Ever run your hand across a piece of rough lumber, feeling splinters threaten your skin? Ouch! That’s where a wood planer comes in. These amazing tools transform raw wood into smooth, usable boards. They’re essential for any woodworker, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Choosing a wood planer can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many types, sizes, and features. You might feel confused by the technical jargon or overwhelmed by the price tags. Understanding the differences between thickness planers, benchtop planers, and handheld planers can be tough. Plus, you need to think about what your projects require. What will you do with the wood?
This blog post will untangle the wood planer puzzle. We’ll break down the key features you need to know. You will learn how to pick the right planer for your needs and budget. Get ready to say goodbye to splinters and hello to perfectly smooth wood. Let’s dive in and explore the world of wood planers!
Our Top 5 Wood Planers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Wood Planers Detailed Reviews
1. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.5/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. It is black and made by WEN. This planer helps you make wood boards smooth and even. It can plane boards up to 12.5 inches wide. The planer has a strong 15-amp motor. This motor helps the blades cut quickly. It also comes with two reversible blades. You can change how deep the planer cuts with each pass.
What We Like:
- The planer can handle boards up to 6 inches thick.
- The motor makes 20,000 cuts every minute.
- It has a fast feed rate of 26 feet per minute.
- You can adjust the cutting depth up to 1/8 of an inch.
- It comes with two blades.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a dust collection port.
- The blades are easy to replace.
The WEN PL1252 is a good tool for woodworking. It is a great choice for people who need to plane wood boards.
2. DEWALT Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEWALT DW735X is a powerful thickness planer. It’s a tool for woodworking projects. This planer has a 13-inch capacity and a strong 15-amp motor. The motor spins at 20,000 RPM. It helps you make smooth and even cuts on wood. It includes features that make it easy to use and give good results.
What We Like:
- The motor is strong. It handles big cuts.
- The three-knife cutter head lasts a long time. Changing the knives is easy.
- You can change the feed speed. This helps with different projects.
- A fan blows away wood chips. This keeps the machine clean.
- The base is strong. It is more rigid than others.
- An automatic lock stops the wood from moving. This makes cuts better.
- The gauge and scale help you make accurate cuts.
- You can easily set the depth for common thicknesses.
- Infeed and outfeed tables are included. An extra set of knives is also included.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find it noisy.
- It is a bit heavy.
The DEWALT DW735X is a good choice for woodworkers. It offers many features that help you plane wood well. The planer is a reliable tool for projects.
3. JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer – Mini Hand Planer for Woodworking
Rating: 8.6/10
The JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer is a small but mighty tool. It is perfect for woodworking projects. This mini hand plane is great for trimming, planing, and crafting. It has an adjustable cutting depth and a durable build, making it a useful tool for both beginners and pros. It is designed to help you shape and size wood easily.
What We Like:
- The blade is made of professional-level O1 tool steel. This makes cutting wood easy.
- The body is made of strong ductile iron. It can handle tough jobs and is drop-tested.
- You can adjust the cutting depth. This lets you plane wood to different thicknesses.
- It is small and easy to carry. You can use it for many woodworking tasks.
- It is easy to use. The bottom is polished, and it comes with instructions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small size might not be ideal for large projects.
- Users need to be careful because the blade is sharp.
This mini wood planer is a solid choice for small woodworking tasks. It is a durable and easy-to-use tool for anyone who loves woodworking.
4. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
Rating: 8.9/10
The WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a handy tool for woodworking. It’s a 3-1/4-inch planer that uses a powerful 6-Amp motor. This motor gives you up to 34,000 cuts every minute! You can easily adjust the cutting depth. It has 16 stops, so you can get the exact depth you need, from 0 to 1/8 inches. This planer can also make rabbets up to 1 inch. It also comes with a dust bag to keep your workspace clean. It’s lightweight, weighing only 6 pounds. Plus, it has a 2-year warranty.
What We Like:
- Powerful motor provides fast cuts.
- Adjustable cutting depth gives you control.
- Can make rabbets, adding versatility.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to handle.
- Includes a dust bag to reduce mess.
- Comes with a helpful kickstand.
- Parallel fence bracket helps with accuracy.
- Two-year warranty offers peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the plastic housing less durable.
- May not be ideal for very large projects.
