Bosch 3296K 3-1/4-Inch Planer Kit

The Bosch 3296K has excellent performance and functionality along with the best, most complete and versatile guide fence accessory available anywhere. There really is no comparing this unit to any of the other portable planers on the market today. The fence is so much better than the cheap, practically useless, guides offered by most manufactures and adds a dimension of accuracy and precision that could never be achieved repeatedly using a portable planer free hand. Only Porter-Cables top of the line model 9118, which I have used extensively, has a functionally comparable guide fence, but with only a 2-13/32" capacity, the PC is much more limited as to what you can do with it, and is also unjustifiably much more expensive.
The only minor complaint I have with the Bosch 3296K is that the chip chute lever is a little short and can be difficult to move forward after being fully seated in the rear position. It's possible that the lever may become easier to move as the unit gets more worn in, but right now it's a little stiff, even after being lubricated with silicone spray, and often requires two hands to operate. Also a chip bag might also be a nice extra for easier cleanup of quick, small, "hurry up", indoor plane jobs, such as shaving a door edge.
The really bad news is, unfortunately, if you don't already have one of these, you can pretty much forget about ever getting one. Right now, there is a very, very, limited availability of the 3296K. It took me over four months of scouring the web and local suppliers to finally locate and purchase one.
This is due to the fact that even though it is technically still available from some suppliers, Bosch is no longer manufacturing this unit because it is being replaced with a new model beginning in June 2002. The new model will reportedly have three chamfer slots in the shoe, a slightly higher amp motor, still maintain the 3/32" cutting depth capacity, the same excellent guide fence accessory and somehow actually cost a little less. Sounds like it's going to be another excellent unit.
Overall, from my own comparison and usage, as of this date, I personally feel that the Bosch 3296K is the finest and most versatile portable planer kit available from any major manufacturer and definitely money well spent, if you're lucky enough to still find one.

I work for a finish carpentry company; one of our main stages is installation of doors, The Bosh planer is used to do edge bevels and trimmings fit. Good features are: Good weight distribution. Smooth cutting. Strong motor. Good and firm adjust cutting depth. Nice left or right option on the dischargeable port extractor. Good solid Guiding fence. Poor features are: The back shoe of the planer could had been 1 ½ to 2 inches longer. One or two smaller v groves in the front shoe with the deeper single one only available now. The metal caring box could had been 1 to 2 inches bigger all the way around for easier fitting the planer with the guide fence on, and not having to move the guide in or out every time to use it or store it, even if it is easy to move it. Would I buy this planer again? Yes.

Had to replace 8 doors and make them fit old openings that were built out of real 2" lumber for the frames. Each one was different. This planer did the job just fine, never bogged down. With the directional chip ports, using it with either hand and any direction left the chips flying away from the operator. For a planer this one is not hard on the ears, not as loud as a circular saw. The fence on the planer never moved from where it was set and to adjust it was easy, its also about 2" high for great support. The only thing that I do not care for is the depth adjustment knob is marked in millimeters and not inches. But a minor detail for such a great tool. I since have used this planer instead of my belt sander on finishing the edges of some shelves, it leaves that clean of a cut. Great planer for the price.