Bosch GHO12V-08N 12V Max Planer Review

Discover the Bosch GHO12V-08N 12V Max Planer, a compact, cordless planer powered by a 12V battery (sold separately) and driven by an EC Brushless motor. This review covers its performance, highlighting the professional operation, 14,500 RPM no-load speed, and lightweight, balanced design for easy handling.

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Specifications

• Battery Voltage: 12V (battery not included, typically sold as a bare tool)
• Motor: EC Brushless motor
• No Load Speed: 14,500 RPM
• Planing Width: 2.2 in (56 mm)
• Planing Depth:
  • Single Pass: 0.08 in (2.0 mm)
• Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
• Dimensions:
  • Height: 4.33 in (11 cm)
  • Length: 10.04 in (25.5 cm)

Key Features of the Bosch GHO12V-08N 12V Max Planer

Compact Design

The Bosch 12V Planer (GHO12V-08N) stands out for its compact and ergonomic design, making it an ideal tool for tight spaces and fine detailing work. Its lightweight nature enhances portability, allowing for easy transportation and use in various work environments. The thoughtful inclusion of a snap-up foot protects the blade when the tool is not in use, preventing damage to the work surface. This design consideration ensures the planer can be safely and conveniently set down between uses, making it a user-friendly tool for both professionals and hobbyists.

Power and Performance

Despite its compact size, the Bosch 12V Planer does not compromise on power and performance. It efficiently handles a full width cut up to 2.2 inches, with the capability to remove up to 40,000ths of an inch in a single pass on both softwood and hardwood. This power extends further to 80,000ths for narrower or softer woods, showcasing the tool’s versatility across different materials. The planer’s performance is particularly impressive, as it quickly and smoothly shapes wood without bogging down, even in tougher materials like cherry hardwood or densely ringed softwood.

Precision in Every Pass

Precision is at the heart of the Bosch 12V Planer’s functionality. The tool’s adjustable depth settings allow for meticulous control over each pass, ensuring uniform thickness and smooth finishes. The precision is further enhanced by the planer’s ability to create flawless rabbets and tapers, essential for tasks requiring a high degree of accuracy such as fitting doors or joining pieces. The planer maintains its precision across various depths and widths, providing users with the confidence that every pass will contribute to the exact desired outcome, making it an invaluable tool for detailed woodworking projects.

Battery Life and Charging

The Bosch 12V Planer operates on Bosch’s efficient 12-volt battery system, which is known for its longevity and fast recharge times. While the planer does not come with batteries included, it is compatible with all Bosch 12V lithium-ion batteries, allowing users with existing Bosch tools to interchange batteries seamlessly. The planer’s energy-efficient design ensures optimal usage between charges, catering to extended periods of work without frequent interruptions. Charging is made convenient and quick with Bosch’s standard 12V charger, ensuring the tool is ready to go when needed. For professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, this means less downtime and more productivity, making it an essential tool for projects with tight deadlines or continuous work requirements.

Blade Quality and Adjustability

At the heart of the Bosch 12V Planer’s performance is its high-quality, double-sided blade. The blade is engineered for precision and durability, capable of delivering smooth finishes on a variety of wood types. The planer’s design allows for easy blade adjustments, providing users with the flexibility to control the depth of cut up to 80,000ths for narrower applications, ensuring accuracy and precision in every pass. The ease of adjustability is further enhanced by the inclusion of a convenient onboard wrench stored in the handle, making blade changes quick and hassle-free. Additionally, the planer comes equipped with a spare blade, ensuring that users can maintain optimal performance even during intensive projects. This focus on blade quality and adjustability reflects Bosch’s commitment to delivering professional-grade tools that meet the demands of a wide range of woodworking tasks.

Performance of Bosch 12V Max Planer

Performance-wise, the Bosch 12V Max Planer is equipped with a brushless motor delivering 14,500 RPM, ensuring consistent speed and performance thanks to Bosch’s constant speed circuitry. Its standard removal setting is 0.04 inches, but it can go up to 0.08 inches for deeper cuts. Despite its smaller size compared to traditional power planers, it doesn’t compromise on quality and is capable of achieving up to 33 feet of planing per battery amp hour at the 0.04-inch removal setting, making it an efficient tool for various woodworking tasks​​.

The design of the Bosch 12V Max Planer incorporates several user-friendly features, such as an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling and a switchable shavings ejection system that allows users to change the shavings ejection location from left to right and vice versa, enhancing convenience during use. Additionally, it comes with reversible carbide blades that are designed to last longer than standard blades, adding value and durability to the tool​​.

