Best Planers

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 19, 2023
Such an interesting occupation as wooden furniture making would have been impossible without wood boards. Planers are the machinery used for fabrication of wood boards of the required thickness. We've chosen the best 5 electric planers and reviewed them to help you choose the right tool. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
DESIGN
WORKPIECE CAPACITY
DEPTH-OF-CUT
NUMBER OF ROLLERS
ROLLERS ROTATION SPEED
MOTOR CURRENT CAPACITY
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
WEIGHT
WARRANTY
 
PROS

The planer is equipped with three cutting knives, which allows a high-quality wood machining. Moreover, the knives are reversible, so their service life will be up to 2 times higher compared to conventional non-reversible blades.

CONS

Motor is quite noisy.

OUR VERDICT

This machine is best suited for processing long and massive workpieces: extra-long infeed and outfeed tables allow you to comfortably work with boards of various types, even if their length is equal to 33-1 / 2".

detailed parameters
DESIGN

Thickness Planar

WORKPIECE CAPACITY

Max workpiece width - 12.5"

Max workpiece height - 6"

DEPTH-OF-CUT

up to 1/8"

NUMBER OF ROLLERS

3

ROLLERS ROTATION SPEED

10000 RPM

MOTOR CURRENT CAPACITY

15 A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Reversible knives, Extra-long infeed and outfeed tables (provide up to 33-1/2" of material support), Turret depth stop, Four-column carriage lock, material removal gauge, extra-large thickness scale

WEIGHT

80 lbs

WARRANTY

3 years

PROS

Dust port here is compatible with almost any vacuum cleaner, and it is additionally equipped with a fan - this provides even more efficient suction of small sawdust to keep the work area clean.

CONS

The cutting blades may wear down quickly.

OUR VERDICT

If you own a small wood processing workshop and are looking for a reliable machine that will last you many years, this model will be the best option. The Granite table provides the instrument with a long service life, and the feed rate of 26 feet / min ensures fast operation.

detailed parameters
DESIGN

Thickness Planar

WORKPIECE CAPACITY

Max workpiece width - 12-1/2"

Max workpiece height - 6"

DEPTH-OF-CUT

up to 3/32"

NUMBER OF ROLLERS

2

ROLLERS ROTATION SPEED

8500 RPM

MOTOR CURRENT CAPACITY

15 А

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Granite table, Fan-assisted dust port

WEIGHT

73 lbs

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

Uses a special secure Interna-Lock for a reliable head locking. Much less noisy when compared to most other planars, which will be a welcome relief to anyone's ears.

CONS
The dust collector is unable to collect all the wood dust and chips.
OUR VERDICT

The Makita 2012NB is a reliable semi-pro planer, which despite its comparatively small size can process any type of wood you choose to work with. Its lightweight makes it easy to move whenever necessary.

detailed parameters
DESIGN
Thickness Planer
WORKPIECE CAPACITY

Max workpiece width - 12"

Max workpiece height - 6-3/32"

DEPTH-OF-CUT
up to 1/8"
NUMBER OF ROLLERS
2
ROLLERS ROTATION SPEED

8 500 RPM

MOTOR CURRENT CAPACITY
15 A
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Low operation noise (83 dB)
WEIGHT
61.9 lbs
WARRANTY
1 Year Limited Warranty
PROS

The manufacturer warranty coverage period for this planer is quite long, so users won't have to worry about this model failing at the most inopportune time. That said, the build quality is extraordinary, and should last anyone for years.

