Have you ever looked at a beautiful piece of wood and imagined building something amazing? Maybe a smooth, flat table, or a perfectly even shelf? Achieving that dream starts with the right tools. But picking the perfect surface planer can feel like navigating a maze!
Surface planers are essential for anyone who loves working with wood. They make the rough surfaces smooth and the boards the right thickness. Choosing one, however, is tricky. There are so many brands, sizes, and features. It’s easy to get lost and end up with a machine that doesn’t fit your needs or your budget. Finding the right one can be frustrating, especially if you are a beginner.
This blog post will help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the key features to look for, the different types of planers, and what size is best for you. By the end, you’ll know how to choose a surface planer that will help you create beautiful woodworking projects. Get ready to learn the secrets to smooth, perfect wood!
Our Top 5 Surface Planer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Surface Planer Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful thickness planer. It helps woodworkers shape wood to the right size. It has a strong 15 amp motor that spins at 20,000 RPM. This planer can handle big jobs and wide boards. It also has a two-speed gearbox for different wood types. This machine is a great tool for any woodshop.
What We Like:
- The motor is strong and can handle tough jobs.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts longer and is easy to change.
- You can change the feed speed.
- The fan helps get rid of wood chips.
- The base is strong and helps prevent snipe.
- It has a gauge for accurate cuts.
- The depth stop makes it easy to repeat cuts.
- It comes with tables and extra knives.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price might be high for some users.
The DEWALT DW735X is a great choice for woodworkers. It is a reliable and powerful tool for any project.
2. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. It is black and has two blades. This planer is great for woodworking. It can plane boards of different sizes. The WEN PL1252 is a powerful tool for any woodworker. It can make your boards smooth and even.
What We Like:
- It can plane boards up to 6 inches thick.
- It can plane boards up to 12.5 inches wide.
- The 15A motor is strong. It makes 20,000 cuts per minute.
- The feed rate is fast, at 26 feet per minute.
- It comes with two reversible blades.
- You can adjust the depth of cut. It goes from 0 to 1/8 of an inch.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a longer warranty.
- The dust collection could be better.
The WEN PL1252 is a solid choice for a benchtop planer. It is a good tool for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
3. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.8/10
The WEN PL1326 is a benchtop thickness planer. It’s a great tool for woodworkers. This planer uses a spiral cutterhead. It has 26 blades to give you a smooth finish. You can plane boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. The 15-Amp motor has a fast feed rate. It will help you get your projects done quickly.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead gives a very smooth finish.
- The onboard gauge shows how much wood it’s removing.
- It can handle wide boards (up to 13 inches).
- The powerful motor feeds the wood quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The blades will need to be replaced over time.
- It is a benchtop model, so it takes up space.
The WEN PL1326 is a good choice for a home workshop. It is a powerful and accurate planer. It can help you make beautiful woodworking projects.
4. Makita GA9060RX3 7″ Concrete Surface Planer with Dust Extraction Shroud
Rating: 9.0/10
The Makita GA9060RX3 is a 7″ Concrete Surface Planer. It comes with a dust extraction shroud. This tool is made for concrete surfacing. It is a powerful tool that can handle tough jobs. It’s designed to keep your work area clean and safe. This planer is a good choice for professionals and DIYers.
What We Like:
- The dust extraction shroud works great. It helps keep the dust away.
- The 15.0 AMP motor is strong. It gives you lots of power.
- Soft Start makes starting the planer smooth. It also helps the gears last longer.
- Anti-restart protection is a good safety feature. It prevents the tool from starting if the power goes out.
- The power light is helpful. It tells you if there is a problem.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the planer a little heavy.
- The price might be high for some people.
Overall, the Makita GA9060RX3 is a solid concrete surface planer. It’s a good tool to have if you work with concrete often.
5. CRAFTSMAN Planer
Rating: 8.5/10
The CRAFTSMAN Planer (CMEW320) is a benchtop tool. It has a 15 Amp motor. This planer is great for working with wood. It removes material from both hard and soft woods. The two-knife cutter head is made of solid steel. It is designed for a smooth cut and long life. This planer also has a vacuum port for a cleaner workspace.
