Amazon.com Review

This well-designed planer offers fast stock removal and the smoothest finish--exactly what we expected from Bosch. The powerful 6.5 amp motor runs the versatile two-blade Woodrazor system at 16,500 rpm with a protective shield that covers the section of blade that's not in use. The fence itself deserves applause--bevels are accurate and easy to adjust. We love the chip ejection as well. Too many times, we've tried tools with an exhaust system that might as well not be there, but this one actually moves the removed stock and it's multidirectional! Deep cuts are possible in just one pass without bogging or chatter. There's even a spring-loaded park rest stand that protects blade and workpiece. The saw is a special shape that allows easy start-up in the middle of a workpiece. Accidental starts are a thing of the past because of the lock-off release button. Bosch thought of everything; we're impressed. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Depth adjustment of 0 - 3/32? - Makes deep cuts in one pass
• Powerful 6.5 Amp motor - For fast stock removal and a smooth finish, 16,500 RPM
• Chip ejection switch - Directs shavings left or right
• Versatile 2-blade system equipped with Bosch WoodrazorTM micrograin carbide blades
• Bevel guide fence - Ensures consistent planing from 0° to 45° through entire workpiece with a protective shield that covers the section of blade not in use

Reviews (12)

One Heckuva Tool
Bought this planer the other day to do some doors. It was all I expected and more. Very strong motor - never even appeared to bog down. Good balance. Depth control is very easy to use and accurate. I actually own a Dewalt and a Makita. I bought the Bosch for the features (i.e. the fully adjustable fence, the adjustable chip deflector that actually comes with a WORKABLE shop vac adapter - THAT is great!) and the reputation. I have not been disapointed. The Bosch is the best of the three. Until I got the Bosch I was pretty well satisfied with the Makita with the Dewalt pulling up the rear, but the Bosch is the best of the three by far. Strongest motor, Woodrazor carbide blades, shop vac adapter, and that great fence. You will use the fence. It can be set at 90 degrees or any other angle you want - and there is an adjustagble rabbeting stop that basically lets you take it about as deep and wide as you want. By the way, USE a shop vac with this. It will fill up your shop with shavings in a heartbeat - but with a vac hooked up, not a one hit the floor. Overall, this is a super tool at a very reasonable price. Oh yeah, it's also relative quiet. This one's a keeper.

Blowing Chunks
I have owned this tool for about 1 year and I must say the Bosch 1594K planer is a very fine example of engineering, function, design and quality all meeting at the same place and time. If you are one who uses a planer at your occupation, you will really appreciate the handling characteristics of this tool, kind of like a Rolls Royce to a Chauffeur. But like most tools of this caliber it has many other rival brands that also are real fine gems within themselves. I do believe that the one solid advantage this Bosch has over the rest of the competing brands is its ability to spew wood chips either to the right or the left. In fact, this planer is so proficient at wood ejection, that from a distance it looks like your blowing chunks!

They Need To Re-Think The Fence
Overall the unit is fine, but the fence is made so cheap that you cannot set it to 90 deg. without doing some filing on the slot. This is a very poorly engineered fence and is not like Bosch to put something so cheap on their tools.

Outstanding Product
Like a lot of Bosch tools, this is build like a tank. The quality of the construction is first rate. You can't go wrong. Bosch has never let me down.

Great power, great performance
I purchased this tool to square up some finishes on the deck I'm building (I'm picky). The PT lumber is among the most dense I've used - 16d nails are buckling in this stuff!

Once the decking dried, I took this powerhouse to the mismatched edges that cropped up. NO PROBLEM! It was like a hot knife slicing butter! The extras included in the kit make this machine a top value! The depth adjustment is easy and very accurate, and the dust chute's ability to change discharge sides is a very nice feature when you can't. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 5 amp motor
• 18,000 rpm no load speed
• Convenient chip eject directs shavings left or right
• One-year warranty

Reviews (1)

Great deal on a planer
I have used this planer primarily on doors in my house. In particular, I've found it long enough to get the start and end of the edge planed without "clipping" the edge. I'm not an expert door-hanger -- but it has easily paid for itself in saved labor costs.

