! Still new really! cant even remeber where it is any more. It was my first planer before I even knew about festool

 

[fshanno]

I have the EHL 65 and even though it does leave a great finish, there are always chatter makes that need to be sanded down. Besides, sanding also opens up the wood better to allow the stain to penetrate.

How much sanding?