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10 Best Planers of July 2024

TOP PICKS

SaleBestseller No. 1 −25%
DEWALT Thickness Planer, Two Speed, 13-inch, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
SaleBestseller No. 2 −15%
CRAFTSMAN Planer, 15 Amp, For Benchtops, Two Knife Solid Steel Cutter Head (CMEW320)
SaleBestseller No. 3 −27%
WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch
Bestseller No. 4
WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black
SaleBestseller No. 5 −34%
DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)
SaleBestseller No. 6 −10%
VEVOR Thickness Planer 13-Inch Benchtop Planer 2000W Wood Planer 8000 rpm Woodworking Planer 15 AMP Wood Planer Foldable 6m/min Planing Speed with Iron Stand Dust Exhaust for Woodworking Wooden Plank
SaleBestseller No. 7 −5%
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
SaleBestseller No. 8 −13%
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Bestseller No. 9
WEN PL1303 15-Amp 13-Inch Three-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer , Black
SaleBestseller No. 10 −6%
WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 4-3/8-Inch

BUYING GUIDE

A planer tool is essential for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike, designed to smooth and level wood surfaces, trim doors, and mill lumber to precise thicknesses. Whether you’re working on fine furniture, custom cabinetry, or DIY projects, a planer can significantly enhance the quality and fit of your work. Planers come in various types, including hand planers, benchtop planers, and stationary (thickness) planers, each offering specific benefits for different project needs. Selecting the right planer involves considering factors like the material you work with, the volume of wood to be planed, space constraints, and budget. This guide will explore key considerations to help you choose the best planer tool for your woodworking projects.

Key Features to Consider

Type of Planer

  • Hand Planers (Manual and Electric): Offer portability and fine control for small projects or touch-up work. Electric models speed up the process but may offer less tactile feedback than manual versions.
  • Benchtop Planers: Compact and more affordable than stationary models, ideal for hobbyists or professionals with limited space. Suitable for small to medium projects.
  • Stationary (Thickness) Planers: Designed for high volume and precision, best for professional workshops. They offer the widest range of features and the highest capacity.

Power and Capacity

  • Motor Power: Measured in horsepower (HP) for stationary planers and amps for electric hand and benchtop models. Higher power allows for smoother cuts and handling denser woods.
  • Maximum Width and Depth of Cut: Determines the maximum size of wood that can be planed and how much material can be removed in a single pass.

Cutting Blades

  • Blade Type: Most planers use either straight knives or helical (spiral) cutter heads. Helical heads are quieter, produce a smoother finish, and their individual cutters are easier to replace.
  • Blade Material: High-speed steel (HSS) is common, but carbide blades offer longer life and better performance on harder woods.

Feed Rate and Speed

  • Feed Rate: The speed at which wood is fed through the planer, measured in feet per minute (FPM). Adjustable feed rates allow for more control over the finish quality.
  • Speed Settings: Multiple speed settings can accommodate different types of wood and finishes.

Dust Collection and Noise

  • Dust Collection: Look for models with efficient dust collection systems to keep your workspace clean and reduce cleanup time.
  • Noise Level: Planers can be loud; consider the noise level if you’re working in a shared space or residential area.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Planer ToolsCons of Planer Tools
⚡ Can quickly smooth and dimension wood💸 High-quality models can be expensive
🛠️ Essential for achieving precise thickness and flatness🔄 Manual planers require skill and physical effort
🎨 Versatile for various woodworking projects🏠 Larger models require significant workshop space
🔄 Can save money by allowing you to buy rough lumber and mill it yourself🔧 Blades require regular maintenance and occasional replacement

Quick Tips

1️⃣ Assess Your Project Needs: Consider the type and volume of work you do most often to choose the planer size and features that best match your requirements.
2️⃣ Consider Space and Budget: Balance your workspace availability and budget with the planer’s features and capacity to find the best fit.
3️⃣ Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations: User reviews and professional recommendations can provide valuable insights into a planer’s performance and reliability.

Selecting the best planer tool for your woodworking needs involves careful consideration of the type of work you do, the features that will enhance your projects, and the practical considerations of space and budget. Whether you opt for a manual hand planer for detailed work, a versatile benchtop model for a home workshop, or a stationary planer for professional-grade milling, the right planer can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of your woodworking tasks. Remember to also consider factors like dust collection, noise level, and ease of blade maintenance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable woodworking experience.

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