CONS
This electric planer structure includes a metal sheet, which has tangible vibrations during the operation.
OUR VERDICT

This Delta Power portable planer is a perfect fit for a small workshop or shop, especially when you do not need to use it frequently. Includes a motor overheat indicator which prevents you from overworking the device.

detailed parameters
DESIGN
Thickness Planer
WORKPIECE CAPACITY

Max workpiece width - 13"

Max workpiece height - 6"

DEPTH-OF-CUT
up to 3/32"
NUMBER OF ROLLERS
2
ROLLERS ROTATION SPEED

9 400 RPM

MOTOR CURRENT CAPACITY
15 A
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Two feed-in polyurethane rollers placed near the cutting head for a better workpiece clamping and avoiding it of sliding
WEIGHT
58 lbs
WARRANTY
5 Year Limited Warranty
PROS

Snipe lock eliminates the risk of accidentally changing the depth of cut while passing boards through the machine - this will prevent you from spoiling expensive materials. The motor has an advanced cooling system - relevant for continuous operation.

CONS

Very heavy to move, even for 2 people.

OUR VERDICT

The properly thought-out motor design and the special shape of hardened blades make this model the best solution for sawing and processing hard wood (oak, beech, maple, etc.). Moreover, it is equipped with the latest security technologies.

detailed parameters
DESIGN

Thickness Planar

WORKPIECE CAPACITY

Max workpiece width - 13"

Max workpiece height - 6"

DEPTH-OF-CUT

up to 1/8"

NUMBER OF ROLLERS

2

ROLLERS ROTATION SPEED

9000 RPM

MOTOR CURRENT CAPACITY

15 А

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

4 guide posts and 2 screw posts, manual cutterhead snipe lock, enclosed internal gears for height adjustment, 8-position Repeat Cut Depth Stop

WEIGHT

90 lbs

WARRANTY

2 years

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DEWALT DW734

Three Knife Cutter Head

Not all planers are made the same, which can become immediately apparent once the details of each model are seen. One of the biggest ways in which they can vary, though, is in the quality of their output, which unfortunately can't be seen unless you use the device. Although planers all have a similar function, the ability to do a great job such as providing an extremely fine finish can vary, and much of this has to do with the type of cutting head used. Many planers use only single or double knife cutting heads, which can be fine for some cases, but in many others they just can't provide the kind of quality finish that many people want from wood cut with a planer.

The DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer is not like many of those models, as it provides the right tools for getting the exact results that you want. The planer is equipped with three cutting knives, which allows for an extremely high-quality wood machining. Moreover, the knives are reversible, so their service life will be up to 2 times higher compared to conventional non-reversible blades, essentially giving you much more bang for the buck than what you will get from many other planers. Simply put, you will be quite happy with the results that you get from using this model.

Review of DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer

Great for Large Wood Pieces

This machine is best suited for processing long and massive workpieces, unlike many of the other models that you will find. This planer comes with extra-long infeed and outfeed tables which allow you to comfortably work with boards of various types, even if their length is equal to 33-1 / 2". For those who need to plane such large pieces, this model will accommodate your needs just fine.

The machine is operated by a 20000 RPM motor that is able to handle just about any piece of wood that you throw at it, cutting through it without any difficulty. The three-knife cutter head mentioned before gives you an amazing 96 cuts per inch, providing the top-notch finish that is a hallmark of this machine. And for those concerned with the safety of the device, the four-column carriage lock helps to reduce the amount of movement on the machine while the motor is running, keeping it firmly in place.

One other nifty feature of this device is the included dust hood, which helps keep the sawdust generated from cuts collected, even allowing you to attach a shop vacuum for easy disposal. All told, those looking for a powerful planer with high quality output will find this to be an exceptional model that provides high-quality output for years.

DEWALT DW734 Benchtop Planer in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0000CCXU6

 

WEN 6550T

Keep Your Work Area Clean

What is one of the most problematic areas of woodcutting of any kind? If you ask any serious wood worker this question, they will most often say sawdust. Keeping the work area clean is always of the highest importance, for a number of reasons. Not only does a messy work area negatively affect the quality of the work and results of woodcutting, but it can also provide a safety hazard in a number of ways. Stray wood dust can jam up the machinery, causing numerous hazards, and it can also highly affect the quality of the work being done. And it goes without mentioning that too much dust can always cause irritation of the eyes and nose. Getting rid of such dust is always a priority when working with such a machine.