The WEN 6530 is a great choice for small to medium woodworking projects. It’s easy to use and offers good value for the price.
5. WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 9.2/10
The WEN PL1326 is a benchtop thickness planer. It helps you make wood boards the right size. This planer uses a spiral cutterhead. It has many small blades that spin. This design gives a clean, smooth finish on your wood. The WEN PL1326 can handle boards up to 13 inches wide and 6 inches thick. It has a powerful 15-amp motor to get the job done quickly. The machine also has a gauge to show how much wood you are removing.
What We Like:
- The spiral cutterhead makes smooth cuts.
- It can plane wide boards, up to 13 inches.
- The material removal gauge helps with accuracy.
- The motor is strong and provides a fast feed rate.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the benchtop size limiting for large projects.
- The initial setup might take some time.
The WEN PL1326 is a good choice for woodworkers. It is a useful tool for anyone wanting smooth, even boards.
Level Up Your Woodworking: A Wood Planer Buying Guide
So, you want to make your wood smooth and flat? You need a wood planer! This guide will help you find the perfect one. Let’s dive in!
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right wood planer is important. Several features will make your work easier and better.
- Cutting Width and Depth: This tells you how wide and how deep you can plane a piece of wood. Bigger is usually better, but think about the size of wood you usually work with.
- Motor Power: A stronger motor means it can handle thicker cuts and harder woods. Look for a motor with enough power.
- Blade Type: Planers use blades to shave off wood. Some blades are disposable, and others can be sharpened. Decide which type you prefer.
- Dust Collection: Wood creates a lot of dust. A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean and safe.
- Portability: Do you need to move your planer around? A portable planer is smaller and lighter.
- Fence: The fence guides the wood, helping you make straight cuts. Make sure the fence is sturdy and easy to adjust.
Important Materials
Wood planers are made from several materials. These materials affect the quality and durability of the tool.
- Blades: Blades are usually made of high-speed steel or carbide. Carbide blades last longer and stay sharper.
- Body: The body of the planer is often made of metal or strong plastic. Metal bodies are usually more durable.
- Table: The table supports the wood. It should be flat and smooth.
- Motor Housing: Motor housing is often made of metal. It should be sturdy and protect the motor.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a good wood planer? Some things make a big difference.
- Blade Quality: Sharp, high-quality blades make smooth cuts. Dull blades make rough cuts and can damage the wood.
- Motor Power: A powerful motor can handle difficult tasks. A weak motor can struggle.
- Build Quality: A well-built planer will last longer. Check the materials and how it is put together.
- Adjustability: A planer that is easy to adjust lets you make precise cuts.
- Dust Collection: A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean.
User Experience and Use Cases
Wood planers are useful for many projects. Think about how you will use it.
- Smoothing Lumber: Planers make rough wood smooth and flat. This is a basic task.
- Thicknessing Wood: You can use a planer to make wood the exact thickness you need.
- Furniture Making: Planers are essential for making furniture.
- DIY Projects: If you like building things, a planer is a great tool.
- Home Improvement: Planers are great for projects like making doors or shelves.
Wood Planer FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about wood planers.
Q: What is a wood planer used for?
A: A wood planer is used to make wood smooth and flat. You can also use it to make wood the right thickness.
Q: What’s the difference between a jointer and a planer?
A: A jointer makes one side of a board flat. A planer makes the whole board a certain thickness.
Q: What kind of wood can I plane?
A: You can plane most types of wood. Hardwoods might need more power than softwoods.
Q: How do I use a wood planer safely?
A: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Make sure the wood is stable and feed it slowly.
Q: How do I change the blades on my planer?
A: Read your planer’s manual. You need to be very careful when working with sharp blades.
Q: What is a “lunchbox” planer?
A: A “lunchbox” planer is a small, portable planer. It is good for home use.
Q: How do I keep my planer blades sharp?
A: You can sharpen some blades. Other blades are disposable. Replace them when they get dull.
Q: What kind of dust collection do I need?
A: A dust collection system helps keep your workspace clean. A shop vac works well.
Q: How do I adjust the depth of cut?
A: Most planers have a knob or lever to adjust the depth of cut. Read the manual.
Q: How much does a wood planer cost?
A: Wood planers range in price. The price depends on the size, features, and quality.
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!