Ever stared at a rough piece of wood and dreamed of smooth, perfect surfaces? You’re not alone! Woodworking can be a fantastic hobby or even a career. But before you can build beautiful things, you need the right tools. One of the most important tools is a planer. But, where do you begin when you’re just starting out?
Choosing a planer as a beginner can be tricky. There are so many different types and brands. It’s easy to get confused. You might worry about spending too much money or buying something that’s not right for your projects. This guide will help you avoid those common mistakes. We’ll make the process of choosing a planer easier.
In this post, you’ll learn about the different types of planers. We will explain what to look for and what to avoid. You’ll also learn about important features like power and size. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose the perfect planer for your needs. Let’s get started and turn that rough wood into something beautiful!
Our Top 5 Planer For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Planer For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer – No.4 Adjustable Bench Plane with 2-Inch Blade for Wood Smoothing
Rating: 8.7/10
The Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer is a tool for smoothing wood. It’s a No. 4 adjustable bench plane. It has a 2-inch blade and is grey and black. This hand planer helps you get smooth wood surfaces. It’s good for both beginner and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like:
- The cast iron body is strong. It gives the planer stability.
- The handle is made of impact-resistant plastic. It has a comfortable grip. This gives you good control.
- The steel blade is tough. It makes clean cuts.
- You can adjust the gear easily. This helps you get precise results.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to adjust the planer before using it. It comes with factory settings.
- The user manual is important to read. You need it to set up the planer.
The Amazon Basics Woodworking Hand Planer is a good tool for smoothing wood. It’s a good choice for woodworkers of all skill levels. Remember to read the instructions before you start.
2. WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer
Rating: 9.0/10
The WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a handy tool. It helps you shape wood. This planer is great for DIY projects. It makes smooth surfaces quickly. The 3.8-amp motor offers lots of power. It makes up to 32,000 cuts every minute. This planer is easy to control. It weighs only 4.3 pounds. The cutting depth can be changed from 0 to 1/16 inches. The planer also has a built-in storage spot for the wrench. It even has a kickstand for safety.
What We Like:
- The powerful motor cuts wood fast.
- It has nine settings for cutting depth.
- The planer is very light and easy to handle.
- It includes a handy wrench storage slot.
- A kickstand protects your work.
- It comes with a two-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small cutting width limits its use on wider boards.
The WEN 6528 is a good tool for many woodworking tasks. It is a great choice for home improvement projects.
3. JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer – Mini Hand Planer for Woodworking
Rating: 8.7/10
The JORGENSEN 3.5″ Mini Wood Planer is a small but mighty tool. It’s a mini hand planer designed for woodworking. This block plane is great for trimming, wood planing, and crafting. It has an adjustable cutting depth and a durable design. It’s perfect for both pros and beginners.
What We Like:
- The blade is made of strong O1 tool steel. This makes cutting wood easy.
- The body is made of ductile iron. This makes it tough and long-lasting.
- You can adjust the cutting depth. This helps with different wood projects.
- It’s small and easy to carry. You can use it for many tasks, like trimming and polishing.
- The bottom is flat and polished. This makes planing smooth.
- It comes with an instruction manual. It’s easy to use for everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- The blade is very sharp. You need to be careful when using it.
This mini wood planer is a good tool for any woodworker. It’s easy to use and durable. This makes it a great addition to your toolbox.
4. WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer
Rating: 9.3/10
The WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a handy tool for woodworkers. It’s great for smoothing and shaping wood. This electric hand planer has a powerful 6-Amp motor. It delivers up to 34,000 cuts every minute! You can adjust the cutting depth with 16 different stops. This allows you to create rabbets up to 1 inch. The planer is also lightweight, weighing only 6 pounds. It comes with a dust bag, kickstand, and more. It also has a 2-year warranty.
What We Like:
- The motor is powerful and makes many cuts.
- You can easily adjust the cutting depth.
- It is lightweight and easy to handle.
- The rabbeting guide helps make precise cuts.
- The included accessories are useful.
- It has a 2-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want a longer power cord.
- The dust bag could be better at catching all the shavings.
The WEN 6530 is a good hand planer for DIY projects. It is also a great option for beginners. You can easily smooth wood with this tool.