The WEN 6550T Corded Benchtop Thickness Planer was made with this problem in mind, featuring a design that helps with getting rid of stray wood dust and keeping the work area clean. The dust port on this model is compatible with almost any vacuum cleaner, and it is additionally equipped with a fan - this provides even more efficient suction of small sawdust to keep the work area cleared of dust at all times. This allows you to work efficiently and proficiently, giving you the means of focusing on your work rather than on having to clear out excess sawdust.

Review of WEN 6550T Corded Benchtop Thickness Planer

Sturdy and Reliable

If you own a small wood processing workshop and are looking for a reliable machine that will last you many years, this model will be the best option. The Granite table provides the instrument with a long service life as well as a smooth and sturdy surface for wood to glide over, and the feed rate of 26 feet / min ensures fast operation. The machine gives you the ability to plane wood boards up to 6 inches thick and 12.5 inches wide, allowing for the easy planing of boards that should fit most people's needs. The depth can also be adjusted from 0 to 3/32 of an inch, giving you extremely thin planing ability that many other models can't match.

The unit itself is rather study, providing a heavy base that can sit comfortably on any workspace and keep it sturdy, with minimal vibration or risk of movement while working. This helps provide a sturdy and safe working area while the machine is being operated. The 15 A motor gives you 17,000 cuts per minute, providing a fine finish with ample performance for doing a quick cutting job. Best of all, though, is that this model comes in at a very competitive price, giving you a high-quality and durable wood cutting tool that should last for a long time without breaking the bank.

WEN 6550T Corded Benchtop Thickness Planer in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07KKY27KL

 

Makita 2012-NB

Powerful and Compact

When it comes to any kind of heavy duty machine like a planer, there is always a negative correlation that follows it, the most common of which is that a machine that is compact is often not very powerful, and vice versa. Compact machines usually are focused on efficiency rather than power, and ones that are focused on power are usually not very compact. Such are the trade-offs that often are a rule. However, there are almost always exceptions to this rule, such as this Makita planer, which is a powerful yet very compact machine. Utilizing a potent electric motor with 15 А current capacity, the 2012NB thickness planer is capable of dubbing any wood species regardless of its hardness. The use of such a powerful motor results in the uniform and smooth surface of any workpiece created through this model.

Many users appreciate the 2012NBs for its convenience of use. The tool weighs only 62 lbs and isn't bulky, so carrying and transporting it won't be much trouble. Plus, thanks to its balanced design, it ensures better user control and makes the task of processing wood, metal and other materials much less taxing. Therefore, if you're considering buying a reliable woodworking tool, the Makita 2012NB can be a good choice.

Review of Makita 2012-NB Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp

Silent Assistant

The Makita 2012NB surface planer was designed in a very intelligent way, which greatly facilitates its operation. With the built-in imperial and inch scales, you can effortlessly set the required machining depth. We would like to draw your attention to the planer knives and their operation. They adhere to the shaft with a pressing bar. To access the knives of the cutting head, for example, for their replacement you just need to remove a corresponding protective cover having preliminary unscrewed two screws, which is very simple. The major advantage of the carbide knives supplied is that they have two cutting edges. This means that after one knife edge wears off you can flip it and use the other edge.

The 2012NB model also has an indicator that indicates its readiness for the operation. One has to agree that there are very few things that are worse than a skewed machined wood plank, especially when it comes to expensive timber species. To avoid an incorrect or defective wood machining on this planer, Makita furnished the machine with the Interna–Lok locking mechanism. This mechanism is intended for the planer head to securely hold a workpiece during the operation. Another important advantage this thickness planer offers is the low operation noise. For this model, the noise level is capped at 83 dB. For those who want a powerful yet compact planer that is able to handle workpieces of any size, this model is an absolute bargain.

