I found a EHL 65 planer

BobcaygeonJim

Member
Joined
May 31, 2013
Messages
47
It's a display with little use and it comes with a classic systainer. The dealer is offering %15 off which brings it down to $379.10 Cdn. I was thinking of getting the HL 850 because of the different cutter heads. So my questions are. 
      Is %15 enough to persuade me to go with the 65?
    Did the dealers offer deals because it was discontinued?
    Should It be discounted more?

Thanks,

Jim
 
I have not used the 65, but own the 850. It's an incredible machine. I did see some YouTube videos on the 65 and my opinion is that Festool made the 850 a much stronger machine. I was able to plane cross grain Ipe and have a smooth surface. The fence for the 850 is well worth the cost.

I had to do a lot of fussing with the set-up to get the 850 to produce a good rabbit. Once adjusted, it does do rabbits.
 
BobcaygeonJim said:
It's a display with little use and it comes with a classic systainer. The dealer is offering %15 off which brings it down to $379.10 Cdn. I was thinking of getting the HL 850 because of the different cutter heads. So my questions are. 
      Is %15 enough to persuade me to go with the 65?
    Did the dealers offer deals because it was discontinued?
    Should It be discounted more?

Thanks,

Jim

I would get this instead from the ReCon sale:

574539 Planer HL-850 E in Classic Systainer $545 $381.50

Edit: See you are in Canada. Guess that isn't an option then. Sorry!
 
[size=12pt]

Despite the views of some above (and I suspect Shane has removed the most colourful one!), the EHL65 is a great plane. Sure it is not a 850, because it is designed to be more of a trim and fit out plane. As to power, mine with a sharp blade goes through Australian Red Gum just fine.

The real question for you, is getting replacement blades quickly. I know Festool guarantees parts for 10 years, but eventually if not soon, your dealer will have to order them, causing you inconvenience.

[size=10pt]
http://www.murrayriver.com.au/about-the-murray/river-red-gums/
http://www.woodsolutions.com.au/Wood-Species/Red-Gum

Edit. Outside NA there is a new model EHL65 with plug-it.

 
I have the new version of the EHL65 and agree its a superb planer, but as said up there the 15% wouldn't swing it for me. Not enough incentive for a used machine in an old case.

 
Most of my Festools are used. Unlike used tools from other brands, they are just as good as new because they are built so tough. They keep on going, like the energizer bunny. I myself don't think there is any reason to shy away from used Festools.

I have the EHL 65. I don't use it that much, but it has always performed well when I needed it. It cuts effortlessly through hardwoods like Meranti, Merbau and Oak on it's deepest 4 mm setting.

I've also had the 850. It is without a doubt a much stronger machine. Also much heavier and bulkier. It is for the bigger jobs. When you need to cut wider than 65 mm, or use it with really hard woods.

So when deciding which planer would suit me best, I'd ask myself what I want to use it for exactly. I wouldn't look at what a certain tool would cost, but if it could do what I want it to do. If the cheaper model can do it, great, get the cheaper one. If it can't, get the more expensive one. Cost a bit more eventually, but you'll be much happier when you work with it, and probably more efficient so you'll save money on the long run.   

If you're only planing doors, the 65 would be just fine. But if you want to do bigger stuff like construction beams, an 850 might be better. The OP mentioned the different cutter heads for the 850. If you want that, the 850 is the only choice. The 65 simply doesn't give you that functionality.   
 
 
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