5. WEN PL1252 15-Amp 12.5-Inch Two-Blade Benchtop Thickness Planer
Rating: 8.6/10
The WEN PL1252 is a benchtop thickness planer. This black machine helps you smooth and size wood. It can handle boards up to 12.5 inches wide. The planer is perfect for many woodworking projects. It uses two blades to cut the wood quickly. The powerful motor makes the blades spin fast. You can also change how deep the cuts are.
What We Like:
- It can plane boards up to 6 inches thick.
- The 15-amp motor is strong. It makes 20,000 cuts every minute!
- The feed rate is 26 feet per minute. This makes it fast.
- It comes with two reversible blades.
- You can adjust the cut depth from 0 to 1/8 inch.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might need to buy extra blades.
- It is a benchtop planer, so it might not be ideal for large projects.
The WEN PL1252 is a good tool for people who love to work with wood. It will help you get smooth, even boards for your projects.
Planer Power: A Beginner’s Guide to Buying
So, you want to start woodworking? Awesome! A planer is a great tool. It makes wood smooth and the same thickness. This guide helps you pick the best planer for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a planer, look for these things:
- Cutting Width: This is how wide the wood can be. Bigger is better if you plan to work on large projects. Most beginner planers have a cutting width of 12-13 inches.
- Cutting Depth: This tells you how much wood the planer can remove in one pass. A good depth allows you to remove wood quickly. Look for a planer that can remove at least 1/8 inch of wood in one pass.
- Motor Power: Stronger motors are better. They can handle thicker wood and larger cuts. A 15-amp motor is a good starting point.
- Dust Collection: Planing wood makes a lot of sawdust. A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean. Make sure the planer has a port to connect to a dust collector or shop vac.
- Feed Rate: This is how fast the wood moves through the planer. A faster feed rate can speed up your work. But, a slower feed rate gives better results.
- Blade Type: Planers use blades to cut the wood. There are two main types:
- Disposable Blades: These are cheap and easy to replace.
- Reversible Blades: These can be flipped over when one side gets dull.
- Portability: Some planers are small and easy to move. Others are heavy. Consider where you will use the planer.
Important Materials
Planers are made of different materials:
- Steel: Steel is used for the blades and other parts. It is strong and durable.
- Cast Iron: This is often used for the table. Cast iron helps reduce vibration. This makes the cuts smoother.
- Plastic: Some parts may be made of plastic. This helps to keep the weight down.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of a planer:
- Build Quality: A well-built planer will last longer. Look for planers from trusted brands.
- Blade Sharpness: Sharp blades make clean cuts. Dull blades tear the wood.
- Table Smoothness: The table must be smooth. It helps the wood feed evenly.
- Motor Quality: A powerful motor will work better. It won’t bog down when planing thick wood.
- Dust Collection: A good dust collection system is important. It keeps your workspace clean and safe.
User Experience and Use Cases
A planer is easy to use. Here’s how:
- Set the Depth: Adjust the planer to the correct cutting depth.
- Turn It On: Start the planer.
- Feed the Wood: Slowly feed the wood through the planer.
- Repeat: Make several passes until the wood is smooth and the right thickness.
Planers are used for many things:
- Making Wood Smooth: Planers remove the rough surface from wood.
- Making Wood the Same Thickness: This is essential for building projects.
- Creating Flat Surfaces: Planers make sure wood is flat. This is important for gluing pieces together.
- Preparing Wood for Projects: Planers are used before you start building furniture, cabinets, and other projects.
Planer FAQs for Beginners
Q: What is a planer used for?
A: A planer makes wood smooth and the same thickness.
Q: What is the difference between a planer and a jointer?
A: A planer makes wood parallel. A jointer makes one side of a board flat.
Q: What size planer should I buy?
A: A 12-13 inch planer is good for beginners.
Q: How do I set the cutting depth?
A: Most planers have a knob or lever to adjust the cutting depth.
Q: How do I feed wood through the planer?
A: Feed the wood slowly and steadily through the planer. Make sure it is flat on the table.
Q: How do I clean a planer?
A: Unplug it! Then, use a brush or vacuum to remove sawdust.
Q: How often should I change the blades?
A: Change the blades when they get dull or tear the wood. This depends on how much you use the planer.
Q: Can I plane wet wood?
A: No, it is best to plane dry wood.
Q: What safety gear should I wear?
A: Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask.
Q: Where can I buy a planer?
A: You can find planers at home improvement stores, woodworking stores, and 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!