Makita 2012-NB Planer with Interna-Lok Automated Head Clamp in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $749.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B000051ZOO

 

Delta 22-555

Renowned Quality

The DELTA Power Equipment Corporation has been operating for 90 years already in the woodworking industry and is justly considered one of the most renowned and respectable power tool manufacturing brands today. The primary focus of the company is on the innovations of their products, which enable users to make their woodenware with more ease and accuracy. As of today the DELTA company manufactures and distributes a wide range of power tools, including various saws, machines, dust collectors and so on. Needless to say that all of this company's products are of exceptional quality, including the Delta Power Tools 22-555 planer. This superb portable planer will be a good fit for you if you run a small company that operates in the woodworking area.

Despite its compactness, the 22-555 planer has a capable 15 A electric motor on the board. For the unimpeded utilization of the electric motor power, the structure of the planer was designed based on a four-column scheme accordingly. On the other hand, the conservative approach to the estimation of the planer structural strength makes even such a capable motor a sensible spot. For that reason, the machine was equipped with a motor overheat indicator allowing for a better motor operation control. The workpiece feeding mechanism consists of two polyurethane rollers that prevent a workpiece from sliding and stuttering when drawn through the machine. Of course, this power planer by DELTA is also equipped with a dedicated waste dispensing port to keep your workplace and machine clean and ready to work.

Review of Delta 22-555 Portable Thickness Planer

Features to Improve Workflow

This handy planer is not only very powerful, but includes a number of features that greatly help in improving a person's workflow. For one, the infeed and outfeed tables are fully adjustable, letting you set them to work well with both small and large pieces of wood. Furthermore, the surface of each table is quite smooth, letting the wood slide freely on it without the possibility of it getting stuck. Combined with the workpiece feeding mechanism mentioned above, you won't have to worry about the feeding of your workpieces encountering problems that will affect your work.

Another extremely handy feature of this unit is that the dedicated waste dispensing port mentioned before is reversible, letting you easily clear out woodchips and sawdust from each side of the device with equal measure. This contrasts greatly with the dust ports on many other machines which are often not very thorough with removing dust and chips from throughout the inside of the cutting area. With all of that said, the machine does tend to vibrate a bit during operation, but it shouldn't bother most users, nor should it affect the quality of your workpieces. Those who purchase this planer will be most pleased with its overall quality.

Delta 22-555 Portable Thickness Planer in the use
Last updated price $384.74
Stock In stock
ASIN B00HRM0OIM

VIDEO
Delta 13" PORTABLE THICKNESS PLANER 22-590 - Review
 

Cutech 40200H-CT

Cut Through Hard Wood

One thing that many people need to be aware of when looking for a planer is in its ability to adequately cut through even harder types of wood. Most planar machines tend to be made for cutting through common types of wood used in many construction projects, but some other types of hard wood, such as oak and maple, can quickly jam up such machines. That is why it is important to check the abilities of such a machine before purchasing one, to make sure that it is up to the task of cutting through the kinds of wood that you are planning to use. Not doing so beforehand can cause all kinds of problems later on.

The Cutech 40200H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer is one planer that is capable of handling just about any type of wood you throw at it. The properly thought-out motor design and the special shape of hardened blades make this model the best solution for sawing and processing hard wood (oak, beech, maple, etc.). Moreover, it is equipped with the latest security technologies that help ensure safe operation of the device, including the heavy base that prevents the machine from moving around, even during the toughest cutting jobs. Both experienced and novice wood workers will find the safety features to be invaluable.

Review of Cutech 40200H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer

Safe and Even Cutting

A number of important features are also included in this planer that will help ensure that you get the best quality results from your work. Snipe lock eliminates the risk of accidentally changing the depth of cut while passing boards through the machine - this will prevent you from spoiling expensive materials, helping to save you money in the long run. In addition, the motor has an advanced cooling system that allows for continuous operation of the device, preventing the need to frequently stop your work just so the device can cool down.

