7 of the Best Wood Planers: Which One Is the Right Fit for You?

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q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00OW5AJTG&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USWEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer4.6/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00PSPUWV4&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USPORTER-CABLE Hand Planer, 6-Amp4.7/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01FHOWQQO&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USDEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Brushless Planer4.7/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07Y4867BB&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USCRAFTSMAN Hand Planer, 6-Amp4.7/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00NOVNV76&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMakita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-1/4-Inch Planer4.8/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B086ZDQGXM&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USSKIL 6.5 AMP Electric 3-1/4 Inch Corded Planer4.8/5Check Price
q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08B9GD8T1&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMetabo HPT Handheld Planer, 3-1/4-Inch4.8/5Check Price

A wood planer can be a really helpful tool for your woodworking projects. It’s not just about chopping down trees and turning them into boards.

A planer will allow you to create pieces of the same thickness, which means that each piece of wood is perfect for what you are working on. There are so many different types of planers out there though…so how do you find the right one? This blog post discusses 7 of the best wood planers, so take a look!

Wood Planer

A wood planer is a woodworking tool used to shave off excess wood from a board’s surface. The end result is a smoother and more even piece of lumber that can be used for whatever you need it for!

A wood planer can be a really helpful tool for your woodworking projects. It’s not just about chopping down trees and turning them into boards. A planer will allow you to create pieces of the same thickness, which means that each piece of wood is perfect for what you are working on.

Many beginners are sometimes confused about the difference between a wood router and a wood planer because many tend to have similar features.

The main difference is that the first one cuts away at wood for a smoother surface, while planer actually shaves off excess layers of it to create even surfaces with uniform depth.

A wood planer is also very helpful if you are simply trying to remove some material from your board because this tool saves time and money by ensuring quality with each pass of the machine.

There are so many different types of planers out there, though…so how do you find the right one? Below are the best seven wood planers of 2021!

Top 7 Best Wood Planers Of 2021

1. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00OW5AJTG&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

This product is perfect for every carpenter in the home or professionally leveling out surfaces. Cutting deep into thicker or old boards, this hand planer provides precision with its 16 positive stops that let you set the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inches and can make rabbets up to 7/10th of an inch across on the workpiece using the included rabbeting guide.

With a lightweight design and 6 pounds weight, it’s easy enough on your wrist for extended use while maintaining optimal power output, which is especially useful when dealing with thicker lumber like pressure-treated wood found at most supply stores! With this excellent electric tool, you’ll get more done in less time and save some serious muscle strain!

Pros
  • Lightweight and well designed
  • Time-saving tool
  • Easy to use
Cons

    2. PORTER-CABLE Hand Planer, 6-Amp

    q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00PSPUWV4&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

    The Porter-Cable PM600 electric hand planer is the best way to get perfect edges on your wood project or flooring. This heavy-duty power tool will never cease working, with its 6 amp motor and 16,500 rpm for smooth material removal.

    Dual-sided dust extraction enables you to know when it’s clean-up time! With over 10 positive depth settings along with 3 chamfering grooves, this power tool provides endless options for whatever your needs are. All around 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe provides added control and better finish quality that is sure to please!

    Pros
    • Reliable
    • Affordable
    • Solid tool
    • Works well
    Cons
    • Some buyers say that the instruction is poorly printed and the font is very small.

    3. DEWALT DCP580B 20V MAX Brushless Planer 

    q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01FHOWQQO&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

    The DEWALT DCP580 brushless planer is a powerful and versatile machine. It features a durable brushless motor that provides power and runtime and exceptionally fast cutting speeds of 30,000 cuts each minute, which allow you to quickly clear away material with minimal pressure on your end.

    One of its most relaxing features is the precise depth adjustment knob that allows 1/256-inch increments, perfect for precise chamfering or edge trimming near the finish line. And thanks to its ever so simple kickstand design, you can rest this tool confidently anywhere you need without gouging work surfaces in the process.

    Pros
    • Reliable
    • Great product
    • High-quality
    Cons
    • Some buyers say that it cuts unevenly

    4. CRAFTSMAN Hand Planer, 6-Amp

    q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07Y4867BB&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

    This Craftsman electric hand planner is designed for the busy carpenter and features a heavy-duty 6 amp motor that smoothly cuts in hard and soft materials. It has an 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe that provides added control and better quality finishes, and dual side dust extraction for cleaner workspaces.

    This great addition to any tool belt offers 10 positive depth settings with overmolded depth knob controls – keeping your work orderly while you finish up one room or move on to the next. Get back into business with this good find from Craftsman!

    The CRAFTSMAN Hand Planer meets all of your carpentry needs at just the price you’re looking for, giving you greater tools for success without breaking out your wallet!

    Pros
    • Can be used for simple projects
    • Affordable
    • Good built quality
    Cons

      5. Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-1/4-Inch Planer

      q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00NOVNV76&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

      Makita’s new XPK01Z cordless planer is the next level in power tools. With its lightweight, high-power to weight ratio and 14,000 RPM motors, Makita captures small tasks that are normally out of reach with corded models.

      This tool features double edge carbide blades for smooth edges. Extra large grip pads for comfort; and an infinite depth adjustment knob that allows you to reset your countersink without having to make measurements or adjustments by eye alone! Check it out! Makita thinks outside the box to deliver performance like nothing else on the market.

