Size of through mounting holes on HL 850 planer

[mikkomononen]

I'm considering buying the HL 850 to plane small beams and such, but I would like to make my own fence/guide for it.

The HL 850 seems to have two through mounting holes (the rear one seems to be used with the bench top unit too). Those might be suitable for attaching a fence. I'd like to have more leverage on the fence/guide, so the factory fence with one screw at bottom seems a little light.

Does anyone know what the size of those holes are and how well they are made (i.e. is there a bushing inside, etc)? I have not been able to find this info anywhere.

Thanks in advance!

 

[sancho57]

Festool makes another fence that does come with the saw. This one might do what you want.
http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/angle-stop-wa-hl/p/485018/

 

[mikkomononen]

WA-HL definitely is more sturdier, it could work.

I really like the fence on Makita 1100, and I'd like to ideally do something like that:https://www.toolstop.co.uk/makita-1100-3.2-82mm-heavy-duty-planer-110v-p3711
If you attach tall spoilboard and handle to the fence it is really nice to use.

Here's one product for HL 850, which is kinda close to what I'm after:https://www.hmb.nu/nl/4/102602/schaafmachine-festool-hl850-inclusief-geleider.aspx
I have no idea what it is made for, and the price is just ridiculous

So obviously it's possible, but I'd like to know how big the holes are to be able to estimate how solid it will be. The Makita fence has 12mm (~1/2") (front) and 10mm (middle) rods and it's really solid.

 

[sancho57]

that fence sort of looks like the one I posted. But a lot cheaper