One of the handiest features of this device is the large infeed and outfeed tables that come with it, measuring at 14" x 14" each, allowing you to work with even the largest boards. These large tables also have a smooth surface that lets the wood glide over effortlessly without getting stuck. The device itself is also quite sturdy, but much of this comes from its heaviness, which makes it difficult to move, even for two people. It is advised to find the ideal location for using the device first before operating it, as moving it around is not easy! Having said that, though, everything about this planer screams high quality, and we are sure that any wood worker will be pleasantly surprised at its abilities.

Cutech 40200H-CT Spiral Cutterhead Planer in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B011QLKNZ8

 

What Is a Planer?

When you face a problem of planing many wood boards after a short time it becomes obvious that this task is very labor-intensive and time-consuming if performed manually. In this case, a wood planer will be of much help. A planer is a woodworking device intended for planing solid wood into the boards of the desired thickness.

One of the main benefits of using a planer is saving of labor as such a device has a high capacity and enables you to process a large amount of raw material without going through the effort of doing it all by yourself. Another advantage is the safety of operation as the probability of injury is quite low for power planers. And the last but not the least is the surface quality as the electric planers enable you to obtain the boards of very precise dimensions and fine finish. Further on the obtained boards can be used for laying the floors, furniture making, interior finishing, etc.

The machine has the following principle of operation: a workpiece is fed along a horizontal table on rollers and a rotating cutter head with the knives whittles the workpiece to shape it into a board.

You can also learn about gas chainsaws which will come in handy when sawing the wood before its machining.

Best Planers

What Features to Compare

Before buying such a valuable assistant as a planer, one should puzzle out its functionality and clarify the most important features.

Types

The planning machines are divided into several types, which are designed for performing different types of wood machining:

  • Surface planer (jointer). This type of planer performs primary machining of a workpiece. To obtain a fine and even plank surface and edges you have to machine a workpiece in such a way as to get a plain (reference) face, along which the whole surface is going to be dubbed or joined with another piece of lumber. Making an even face is an intended purpose of a surface planer.
  • Thickness planer (thicknesser). This planer type serves for cutting pieces of wood to the necessary thickness. The wood is pulled in on one end of the planer (infeed) and passes the cutter, led by the rollers. This results in cutting this piece of wood to the desired thickness with perfectly parallel upper and lower faces.

Performance

Secondly, you need to pay attention to those planer parameters, which influence the performance:

  • Workpiece capacity. This set of parameters governs the maximum width and height of a workpiece, which can be machined with a planer. Therefore the higher these values are the bigger workpiece can be machined with a planer.
  • Depth-of-cut. This parameter defines the thickness of a wood layer, which a planer removes in a single pass. The bigger the cutting depth is, the fewer times you'd need to run a workpiece on the machine to remove a thick layer of wood.
  • Electric motor capacity. This parameter directly determines a planer working capacity. More powerful electric planers are capable of dubbing durable wood. With that being said, when you use a machine equipped with a motor not powerful enough you might need to run a workpiece several times on a planer to achieve the desired board thickness.
  • Rollers rotation speed. In general, the higher the rotation speed of planer rollers is, the smoother and more even the machined surface would be.
  • Number of rollers. The number of planer rollers depends on the planer design and its intended purpose. Portable planers, for example, are intended for household purposes and scales of jobs and are limited to having one roller only, while semi-pro planer models may be equipped with two or three rollers, which enable the machining of a workpiece from both sides simultaneously.

Distinguishing Features

In addition to the abovementioned parameters, woodworking planers just as other machines have their distinguishing features that make machinery operation more convenient and thus are worthy of your attention. These features include the devices for blowing wood dust and chips out of a workpiece, dedicated systems of dust and trash collection during operation, various LEDs that indicate the statuses and operation modes. Some wood planers support two operating speeds, which you are free to switch between during work. Some planer tables may have a unique coverage to achieve the highest possible smoothness of a workpiece feeding, etc.

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