Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

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Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

When I think of Bosch, a few words come to mind. Dependable, solid, and innovative. I like to think of Bosch as the company always striving to improve conditions on the job-site and provide solutions for the issues we commonly think cant be solved. Bosch has invested a lot into expanding their 12V lineup, and the small footprint and quality materials tend to stand out as brand signatures. With the continued expansion into brushless motors and battery improvements, tools we once thought could only be bulky and corded have trimmed a lot of fat. When I saw the 12V Cordless Planer I was intrigued, and to say it needs to be seen to be believed is an understatement. So, let’s take a look into the Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review Overview

Planers have been around for a long time and have evolved considerably. We have hand planers, corded power planers, and a few cordless power planers too, not to mention the large thickness planers. Their main function is to smooth and trim wood, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they are one trick ponies. All types serve different uses and are geared towards different trades. The most versatile planer across different trades though would likely be the power planer. Framers use them to trim joists, carpenters use them to trim cabinets and to even seams on wood. Installing windows and doors would be nearly impossible without the use of power planers too. Woodworkers have a lot of uses for each type of planer, and power planers are no exception. Ultimately there are a plethora of uses for power planers, far more than I could ever mention.

One thing I didn’t know about Bosch is that today they are the world market leader in power tools and power tool accessories. We know Bosch has a long history of putting out amazing tools, but did you know they launch at least one hundred new tools per year worldwide? I know I didn’t. With divisions in technology, mobility, and manufacturing, Bosch has experience in virtually every realm.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review Features

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The Bosch 12V Cordless Planer weighs in at 3.3 pounds without the battery, and measures in at just over 10 inches long.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The Bosch 12V Cordless Planer uses Bosch 12V battery line and uses a brushless motor offering 14,500 rpms. Also, Bosch’s constant speed circuitry is used to ensure consistent speed and performance. It is said to achieve 33 feet of planing per battery Ah at the .04 inch removal setting.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The standard removal setting is .04 inches. You have the option though, to use the max setting, by depressing the red button and turning the knob past it to achieve .08 inch removal.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The build quality is impressive, featuring a shoe machined from one solid aluminum block, and was designed to have a deep balance for even planing.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The 2.2-inch planing width using Bosch’s reversible Woodrazor Micrograin carbide blades all for extended runtime and superior results.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The shoe features the ability to create rabbets of up to .7 inches, and a machined groove for chamfering edges.

The shaving ejection has several options, all having the ability to eject to the right or left. The Dust bag, open ejector, and the connection for a dust collection system.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The lock-off release button can be used from the right and left to prevent unintended use. The trigger is a standard trigger, with good sensitivity.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The included spare blade holder is held securely within the tool and ensures you have no searching for spares.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review

The stand at the end of the Planer base is spring loaded and elevates the tool for unintended damage to a workpiece while also protecting the blade while at rest.

 

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review Performance

Traditional power planers usually offer a slightly wider planing surface,  3 1/4-inch being the most common. While you lose some planing width as well as likely some additional depth control options, you are gaining a lot of benefits based on size and design. I own the Bosch corded power planer, and it’s an awesome tool. Despite how great it performs, I would still reach for this smaller version about 95 percent of the time. Due to its small size, you are gaining a lot of comfort and accuracy in its small footprint and weight distribution.

Before I owned the Ridgid benchtop planer, I used a full-size corded power plane to smooth seams as needed. Power planers have a pretty considerable learning curve and can really cause damage to a workpiece without a lot of practice. This tool would have made a lot of builds go a lot smoother because it’s so much easier to control and maneuver. Whether smoothing seams or joints the design of this planer will give a user more control than ever before. Because it’s footprint is so similar to a standard hand plane, it allows for an easy transition when you need just a bit more power.

It’s powerful, effective and comfortable to use. The chip ejection works great, while I didn’t have as good of luck with the dust bag. You can see the smooth wood edge created on a simple 2X4. The long and short of it is, that this planer is portable, effective and easy to tote around. When you hold this planer it feels solid. There is no doubt in my mind that no quality was sacrificed in making this planer. This little guy makes no mistake that size isn’t everything.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review Value

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer, Model #GHO12V-08N, is priced at $179.00 for the bare tool and you can purchase it on Amazon. Because its the first of its kind, they get a bit more leeway in determining a fair price. If you’re into the 12V battery line from Bosch, I think the price is easier to swallow. One thing I would have loved to see included was a case, as Bosch makes amazing hard cases. The small footprint makes it easy to tote around regardless. The build quality is outstanding. Often times small tools aren’t made as durable as their larger counterparts. Bosh made this every bit as durable and strong as their larger corded power planer. All in all, it’s a fair price for a very handy and well-performing tool.

Bosch 12V Cordless Planer Review Final Thoughts

If you frequently use power planers, this tool is absolutely one to check out. The build quality is superb, and the performance is superior. For the professional carpenter, framer, or a homeowner’s first planer, this is an excellent option to go cordless without the bulk. Without a doubt, Bosch’s 12V line has continued to expand to include tools we know and love just slimmed down. Don’t let the small footprint fool you, this tool is mighty in all the ways that count.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Hello,
    Can you please tell me, how long it runs with one full charge. We have frequent power cuts where I live, so looking for a durable one. Thank you.

    • I think it really depends on the settings, it’s advertised as 33 feet of planing per amp hour, but I would be surprised if it didn’t do a bit more than that. I would definitely keep a backup battery just in case!

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