A few words of advice on (interior doors). Plane when your house is MOST humid (usually in the summer) as the doors expand and you want them to close easily when they are most expanded. Be sure to plane an extra 1/64" or so to allow yourself a gap for a primer and at least one if not two finished coats of paint on the side edge of your doors. As for the tops and bottoms, leave them unpainted to allow the wood to dry if they are new doors, otherwise, a matching primer is more than enough and you need not bother with a finish coat of paint. Unless your doors is really badly off, you will not need to re-seat the hardware, but be prepared to if necessary. But before you start, make sure all of your hinge plates are on tight. No use taking a plane to a door if the problem is not the size of the door, but loose hingest. If so, replace the hinge screws with longer ones, and be sure to pre-drill the holes first to prevent cracking the door or jamb wood.

This tool beats hand planing allowing you to complete a door in just a few minutes. It will take you more time to get the door off and remove the hardware than to plane the edges. Adjustments are easy. I found this tool to be almost identical to the Makita planer which I borrowed prior to purchasing this one. ... Read more

Features

• Edge guide fence - Ensures consistent planing through entire workpiece with a protective shield that covers the section of blade not in use
• Powerful 5 Amp motor - For fast stock removal and a smooth finish, 18,000 RPM
• Chip ejection switch - Directs shavings left or right
• Electronically counterbalanced single-balde drum equipped with Bosch WoodrazorTM micrograin carbide blade
• Razor-sharp blade - Automatically positioned at ideal cutting angle

Reviews (4)

Planer has only one blade.
I wasn't sure how many stars to give this since I have never used it. I ordered it and when it arrived I discovered that it is a one-bladed model. Bosch calls this an "electronically counterbalanced single-blade design." From the other reviews this seems to work well, however, I wish that the listing would have indicated this. Hence this little blurb. The extra blade "set" is just another single blade in a bubble pack.
Again, I have NOT used this machine, but have sent it back in favor of a two-bladed design.

For the money, you can't beat it...
I purchased this planer hoping it would last at least a few jobs, and was pleasantly surprised. Lightweight, powerful, comfortable to use, and a smooth depth setting takes the guesswork out of it, unlike the Makita's, which I've owned, hated, and returned. A newly converted Bosch enthusaist, I have nothing bad to say, well, except for the lack of a case. Picky, picky, I know

Not perfect but great for the money
I compared this planer to my previous BOSCH 3272 which was comparable, but not as accessory laden as this model. The tools are similar in cutting specifications; however, the new model has a 5.0 amp motor, the handle is more comfortable, and has decent chip ejection to the right or left ( includes a 2 1/2" vacuum adapter )with a shop vacuum, and includes the new micrograin replaceable blades. The standard edge guide does not bevel, nor does this setup allow for rabbets out of the box. The edge guide works much better with a thin coating of "Slip It" non staining lubricant applied to its face, and it basically stays where it should. It works atleast as well as the Porter Cable model which I am also familiar with. In terms of performance, this unit works well. It is consistent ( with consistent hand pressure ), does a nice job, is lightweight and for the same money as the previous model, it is a great deal with the extras mentioned above. Probably the best of the lot in terms of product for the dollar; however, if you intend to use this unit 7 days a week for years in a row, I would recommend the more expenisve model, as well as the rabbet adapter and bevel guide. Nonetheless, for most DIY and semi-constant use, you can't beat this planer for the money in my opinion.

Good Power!
I am happy with its power and performance. It comes with an adjustable 90 degree edge guide. I wished I bought the model that has angle edge guide and the rabbeting depth. Now I have to buy optional edge guide and the rabbeting depth stop again. Other than that this is a great quality tool and it is made in Switzerland. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If Bosch has their way, a day will soon come when a full-featured powerful cordless option will be available for any tool a worker needs. This planer is one such example. It's a full-sized and feature-packed cordless version of Bosch's popular corded planer. It offers a 3-1/4-inch planing width and is depth adjustable to 1/16 of an inch. The 18-volt motor spins the blades at 13,000 rpm. The planer uses a ratcheting depth knob for quick and simple adjustments, and in a system unique to Bosch planers, chip ejection can go to the left or the right as needed. It has an electronically balanced single-blade design to reduce drag for a longer run time and smooth finish. While this planer does offer plenty of power, cut capacity, and a full feature set, the battery makes it a bit heavier than its corded cousin (which can actually add to the tool's stability in use) and the handle position is more forward and on top of the tool to accommodate the battery at the back. This model comes with one battery, a one-hour charger, a chip and dust collection bag, and a carrying bag. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Ratcheting depth knob - allows depth increments from 0 - 1/16" in one revolution "
• The only full size cordless planer on the market - full 3-1/4" width, depth adjustable to 1/16"
• Exclusive Bosch Woodrazor micrograin blades last Up to 30% longer than standard carbide blades
• Electronically balanced single-blade design reduces drag for a longer run time
• Chip ejection to either the left or right side as needed