What We Like:
- The powerful 15 Amp motor removes wood easily.
- The cutter head uses a poly-v drive. This helps remove the most wood.
- The solid steel cutter head runs smoothly. It is mounted on ball bearings.
- The knives are made of high carbon steel. You can flip them for a longer life.
- The vacuum port keeps your workspace clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the initial setup a bit tricky.
- The dust collection system could be more efficient.
This CRAFTSMAN planer is a strong tool for woodworkers. It is a good choice for getting smooth results.
Leveling Up Your Woodworking: A Surface Planer Buying Guide
Surface planers are awesome tools. They make wood smooth and the same thickness. If you like woodworking, you should know about them. This guide helps you find the best one for you.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing a surface planer can be tricky. Look for these key features:
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Cutting Width and Depth:
You need to know how wide and deep the planer can cut. Bigger is usually better, but it costs more. Make sure it’s big enough for your projects.
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Motor Power:
A stronger motor cuts through wood easily. Look for motors with more horsepower (HP). More power is good for harder woods.
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Feed Rate:
This is how fast the wood goes through the planer. Faster rates get the job done quicker. But sometimes, a slower rate gives a better finish.
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Dust Collection:
Planing wood makes a lot of sawdust. A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean. Look for a port to connect a shop vacuum.
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Blade Type:
Planers use blades to cut the wood. Some have disposable blades. Others have blades you can sharpen. Think about what is best for you.
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Table Size and Stability:
A stable table is important. It helps to keep the wood flat. A larger table can handle bigger pieces of wood.
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Safety Features:
Safety matters! Look for features like a blade guard and an anti-kickback system. These help prevent accidents.
Important Materials
Surface planers use different materials. The materials affect how well the planer works.
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The Body:
Most planers have a metal body. Metal is strong and lasts a long time.
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The Blades:
Blades are usually made of steel. Some are high-speed steel (HSS). Others are carbide. Carbide blades last longer and stay sharper.
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The Table:
The table is often made of cast iron. Cast iron is heavy and stable. It helps keep the wood flat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of a surface planer.
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Motor Power:
A strong motor is important. It lets the planer cut through wood smoothly.
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Blade Quality:
Sharp, high-quality blades make clean cuts. Dull blades make rough cuts.
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Construction:
A well-built planer lasts longer. Look for a sturdy design.
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Adjustment Features:
Easy-to-use adjustments are important. They help you set the cutting depth accurately.
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Brand Reputation:
Some brands make better planers than others. Research different brands before you buy.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a surface planer is a useful skill. It makes woodworking easier.
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Wood Preparation:
You use a planer to make wood the right thickness. You might need to plane boards for a table.
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Making Things Square:
Planers help make wood pieces square. This is important for building cabinets or boxes.
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Smoothing Surfaces:
Planers make rough wood smooth. This is useful for furniture or crafts.
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Ease of Use:
Good planers are easy to use. They have clear instructions.
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Safety:
Always wear safety glasses and ear protection. Never put your hands near the blades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a surface planer?
A: A surface planer makes wood smooth and the same thickness.
Q: What kind of wood can I plane?
A: You can plane most types of wood. The motor power and blade type matter.
Q: How do I adjust the cutting depth?
A: Most planers have a knob or lever to adjust the cutting depth. Read the instructions.
Q: What safety gear should I use?
A: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Q: How do I clean the planer?
A: Use a brush or vacuum to remove sawdust. Clean the blades carefully.
Q: What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A: A planer makes wood the same thickness. A jointer makes one side of the wood flat.
Q: How often should I change the blades?
A: Change the blades when they get dull. This depends on how much you use the planer.
Q: What if the wood gets stuck?
A: Turn off the planer. Then, carefully remove the wood. Make sure nothing is jammed.
Q: Do I need a dust collector?
A: Yes, a dust collector is very helpful. It keeps your workspace clean.
Q: Where can I buy a surface planer?
A: You can buy planers at hardware stores or online.
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!