Ever felt the frustration of a warped piece of wood ruining your project? It’s a common problem for woodworkers of all levels! A planer is the tool that can fix this. It makes wood flat and smooth. But planers can be expensive. Finding a good, cheap planer seems like a challenge. Many people want to start woodworking without spending a fortune. The search for a budget-friendly planer can feel overwhelming. You might worry about quality, features, and if it will even work well.
This is where we come in. This post will help you find the best cheap planer for your needs. We’ll explore what to look for in a planer. We’ll also compare some popular models. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes when buying a cheap planer. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose a planer that fits your budget. You’ll feel confident in your decision and start creating amazing woodworking projects!
Ready to discover the secrets to selecting a great, cheap planer? Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Cheap Planer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Planer Detailed Reviews
1. WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The WEN 6528 Electric Hand Planer is a handy tool for woodworkers. It has a 3.8-amp motor. This motor helps make up to 32,000 cuts every minute. You can adjust how deep it cuts. It weighs just 4.3 pounds, so it’s easy to handle. The planer also includes a spot to store the wrench. It has a kickstand to keep your work safe. WEN also offers a two-year warranty.
What We Like:
- The motor cuts quickly and efficiently.
- You can easily change the cutting depth.
- It is light and easy to move around.
- The included wrench storage is convenient.
- The kickstand prevents damage.
- The two-year warranty is a nice bonus.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want a more powerful motor.
- The blade changing process could be simpler.
This WEN hand planer is a good choice for many woodworking projects. It is a great tool for both beginners and experienced users.
2. JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer – Mini Hand Planer for Woodworking
Rating: 8.8/10
The JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer is a compact hand plane designed for woodworking tasks. It’s a mini powerhouse, perfect for trimming, shaping, and smoothing wood surfaces. This little plane is made for both professionals and beginners. It’s great for DIY projects and crafting.
What We Like:
- The blade is made from professional-grade O1 tool steel. This improves cutting and reduces wear.
- The body is tough ductile iron. This makes it durable and drop-resistant.
- The cutting depth is adjustable. You can easily change how much wood it removes.
- It’s small and portable. You can take it anywhere.
- It’s easy to use, with a flat bottom for smooth operation.
- The included instruction manual helps with setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- The blade needs careful handling. It’s very sharp.
In short, the JORGENSEN mini wood planer is a handy tool. It’s a good choice for woodworkers of all skill levels.
3. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a handy tool for woodworking. It is great for smoothing and shaping wood surfaces. This electric hand planer has a powerful 6-amp motor. It makes up to 34,000 cuts every minute. You can easily adjust the cutting depth from 0 to 1/8 inches. The planer also makes rabbets up to 1 inch. It is also lightweight, so it is easy to carry around. The package includes a dust bag, kickstand, and parallel fence. The WEN 6530 comes with a 2-year warranty.
What We Like:
- The 6-amp motor is strong.
- It cuts wood very fast.
- You can adjust the cutting depth easily.
- The rabbeting guide is useful.
- It’s lightweight and easy to handle.
- It includes a dust bag to keep your workspace clean.
- The kickstand and parallel fence are helpful.
- It has a 2-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the dust bag fills up quickly.
In conclusion, the WEN 6530 is a good hand planer for many woodworking tasks. It offers good value and is easy to use.
4. Dreyoo No.4 Adjustable Hand Planer with 2 Inch Replacement Blade
Rating: 8.6/10
The Dreyoo No.4 Adjustable Hand Planer is a great tool for woodworking. It’s designed for both pros and beginners. This hand planer helps smooth wood surfaces. It also helps with tasks like DIY door installations. It comes with a replacement blade, so you have a spare. The planer is made of strong materials and is easy to adjust.
What We Like:
- Comes with a 2-inch replacement blade made of strong manganese steel.
- The blade is sharper for smooth cuts.
- Easy and accurate depth adjustment with a barbell shape design.
- The clamping screw has a big red cap for easy use.
- The body is made of sturdy carbon steel and is rust-resistant.
- The 9-inch body and flat sole prevent the blade from shaking.
- Ergonomic handles and knobs make it comfortable to hold.
What Could Be Improved:
- No information available to improve.