Reviews (1)

POWERHOUSE PLANER, AWESOME
THIS PLANER FEELS AND RUNS AS IF IT IS PLUGGED INTO A POWER OUTLET. IT HAS LOTS OF TORQUE AND IS AS SMOOTH AS ANY CORDED PLANER I HAVE EVER USED. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING THIS TOOL, I WOULD SUGGEST GETTING IT AND THE CORDLESS JIGSAW AS WELL. THEY HAVE REPLACE MY CORDED ONES, AND WORK BETTER THAN I HAD EVER EXPECTED. I AM A CARPENTER BY TRADE, AND HAVE USED MANY NAME BRAND TOOLS, BOTH ROUGH AND FINISH TOOLS. THIS PLANER KICKS BUTT. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If Bosch has their way, a day will soon come when a full-featured, powerful cordless option will be available for any tool a worker needs. This planer is one such example. It's a full-sized and feature-packed cordless version of Bosch's popular corded planer. It offers a 3-1/4-inch planing width and is depth adjustable to 1/16 of an inch. The 14.4-volt motor spins the blades at 13,000 rpm. The planer uses a ratcheting depth knob for quick and simple adjustments, and in a system unique to Bosch planers, chip ejection can go to the left or the right as needed. It has an electronically balanced single-blade design to reduce drag for a longer run time and smooth finish. While this planer does offer plenty of power, cut capacity, and a full feature set, the battery makes it a bit heavier than its corded cousin (which can actually add to the tool's stability in use) and the handle position is more forward and on top of the tool to accommodate the battery at the back. This model comes with one battery, a one-hour charger, a chip and dust collection bag, and a carrying bag. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Ratcheting depth knob - allows depth increments from 0 - 1/16" in one revolution "
• The only full size cordless planer on the market - full 3-1/4" width, depth adjustable to 1/16"
• Exclusive Bosch Woodrazor micrograin blades last Up to 30% longer than standard carbide blades
• Electronically balanced single-blade design reduces drag for a longer run time
• Chip ejection to either the left or right side as needed

Reviews (1)

Bosch cordless planer
Bosch has definitely brought the cream to the top with this tool. It leaves its corded cousin behind, the sole plate has multiple v-cuts for chamfering extremely easily with this tool. I am beginning to build a corded Bosch museum, each advance in cordless technology makes corded versions less useful. My next wish on the list is for a multi voltage charging station, that would accomadate about 3 batteries and free up two outlets for me. OK Bosch are you listening? Keep up the great work on tools for the real world. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

We like this tool. For starters, it offers an easy-to-operate calibrated knob to quickly adjust cutting depth and a deluxe variable-angle fence that allows for different kinds of cutting. In addition, when expelling debris from the planer, a discharge port select level lets you direct the shavings out either side of the tool. And, as always with Bosch, this tool's ergonomic features are superb: excellent weight distribution, a small-width grip you can really get your hands around, and an electronically balanced motor and blade drum that provide super smooth planing. The blades are reversible, too, and they require no adjusting. Plain and simple, this is another solid, sturdy, built-to-last power tool from Bosch. Other companies offer 3-1/4-inch planers for less money--but none are as powerful, easy to use, or well built. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• Electronically-balanced motor and blade drum provide smooth operation
• Cuts up to 3 1/4-inch in width
• Reversible carbide blades require no adjusting when changed
• Chip ejection switch directs shavings left or right

Reviews (1)

Bosch Plane 3296
I own a large home and am remodeling it top to bottom. I recently purchased twenty doors that need to be installed throughout my home. Some of the doors do not fit and needed to be planed down to fit. I own several cast iron wood hand planes, but due to the extent of the work involved, I thought a power plane would be the best method of accomplishing this task.

I looked at Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Makita and Bosch power planes before I settled on the Bosch Model 3296K. It comes with a steel carrying case, a fence attachment and a rabebtring depth stop. It is lighter than the rest of the models I looked at.

In use, it runs very quitely, has an easy to use adjustment knob on the front to adjust the depth of cut, 1 mm at a time. The plane comes equipped with carbide blades that held up very well.