Table Comparison

Feature	Bosch 12V Max Planer​​	DEWALT 20V MAX Planer​​
Design & Weight	Compact and lightweight at just 3.3 lbs (without battery)	Sturdy build with metal, plastic, and aluminum base, weighing 6.8 lbs
Power & RPM	Up to 14,500 RPM	Brushless motor with up to 15,000 RPM, translating to 30,000 cuts per minute
Planing Width	2.2 inches	3-1/4 inches
Depth of Cut	Single-pass depth up to 0.08 inches	Adjustable, up to 2 mm (1/256 inch increments)
Battery & Runtime	Part of Bosch’s 12V lineup for efficient runtime; specific battery life varies	Requires 1 Lithium Ion battery; known for high battery consumption during continuous use
Key Features	Reversible micrograin carbide blades, spring-loaded stand, switchable shavings ejection system	Calibrated depth adjustment knob, kickstand, guide fence for precision, Poly-V drive belt for durability
Usability	Lock button to prevent accidental startups; lightweight design enhances maneuverability	Guide fence aids in achieving precise, straight cuts; ergonomic handle design
Warranty	Not specified in the provided sources	3-year limited warranty

Summary

The Bosch 12V Max Planer is ideal for users looking for a highly portable, lightweight tool suitable for light to medium-duty tasks. Its compact design allows for easy handling and less fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the DEWALT 20V MAX Planer is better suited for more demanding projects, offering a higher power output and a deeper cut capability. It’s designed to handle sizeable jobs with great efficiency and precision, albeit at a higher weight and with more considerable battery consumption. The choice between these two models should be based on your specific project requirements, balancing the need for portability against power and depth of cut.

Bosch 12V Max Planer Pros and Cons

Maintenance and Care Tips

1. Read the Manual: Always start by reading the manufacturer’s manual. It contains specific maintenance instructions for your tool.
2. Regular Cleaning: After each use, clean the tool to remove dust, wood chips, and debris. Compressed air can be used to blow out dust from hard-to-reach areas. For the exterior, a damp cloth can often do the job.
3. Check for Wear: Regularly inspect the blades and other parts for wear and tear. Dull blades or damaged parts can affect the tool’s performance and safety. Replace or sharpen the blades as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Lubrication: Certain moving parts may require lubrication to function smoothly. Consult the tool’s manual to understand which parts need lubrication and the type of lubricant to use.
5. Battery Care: For cordless tools like the Bosch 12V Max Planer, proper battery care is crucial. Avoid leaving the battery in the charger after it’s fully charged and store it in a cool, dry place. Also, try to keep the battery charged between 30% and 50% if you plan on not using the tool for an extended period.
6. Storage: Store your planer in a dry, clean, and secure place. If your tool came with a case or a bag, use it for storage to protect it from dust and moisture.
7. Avoid Moisture and Heat: Exposure to moisture can cause rust and damage the tool’s electrical components, while excessive heat can damage the battery and other parts. Store the tool in a climate-controlled environment when possible.
8. Tighten Loose Parts: Before use, check for any loose screws or parts and tighten them as necessary. Vibrations from the tool’s operation can cause parts to loosen over time.
9. Use Correctly: Using the tool for tasks it’s not designed for can lead to damage. Always use the tool as intended and follow safety guidelines.
10. Professional Service: If you’re unsure about performing maintenance or if the tool needs a repair, consider professional servicing. Authorized service centers can provide maintenance and repair services according to the manufacturer’s standards.

Conclusion

In summary, the Bosch GHO12V-08N 12V Max Planer is ideal for woodworking, offering portability, power, and precision. With a brushless motor and 14,500 RPM, it’s effective for various tasks. Its efficiency, providing up to 33 feet of planing per amp hour, and cordless operation make it suitable for both professionals and hobbyists. This planer is a top choice for ease of use and performance.

FAQs

1. What makes the Bosch 12V Planer unique compared to other planers? The Bosch 12V Planer stands out due to its compact size, powerful performance, and the precision it offers. It’s designed for easy handling and mobility without compromising on the quality of the finish.
2. Can the Bosch 12V Planer be used for professional projects? Absolutely, this planer is equipped with features that cater to the demands of professional woodworking, making it suitable for a wide range of projects, from construction to fine woodworking.
3. How long does the battery last on a single charge? Battery life varies based on the usage intensity and material, but Bosch designs its 12V batteries to optimize run time, ensuring you can complete most tasks on a single charge.
4. Is the blade easy to replace, and where can I find replacements? Yes, the Bosch 12V Planer is designed for easy blade replacement. Replacement blades are available through Bosch’s network of retailers and online stores.
5. Can the planer be used on different types of wood? Indeed, the Bosch 12V Planer is versatile enough to be used on a variety of wood types, offering consistent results across softwoods, hardwoods, and engineered woods.

Joel Cunningham

Forestry Author

I'm Joel Cunningham, an expert in pruning and weed management with over a decade of experience. My skills are rooted in formal training and extensive practice, focusing on advanced pruning techniques and efficient weed control. I'm known for my quality work, precision, and deep understanding of plant health and soil dynamics. My contributions extend to educational initiatives where I share sustainable practices and advice, establishing myself as a reliable and authoritative figure in the gardening community.