Craftsman Electric Handheld Planer

As someone who’s spent a fair amount of time working with various woodworking tools, the Craftsman CMEW300 Electric Handheld Planer has proven to be a surprisingly effective addition to my workshop. At first glance, this planer might seem like a budget option, but it packs quite a punch in terms of performance and usability. Here’s a detailed look at my experience with this tool.

Build Quality and Design

The first thing that struck me about the Craftsman planer is its solid build quality. It feels robust in hand, and the 7.6-pound weight gives it a sense of stability without being too cumbersome. The 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe adds to the overall feeling of durability while providing a stable platform for planing.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the dual-side dust extraction system. This is a game-changer for maintaining a clean workspace, allowing you to attach your vacuum on either side depending on your working conditions. The overmolded depth knob is another thoughtful addition, offering 10 positive steps for precise depth control. This ensures you can make accurate adjustments, which is essential for achieving a smooth finish.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the 6 Amp motor is more than capable of handling both hard and soft woods. With a maximum speed of 16,500 RPM, this planer removes material efficiently, making quick work of even the toughest projects. I tested it on a variety of woods, including softwood like cedar and hardwoods like maple and oak, and it performed admirably across the board.

One of the standout aspects for me was how effortlessly it handled different types of wood. Even at the most shallow setting, the cuts were smooth and precise. When I cranked up the depth to its maximum of 5/64”, the planer still ran smoothly without any stuttering. It managed to throw shavings a good distance away, indicating efficient chip evacuation.

Usability

The Craftsman planer is straightforward to use, even for those who might be new to woodworking. The depth adjustment knob is intuitive and holds firmly in place, so there's no fear of accidentally changing settings mid-pass. However, it’s worth noting that gripping the front knob too tightly can sometimes lead to unintentional depth changes. This is a minor gripe, but something to be mindful of.

The tool also features a spring-loaded block on the bottom to keep the blade from digging into surfaces if you set it down while it's still running. While this is a useful safety feature, I did find it a bit finicky at times. It didn't always flatten out easily, which could be frustrating during extended use. Removing it was an option, but that comes with its own set of risks.

Accessories and Extras

The planer comes with carbide cutting blades, a wrench, an edge guide, and a vacuum adapter. However, I was disappointed to find that it did not include a dust bag or a kit bag, despite what was advertised. This oversight is frustrating and seems to be a common issue. For a tool in this price range, these should be standard inclusions.

Versatility

One of the most impressive aspects of this planer is its versatility. I used it for a variety of tasks, from smoothing rough-sawn slabs to fine-tuning wall studs. It performed well across these different applications, making it a valuable tool for both small DIY projects and more substantial woodworking tasks.

Noise and Vibration

In terms of noise, the Craftsman planer is relatively quiet compared to other electric planers I’ve used. The motor runs smoothly and doesn’t induce significant torque that could affect the movement of the tool over the work area. This makes it easier to manage and reduces operator fatigue, especially during extended use.

Durability and Maintenance

I've been using this planer for a few months now, and it has held up well. The blades have remained sharp, and the motor shows no signs of slowing down. The only ongoing issue I foresee is finding replacement blades, which seems to be a challenge. It's something to consider if you plan on using the planer frequently.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Craftsman CMEW300 Electric Handheld Planer is an excellent tool for its price point. It offers robust performance, solid build quality, and a range of useful features that make it suitable for a variety of woodworking tasks. While there are minor issues, such as the lack of included accessories and the somewhat finicky safety block, these are outweighed by the tool’s overall effectiveness and value.

Recommendation

I would recommend the Craftsman CMEW300 Electric Handheld Planer to both novice and experienced woodworkers. Its affordability combined with its performance makes it a great addition to any workshop. Whether you're tackling small weekend projects or more extensive woodworking tasks, this planer is up to the challenge. Just be prepared to source your own dust bag and possibly deal with minor quirks, but for the price, it’s a solid investment.