The front shoe of the plane has a v-groove cut into it to allow for chamfers to be cut.

I installed twenty doors and all of them needed some tweaking. The cuts were smooth and effortless.

I would reccommend this plane, Bosch #3296K, to anyone looking to but a power planer. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

We like this tool. For starters, it offers an easy-to-operate calibrated knob to quickly adjust cutting depth and a deluxe variable-angle fence that allows for different kinds of cutting. In addition, when expelling debris from the planer, a discharge port select level lets you direct the shavings out either side of the tool. And, as always with Bosch, this tool's ergonomic features are superb: excellent weight distribution, a small-width grip you can really get your hands around, and an electronically balanced motor and blade drum that provide supersmooth planing. The blades are reversible, too, and they require no adjusting. Plain and simple, this is another solid, sturdy, built-to-last power tool from Bosch. Other companies offer 3-1/4-inch planers for less money--but none are as powerful, easy to use, or well built. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• One-year warranty
• 6-1/2 amp, 120-volt motor
• 15/16-inch rabbeting depth
• 3/32-inch depth of cut
• Reversible carbide blades

Reviews (3)

Bosch 3296K
The Bosch 3296K has excellent performance and functionality along with the best, most complete and versatile guide fence accessory available anywhere. There really is no comparing this unit to any of the other portable planers on the market today. The fence is so much better than the cheap, practically useless, guides offered by most manufactures and adds a dimension of accuracy and precision that could never be achieved repeatedly using a portable planer free hand. Only Porter-Cables top of the line model 9118, which I have used extensively, has a functionally comparable guide fence, but with only a 2-13/32" capacity, the PC is much more limited as to what you can do with it, and is also unjustifiably much more expensive.
The only minor complaint I have with the Bosch 3296K is that the chip chute lever is a little short and can be difficult to move forward after being fully seated in the rear position. It's possible that the lever may become easier to move as the unit gets more worn in, but right now it's a little stiff, even after being lubricated with silicone spray, and often requires two hands to operate. Also a chip bag might also be a nice extra for easier cleanup of quick, small, "hurry up", indoor plane jobs, such as shaving a door edge.
The really bad news is, unfortunately, if you don't already have one of these, you can pretty much forget about ever getting one. Right now, there is a very, very, limited availability of the 3296K. It took me over four months of scouring the web and local suppliers to finally locate and purchase one.
This is due to the fact that even though it is technically still available from some suppliers, Bosch is no longer manufacturing this unit because it is being replaced with a new model beginning in June 2002. The new model will reportedly have three chamfer slots in the shoe, a slightly higher amp motor, still maintain the 3/32" cutting depth capacity, the same excellent guide fence accessory and somehow actually cost a little less. Sounds like it's going to be another excellent unit.
Overall, from my own comparison and usage, as of this date, I personally feel that the Bosch 3296K is the finest and most versatile portable planer kit available from any major manufacturer and definitely money well spent, if you're lucky enough to still find one.

A tool worth buying
I work for a finish carpentry company; one of our main stages is installation of doors, The Bosh planer is used to do edge bevels and trimmings fit. Good features are: Good weight distribution. Smooth cutting. Strong motor. Good and firm adjust cutting depth. Nice left or right option on the dischargeable port extractor. Good solid Guiding fence. Poor features are: The back shoe of the planer could had been 1 ½ to 2 inches longer. One or two smaller v groves in the front shoe with the deeper single one only available now. The metal caring box could had been 1 to 2 inches bigger all the way around for easier fitting the planer with the guide fence on, and not having to move the guide in or out every time to use it or store it, even if it is easy to move it. Would I buy this planer again? Yes.

Great time saver
Had to replace 8 doors and make them fit old openings that were built out of real 2" lumber for the frames. Each one was different. This planer did the job just fine, never bogged down. With the directional chip ports, using it with either hand and any direction left the chips flying away from the operator. For a planer this one is not hard on the ears, not as loud as a circular saw. The fence on the planer never moved from where it was set and to adjust it was easy, its also about 2" high for great support. The only thing that I do not care for is the depth adjustment knob is marked in millimeters and not inches. But a minor detail for such a great tool. I since have used this planer instead of my belt sander on finishing the edges of some shelves, it leaves that clean of a cut. Great planer for the price. ... Read more