Ever wished you could shave down wood surfaces with ease, without tripping over cords? Imagine transforming rough lumber into smooth, ready-to-use pieces for your projects, all while enjoying complete freedom of movement. That’s the magic a cordless planer brings to your workshop or job site.
But let’s be honest, diving into the world of cordless planers can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many brands, battery types, and features out there, how do you know which one will actually get the job done without frustration? You want a tool that’s powerful, comfortable to use, and lasts through your tasks. Picking the wrong one can lead to wasted money and disappointing results.
This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what really matters when choosing a cordless planer, helping you understand the key differences and find the perfect fit for your needs. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make a smart choice and start planing with confidence.
Our Top 5 Cordless Planer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cordless Planer Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Planer
Rating: 9.3/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer is a powerful tool for woodworking. It’s designed to smooth out rough wood surfaces quickly and accurately. With its strong brushless motor and fast cutting action, it makes woodworking projects easier and more efficient. This planer helps you achieve a clean finish on your projects.
What We Like:
- The brushless motor gives you plenty of power and lets you work for a long time.
- It makes 30,000 cuts every minute, so it removes wood really fast.
- You can adjust the depth of the cut very precisely, down to a tiny 0.01 mm.
- The metal shoes are made with great care to make sure your cuts are straight and even.
- A handy kickstand stops the planer from scratching your wood when you set it down.
- There’s a special groove in the front shoe for making clean edges on your wood.
- The belt is built tough to last longer.
- The handle is shaped for comfort, so you won’t get as tired using it.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “bare tool only” purchase, meaning you need to buy the battery and charger separately.
- Replacement blades (DW6654, Part Number: N447366) might need to be ordered, as they aren’t always readily available everywhere.
Overall, this DEWALT planer is a fantastic tool for anyone serious about woodworking. It offers excellent performance and features that make difficult tasks much simpler.
2. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless 3-1/4 in. Planer P611 (Tool Only)(Bulk Packaged)
Rating: 8.9/10
Tackle your woodworking projects with the Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless 3-1/4 in. Planer P611. This powerful tool lets you smooth out rough wood surfaces and create clean, flat edges. It’s designed for DIYers and hobbyists who want a reliable and easy-to-use planer for various tasks.
What We Like:
- The automatic kickstand is a smart feature. It keeps the planer from damaging your workpiece when you set it down.
- You can make precise adjustments with cuts up to 1/16 inch per pass. This offers great flexibility for different jobs.
- On-board storage for the blade wrench means you won’t lose it. Everything you need is right there.
- It’s part of the Ryobi ONE+ system, so you can use the same batteries with other Ryobi tools. This saves you money and space.
What Could Be Improved:
- Remember that the battery and charger are sold separately. You’ll need to buy these if you don’t already own them.
- This product comes in bulk packaging, so it might not have fancy retail boxes. It’s about the tool itself.
- International versions may have slight differences. Check the product details if you’re outside the standard market.
The Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Planer is a solid choice for DIY woodworkers. It offers useful features and the convenience of cordless operation.
3. Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-1/4-Inch Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The Makita XPK01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-1/4-Inch Planer is a powerful tool for woodworking. It helps you make wood smooth and flat. You can use it for many projects. It’s a great addition to any workshop. This planer is easy to handle.
What We Like:
- It can plane wood up to 3-1/4 inches wide and 5/64 inches deep in one pass.
- The 2-blade cutter head has double-edge carbide blades for a better finish.
- It has a high power-to-weight ratio and only weighs 7.4 lbs, making it easy to use.
- The 14,000 RPM motor removes wood quickly.
- The click depth adjustment knob with an easy-to-read scale lets you set the depth precisely from 0 to 5/64 inches.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a tool-only model, so you need to buy the battery and charger separately.
- For very large jobs, the battery life might be a consideration.
Overall, the Makita XPK01Z is a fantastic cordless planer. It offers great performance and user-friendly features for a smooth woodworking experience.
4. Milwaukee Electric – M12. BRUSHLESS 2 Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The Milwaukee Electric M12 Brushless 2″ Planer is a handy tool for woodworkers. It’s designed to shave off thin layers of wood, making surfaces smooth. This compact planer is part of Milwaukee’s M12 battery system, meaning you can use the same batteries with many other Milwaukee tools.
What We Like:
- The brushless motor offers more power and lasts longer.
- It’s lightweight, making it comfortable to use for longer periods.
- The 2-inch planing width is great for smaller projects and trim work.
- It’s easy to adjust the depth of the cut for precise results.
- The compact size makes it easy to handle in tight spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- This model does not come with a battery or charger, so you’ll need to buy those separately.
- For larger jobs, a wider planer might be more efficient.
This planer is a solid choice for DIYers and professionals needing a portable and powerful tool for smaller planing tasks. It delivers good performance for its size.
5. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
Rating: 9.4/10
The WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a powerful tool for woodworking projects. Its 6-amp motor delivers up to 34,000 cuts per minute, making quick work of wood. You can easily adjust the cutting depth from 0 to 1/8 inches with 16 positive stops. This planer also lets you create rabbets up to 1 inch deep with its 5/16 inch rabbeting guide. It’s surprisingly light, weighing only 6 pounds, which helps reduce fatigue during use. The package includes the planer, a dust bag to keep your workspace clean, a handy kickstand, and a parallel fence bracket for precise cuts. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- The 6-amp motor offers strong performance for fast cutting.
- Precise depth control with 16 positive stops is very helpful.
- The ability to make rabbets up to 1 inch is a great feature for many jobs.
- Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to handle.
- The included accessories like the dust bag and parallel fence bracket add good value.
- The 2-year warranty provides good customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1/8-inch maximum depth limiting for thicker materials.
- While lightweight, extended use might still cause some arm strain for certain users.
Overall, this WEN electric hand planer is a solid choice for DIYers and woodworkers. It offers good power and features for its price point.
Choosing the Best Cordless Planer: Your Guide to Smooth Wood
What is a Cordless Planer?
A cordless planer is a power tool that shaves thin layers of wood. It makes wood smooth and flat. You don’t need to plug it in, so you can use it anywhere. It’s great for woodworking projects.
Key Features to Look For
1. Battery Power and Runtime
Cordless planers use batteries. Look for a good battery. A higher voltage battery (like 18V or 20V) usually means more power. Check how long the battery lasts. Some batteries last longer than others. This is called runtime. A longer runtime means you can work more before charging.
2. Cutting Depth and Width
The cutting depth tells you how much wood the planer can remove in one pass. A bigger cutting depth is good for removing more wood quickly. The cutting width is how wide of a strip the planer can shave. A wider cutting width covers more area at once.
3. Blade Type and Material
Planers have sharp blades. These blades are usually made of steel. Some blades are double-sided and can be flipped when one side gets dull. Good quality blades stay sharp longer. This makes your work easier and faster.
4. Ergonomics and Weight
You’ll be holding the planer. It should feel comfortable in your hands. Check the grip. A good grip helps you control the tool. The weight of the planer matters too. A lighter planer is easier to use for longer periods. A heavier planer might feel more stable but can be tiring.
5. Dust Collection
Planers make wood dust. Good planers have dust collection systems. This can be a bag or a port to connect a vacuum. Dust collection keeps your workspace cleaner and healthier.
Important Materials
The body of a cordless planer is often made of strong plastic. This keeps it light. The base plate, which glides on the wood, is usually made of metal. This provides a smooth surface. The blades are made of hardened steel for sharpness and durability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Planer Better?
- Powerful Motor: A strong motor helps the planer cut smoothly.
- Sharp Blades: Sharp blades remove wood cleanly without tearing.
- Good Balance: A well-balanced planer is easier to control.
- Durable Construction: Tools made with good materials last longer.
What Makes a Planer Worse?
- Weak Motor: A weak motor struggles to cut, especially in hard wood.
- Dull Blades: Dull blades can tear the wood and make rough cuts.
- Poor Balance: An unbalanced planer is hard to guide and can lead to uneven results.
- Cheap Materials: Plastic parts that break easily reduce the tool’s quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who Uses Cordless Planers?
Woodworkers, DIY enthusiasts, and carpenters use cordless planers. They are useful for many jobs.
What Can You Do With a Cordless Planer?
- Flattening Wood: You can make rough lumber smooth and flat.
- Shaping Edges: You can bevel or chamfer the edges of wood.
- Fitting Doors: If a door is too wide, a planer can shave a little off the edge.
- Making Furniture: Planers help create smooth surfaces for tables, chairs, and cabinets.
- Rough Carpentry: They can be used to trim wood on construction sites.
A good cordless planer makes these tasks easier and faster. It gives you a better finish on your wood projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of a cordless planer?
A: The main advantage is portability. You can use it anywhere without being tied to an outlet.
Q: How do I maintain the blades on my cordless planer?
A: You should keep the blades clean. If they become dull, they can often be sharpened or replaced.
Q: Can I use a cordless planer on plywood?
A: Yes, you can use a cordless planer on plywood, but be gentle. Plywood can sometimes chip.
Q: How much power do I need in a cordless planer?
A: For most woodworking, an 18V or 20V battery is usually enough power.
Q: What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A: A planer makes surfaces flat and parallel. A jointer makes edges straight and square.
Q: How do I ensure a smooth finish with a cordless planer?
A: Use sharp blades, take shallow passes, and make sure the planer is flat on the wood.
Q: Can I adjust the depth of cut on a cordless planer?
A: Yes, most cordless planers have an adjustment knob to control how much wood is removed.
Q: Are cordless planers noisy?
A: Yes, like most power tools, they can be noisy. Ear protection is recommended.
Q: What is a common cutting depth for cordless planers?
A: A common cutting depth is around 1/16th of an inch, but some can go deeper.
Q: Are there different types of cordless planers?
A: Yes, there are handheld planers, and some larger benchtop models are also cordless.
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!