In June I attended a Milwaukee media event and one of the more interesting tools there was a 3 1/4-inch cordless power planer (2623). It was as interesting for what it represents—the first new “woodworking” tool from the company in a decade—as for the well-designed planer it appears to be.
Features include 20 indexed cut settings and a maximum depth-of-cut of 27/64 inches, which comes to 1/256 inch per click. The maximum rabbet depth is 27/64 inches, which Milwaukee says is “best in class”. The tool takes a pair of double-edged carbide blades and spins at 14,000 rpm. It will be available bare or in a one-battery kit that includes an edge bevel guide.
Since being purchased by TTi more than a decade ago Milwaukee has concentrated on its core customers in the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades—though obviously many of their tools appeal to a broader audience. But nothing they’ve introduce in recent years is specifically aimed at the woodworking and finish carpentry trades. Could the introduction of the planer signal a return by Milwaukee to woodworking tools? I asked a Milwaukee executive and was told the company will not introduce new corded tools in the woodworking category, but that nothing is off the table when it comes to cordless.
M18 Planer Specs
Power: 18-volt M18 battery
Blades: two 3 1/4-inch double-sided carbide
Speed: 14,000 rpm
Depth settings: 20 in increments of 1/256”
Max depth of cut: 27/64”
Max rabbet: 27/64”
Weight: 7.5 pounds (with battery)
COO: China
Kit version (2623-21) includes: planer, two blades, charger, one XC battery, bevel edge guide, contractors bag; also available bare (2623-20)
Price: not yet released
Available: Summer 2015