      Pros
      • Great tool
      • Powerful
      • Easy to use
      • Well-built
      Cons

        6. SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric 3-1/4 Inch Corded Planer

        q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B086ZDQGXM&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

        The SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric Planer is the perfect 3-1/4″ planer for any wood-working enthusiast to take their projects miles ahead of where they’d get if they didn’t have these great products in their workshop.

        The machine itself does not use blades, so it ensures your lumber will get a nice clean edge that cuts smoothly and doesn’t catch any splinters. This sturdy corded electric planer can handle heavy jobs quickly and easily without losing power, even when you’re powering through some thick blocks of old pine boards.

        And with its durable cast iron tables, you’ll spend less time constantly replacing parts while dealing with pesky blade dullness or other problems like rusting or scraping metal particles against each other.

        Pros
        • Great quality
        • Affordable
        • Powerful
        Cons

          7. Metabo HPT Handheld Planer, 3-1/4-Inch

          q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08B9GD8T1&Format= SL160 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=captaintool 20&language=en USMore Details

          The Metabo HPT Handheld Planer is lightweight, more maneuverable, and powerful than ever before. You can reach any depth up to 1/16 of an inch without sacrificing no-load speed at 17,000 RPM.

          This handheld planer includes a kickstand for added convenience and quick use; simply place it on the work surface and start cutting! Built-in dust collection aids in cleanliness by either using the included bag or vacuum attachment.

          Grip Tech delivers handles with textured coverings that provide comfortable vibration absorption when in use to ensure your hands stay firmly in place while working.

          Pros
          • Powerful
          • Well-built
          • Good quality
          • Easy to use
          Cons

            How To Use Wood Planer

            Wood planer is easy to use for both experts and beginners. To use a wood planer, start by marking a line and the wood you would like to cut. This will assure an even planing across the board’s surface and give your desired result, whether it is a smooth finish or rough edge.

            Then set up and secure your workpiece in place so it won’t move during the cutting process. It should be at least as deep as the thickness of your desired board.

            Once you’re confident that your workpiece is secure, start planing at a 90-degree angle to the wood’s surface and move over it in smooth motions until you reach the desired depth or thickness. You can then change its cutting direction to 45 degrees to produce an even smoother finish if needed.

            Once the planing is complete, you can sand and smooth out any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Again, make sure to use smooth motions when working on your project’s edge in order to prevent it from chipping or cracking.

            Buyers Guide: Picking The Best Wood Planer

            In choosing the best wood planer, you need to consider the following factors:

            Power

            The power of your machine matters. If it’s too weak for what you’re trying to do, then it won’t be able to cut through the material. However, a stronger motor is more likely going to cost a little bit more as well. So make sure to choose the right balance between power and price.

            Single or double edge blades

            Planers with single-edge blades tend to be less expensive, but they can’t do as much in terms of cutting material off your workpiece because it only cuts one side at a time. Double-edged blades are more powerful and allow you to cut more material off, but they also tend to cost a little bit more.

            Depth adjustment

            As you might imagine, this is the part that lets you control how deep your blade goes into your workpiece. The depth can be adjusted by moving it up and down as necessary for different projects. Some will need deeper cuts than others, depending on what type of wood you’re working with.

            Ease of use

            A planer that’s a pain in the neck to work with is going to end up getting put into storage until it’s needed for a project and then not used because nobody wants to deal with how complicated it is. It should be easy enough for anyone who might need to use it to get the hang of how it works and not be difficult or frustrating.

            Price

            This is pretty straightforward, you should set a budget for your planer before looking at different models so that way you’re able to narrow down which ones are within your price range. By setting an upper limit on what type of machine you’re willing to get, you’ll avoid getting stuck into a more expensive machine that may not be what you need.

            Weight

            Your wood planer should be easy enough for anyone who might use it – most likely, this will include both men and women of all ages. Make sure the weight is within an acceptable range so that way anybody can use it without causing strain to their body or getting tired quickly.

            Compactness

            The best wood planers are designed for portability because you may need to move them around depending on where they’re needed – this is especially true if the machine needs to be moved around multiple times over several days before all of your projects can be finished.

            Wood Planer FAQ’s

            Do I need to use a lubricant with my planer?

            Yes, you’ll definitely want to make sure that the wood material is as smooth and clean as possible before using your machine. Otherwise, it will be much more difficult for it to cut through the surface of your workpiece and could end up slowing down or losing power in no time.


            How do I know when it’s time to replace my blades?

            The best wood planers will come with a guide so that you can tell how much life your blade has left. If they’re extremely worn out, then the machine may not be able to cut as well as before and could end up leaving marks on what you’re trying to work with.


            How do I know if it’s time to replace my belt?

            If your wood planer has a belt, then you’ll want to keep an eye on that as well. You should always check the belts before and after each use for any signs of wear or damage, especially fraying! If they’re worn out, torn apart, or otherwise damaged, then you’ll need to replace them right away.


            Do wood planer blades need to be sharpened?

            Yes, the blades will definitely require regular maintenance in order for them to work correctly. This means that you’ll need to sharpen or replace your blade at least once every six months, depending on how much material is coming off it – more than usual would necessitate an earlier replacement.


            How many times do I need to pull the trigger to make a cut?

            For most wood planers, you’ll only need to pull the trigger once as it will continue making cuts until your project is finished. However, if you want more precise control over how deep each pass goes into your material, you should look for a model that allows multiple pulls of the same blade.


            Can I use my wood planer for other materials like plastic or metal?

            No, you should not be using your machine on anything but wood. You’ll need to find another way of cutting through plastics and metals depending on what type of project you’re working with because it may cause damage to your blade if put under too much stress.

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