Global Machinery Company 420W - Manual (Page 5)

OnlineToolReviews.com - GMC (Global Machinery Company) PPM Palm Planer - Detailed Review
In Use
In terms of use, the Palm Planer is not
really used any differently to a full sized
planer, except for that fact that is a one-
handed-use tool. Planing technique is
similar to a full sized unit; there are very
few differences in this regard. While a
planer like this can be used for a variety
of different purposes, it tends to see most
use in planing down door edges to fit a
door opening, or to fix "stuck" doors or
doors that have expanded over time and
no longer close properly. It is used for
general width or dimension reduction on
building or construction sites (in the
woodworker's shop, this task is often
done by a dedicated thicknessing
machine). The quick and easy chamfering
a power planer offers is often preferred
over a hand plane or block plane by
many, especially if your hand tools
haven't received the sharpening attention
they deserve in recent times! While the
PPM can also cut rabbets on the edge of
timber, it is not specifically designed for it
(no rabbeting fence included) and these
must be done somewhat free-hand to
start off with, then there is a limited cut
capacity for rebates because of the tools
body design and shape.
In terms of use and practicality, I think
that if you already own a power planer,
there may not be a lot to offer you in this
smaller unit, unless you have a specific
need or desire for a smaller portable
power planer, or for one-handed use. If
you do not yet own a power planer
however, and are looking for a starter or
smaller unit for all those odd jobs around
the home, or for quick chamfering of
edges, then the PPM would indeed fit the
task nicely.
Priced at around AUD$89 (street price as
at February '07) it offers good value for
money and basic features all packaged in
a uniquely sized portable planer with
magnesium casing. It will probably not
satisfy a trade user, but is ideal for the
DIY enthusiast, home owner or occasional
carpenter.
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