This Dreyoo hand planer is a reliable tool for many woodworking projects. It’s easy to use and has helpful features, making it a good choice for any woodworker.
5. VEVOR Thickness Planer – 13-Inch Benchtop Wood Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The VEVOR 13-Inch Benchtop Wood Planer is a powerful tool for woodworking. It has a 2000W motor and a fast 8000 rpm cutter head speed. This planer can handle big cuts in wide materials. It also has a foldable workbench and stand. This helps save space. The planer is made for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like:
- Powerful motor and fast cutter head for efficient planing.
- Foldable workbench and detachable stand save space.
- Easy to adjust the cutting depth with a crank handle.
- Dust exhaust interface keeps the workspace clean.
- Suitable for a variety of wood types and projects.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description does not mention any potential safety concerns.
- It could be helpful to know the weight of the planer.
This VEVOR planer is a good choice for those who need a reliable wood planer. It is packed with features that make woodworking easier and more efficient.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Cheap Planer
Are you starting a woodworking project? Do you need to make wood smooth and even? A planer can help! This guide will help you find a good, cheap planer. Let’s get started!
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a cheap planer, look for key features. These features will help you make the right choice.
- Cutting Width: This tells you how wide of a board the planer can handle. Bigger is usually better. It means you can plane wider pieces of wood.
- Cutting Depth: This is how much wood the planer removes in one pass. A bigger cutting depth saves you time.
- Motor Power: A stronger motor means more power. This is helpful for planing harder woods.
- Blade Type: Planers use blades to cut wood. Some planers use disposable blades. Others use blades that can be sharpened. Sharpenable blades often last longer.
- Dust Collection: Planing creates a lot of sawdust. A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean.
- Portability: Some planers are small and easy to move. Others are larger and heavier. Consider where you will use the planer.
Important Materials
The materials used in a planer affect its quality.
- Blades: Planer blades are usually made of steel. High-speed steel blades are very common. Carbide blades are even stronger and stay sharp longer.
- Housing: The housing is the outer shell of the planer. It can be made of metal or plastic. Metal housings are often more durable.
- Table: The table supports the wood as it is planed. Look for a table that is flat and smooth.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things impact the quality of a cheap planer.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making good tools. Read reviews from other users. This will help you find a good brand.
- Build Quality: Check how well the planer is made. Are the parts sturdy? Do they fit together well?
- Blade Quality: Sharp blades are very important. Dull blades will tear the wood. They will also make the planer harder to use.
- Accuracy: Does the planer cut the wood evenly? Test it out before you buy it.
- Ease of Use: Is the planer easy to set up and use? Complicated planers can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a planer can be fun and rewarding. It also takes some practice.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses when using a planer. Also, wear a dust mask.
- Start Simple: Begin with softer woods. This will help you get used to the planer.
- Take Small Cuts: Don’t try to remove too much wood at once. Make several passes. This is safer and gives you better results.
- Use Cases: Planers are used for many projects. You can use them to make doors, shelves, and tables. You can also use them to smooth rough lumber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about cheap planers:
Q: What is a planer used for?
A: A planer makes wood smooth and even. It removes wood from a board to get the thickness you want.
Q: What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A: A jointer makes one side of a board flat. A planer makes the entire board the same thickness.
Q: What size planer do I need?
A: Choose a planer that is wide enough for your projects. If you plan on bigger projects, get a bigger planer. If you are doing small projects, a smaller one is fine.
Q: How do I change the blades on my planer?
A: Refer to your planer’s manual. It will explain how to change the blades safely.
Q: How often should I change the blades?
A: Change the blades when they become dull. Dull blades will not cut well.
Q: Do I need to wear safety glasses?
A: YES! Always wear safety glasses when using a planer. Sawdust and wood chips can get in your eyes.
Q: Can I plane wet wood?
A: It’s usually not a good idea to plane wet wood. It can damage the planer and the wood.
Q: How do I keep my planer clean?
A: Clean your planer after each use. Remove sawdust from the blades and the table.
Q: What kind of wood is best for planing?
A: You can plane many kinds of wood. Start with softer woods like pine. Then try harder woods.
Q: Where can I buy a cheap planer?
A: You can find cheap planers at most home improvement stores or online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!